THE HIDDEN FACE OF ZERMATT

Who hasn’t heard of Zermatt? It would seem that everything has already been said and written about the famous Swiss resort. However, Zermatt is more than an over-crowded magnet for tourists – it is full of authentic and picturesque places that will delight even the most demanding travellers. Business Mir’s selection of the best spots in Zermatt…

Hotel Riffelalp Resort A living dream at 2222 metres above sea level, this charming hotel is linked to Zermatt by the Gornergrat Railway and has a breath-taking view. 65 rooms, 5 suites and 2 apartments, an elegant and inviting interior, three excellent restaurants with fabulous wine lists as well as a bowling alley and a game arcade for the younger set. The hotel also boasts the «Saint-Trop-Alp Spa», with steam rooms, massage, and nothing less than Europe’s highest-altitude, heated exterior swimming pool.Restaurant Chez Vrony A massive table set in a century-old alpine farm. Low ceilings, little romantic alcoves and rustic wooden furniture create a charming decor for the traditional yet inventive cuisine based on organic food. We love the dried beef carpaccio «Sergio» and the mushroom and blueberry risotto, the tasty cheese fondue as well as the carefully selected wine list.Restaurant Chez Heini An unusual, kitschy and friendly decor lends a special edge to this restaurant which specialises in lamb, but also serves fish and tasty vegetarian dishes. Service begins between 19h30 and 20h, so that the meal can be finished in time for Dan Daniell’s musical and visual show, which begins at 22h30. This singer/author/actor and now restauranteur is the resort’s new darling boy – as much for the restaurant’s fantasy environment and entertainment as for his cooking. We recommend the carre d’agneau au feu de bois: unforgettable.Vernissage Located in the heart of Zermatt, Le Vernissage has many facets – bar, lounge, restaurant, cinema, night club, concert hall and gallery space – as well as a warm yet trendy atmosphere. Famous artist Heinz Julen’s place has achieved the right mix of traditional alpine decor and modern design; combining dark woods, unfinished metals, and black leather furniture with baroque light fixtures. Gourmets will appreciate the lovely and varied tapas menu and the novelty of dining on a cinema balcony.Tour of the Matterhorn The Air Zermatt heli-transport company specialises in alpine rescues and freighting cargo to the most unlikely places, and also offers a variety of unusual sight-seeing tours. For a trip around the Matterhorn and surrounding alpine peaks or a heli-ski trip with an experienced guide prices range from 210.- to 380.- CHF per person. The more romantically-inclined will opt for a cocktail at over 3000 metres above sea level on the Petersgrat Glacier or a tour of the Jungfraudoch’s Ice Palace.Riffelalp Resort CH-3920 Zermatt T. +41 27 966 05 55 www.riffelalp.com Restaurant Chez Vrony Findeln CH-3920 Zermatt T. +41 27 967 25 52 www.chezvrony.ch Restaurant Chez Heini CH-3920 Zermatt T. +41 27 967 16 30 www.dandaniell.ch Vernissage Hofmattstrasse 4 CH-3920 Zermatt T. + 41 27 967 66 36 www.vernissage-zermatt.ch Air Zermatt Heliport Zermatt CH-3920 Zermatt T. +41 27 966 86 86 www.air-zermatt.ch