We’ve pulled together our top tips for your Easter holiday to Zermatt or Verbier. Read on to learn how to make the most out of your family ski trip to the Swiss Alps, while lowering the impact of your trip.

European snowsport instructors are sticking their heads out the window of the Gornergrat train in Zermatt.

TRAVELLING TO THE ALPS

Most Swiss ski resorts are accessible by train, which is by far the greenest way to travel. A train journey typically emits 27x less CO2 than travel by car. Travelling by train provides space to observe the beautiful landscapes and mountains passing by your window.

SBB runs direct trains from Geneva to Verbier every weekend. This train arrives right next to the gondola, so you go directly to the slopes. Zermatt has good connections from both Zurich and Geneva, that brings you to the heart of Zermatt village.

SBB trains are pushchair friendly. You can keep the little ones entertained by locating the family coach with games & entertainment, or launch an epic game of ‘I Spy’ out the window. Make your train journey even easier by hiring your ski gear in resort, or checking in your luggage with SBB.

Hotel Zermama in the snowy village of Zermatt, in the background the Matterhorn is lit up in the last light of the day. — Hotel Zermama Zermatt

CHOOSING WHERE TO STAY

Environmentally friendly ski chalets and hotels are rising in popularity. You now have the option to choose accommodation that focuses on waste reduction, and renewable energy and materials.

If you are on the hunt for upmarket accommodation in Verbier, Lagom allows you to tailor a package that fits perfectly with your family or group’s needs. Lagom sources amenities responsibly and channels 1% of revenue to local sustainability and community projects.

In Zermatt, Swisstainable certified Zermama is our first choice. The CERVO’s uses geothermal energy, and reuses waste heat in the hotel operations. Hotel Europe provides family packages and well appointed rooms for up to 4 adults and children.

Two kids dressed in colourful namuk kidswear outfits are happy and ready for skiing.

GEARING UP FOR THE SLOPES

Now that your travel is sorted, let’s talk about your gear for the hill. Most of us spend just one or two weeks in the mountains per year. If you fall into that category, it’s much more sustainable to rent rather than buy your ski clothing. For fast growing kids, rental is a no-brainer, and for adults, rental is a great way to enjoy new outfits on each trip, while reducing the overproduction of outdoor gear.

Simply choose your clothing on Cirkel’s rental platform, confirm your rental dates, and we will deliver the rental package directly to your hotel or accomodation anywhere in Switzerland.

For renting skis, snowboards, and boots, there are great options in every ski resort. Our favourite for quality products, and great service is Mountain Air, Verbier. Pre-book your family’s rental on Mountain Air’s website, making your rental pickup a breeze. You can also inquire about getting your group’s ski rental delivered directly to your hotel or chalet.

Six ski instructors from European Snowsport are in discussion on the mountain in front of Zermatt’s Matterhorn peak.

TAKING YOUR SKIING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

After organising your top-notch kit, it’s time to have some fun on the snow!

European Snowsport (ES) offers a weekend club in Verbier for like minded skiers to ride together on Saturdays. You can also book a kid-friendly ES instructor in Verbier, Zermatt, Nendaz or St Moritz so that your little shredders can discover the joys of snowy adventures.

For skiers and snowboarders looking to take their riding to the next level and gain avalanche safety knowledge, ES have experienced instructors who will develop your freeride know-how.

FOOD & DRINK

If your little ones are excited to load up on chocolate and festive fun, Verbier is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, 9th March. Register on Verbier Tourism’s website to take part. Zermatt’s Wolli will be hiding Easter eggs around the village, follow @zermatt.matterhorn on Instagram to catch Wolli’s clues on where the eggs are hidden!

Zermatt’s mascot Wolli (an alpine sheep) is getting ready to lay an Easter egg hunt around the village.

When looking for somewhere to lunch on the mountain, make sure to avoid restaurants using single use plastics. Instead of grabbing something to go in a disposal packaging. Le Dahu in Verbier has great menu options for kids, and a sunny terrace to unwind on.

For the adventurous ski tourers, mountain restaurants like La Pasay in Bruson, and Namaste above Verbier offer evening meals where you can skin up, dine, and ski down – just don’t forget your headlamp! If you need to book a nanny to look after the little ones while you’re out on your nighttime adventure, look no further than Petit Verbier.

Increasingly, restaurants are working with local ingredients and place vegetables at the centre of their dishes. Some of our favourite places for fresh and local food include Zermama Bistro (also featuring a fantastic kids menu) and Cuisine 22 in Verbier.

A beautifully laid table in Hotel Zermama’s Bistro.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and you’ll try out some of these ideas on your next trip!

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