Backcountry Skiing in Zermatt: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Situated on Switzerland’s southern border with Italy, Zermatt is the perfect base for a wide range of backcountry skiing options.

Away from following the reverse Haute Route, dozens of other incredible off-piste skiing options remain. Heading to the Monte Rosa massif is among the most popular. Known as the Dufourspitze from the Swiss side, the mountain has plenty of incredible freeride options, perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers.

However, Zermatt is not just a playground for seasoned backcountry skiers. There are plenty of options for novice and first-time backcountry skiers to try out the sport too. From the Riffelhorn to the Hohtälli, there are plenty of great options to try out heading off-piste!

**Stunning scenery **

The scenery around Zermatt is simply sublime. Imposing snow-capped peaks stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction. The valleys are equally as picturesque and make you feel like you are skiing into a postcard. Heading on the Haute Route provides stunning views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc as well. There is no better way to see Switzerland in the winter than on your skis.

Head out heliskiing

Due to its remote location on the Swiss-Italian border, Zermatt has become a hotspot for heliskiing. For those with the means but not the time, heliskiing is the perfect way to head into the heart of the backcountry and enjoy fresh powder in incredibly remote locations. The Mont Blanc massif, Monte Rosa, Verbier and Courmayeur are all easily accessed from Zermatt via helicopter.

Reverse Haute Route

This twist on the classic five to seven-day ski touring experience takes one of the oldest backcountry skiing routes around and does it in reverse. Head through stunning valleys, up incredible mountain passes and race down from the Alps Chamonix There really is no off-piste experience quite like the reverse Haute Route.

During the winter, Zermatt is quite humid with average daily temperatures hovering around freezing. Temperatures decrease significantly as you gain altitude. The humid conditions mean there is always plenty of snow in the region as well during the winter.

The best way to get to Zermatt is to fly into the Geneva International Airport (GVA). From here, the city is easily accessed by hiring a car and making the 3 hour drive. Buses and trains are also available to get you to the city, but take a bit longer.

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