Non-skiers
Things to Do in Zermatt If You Don’t Ski: Gornergrat, Sledging & Winter Hikes
By Book & Ski · Sources checked
The short answer
In Zermatt, non-skiers head up the Gornergrat railway to 3,100 m for the views, sledge the run from Rotenboden (2,815 m) to Riffelberg (2,582 m), which the operator calls the highest in the Alps, and walk prepared winter hiking trails or go snowshoeing. The village itself is car-free with a free e-bus.
| Activity | What you get | Good to know | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gornergrat railway | Train from Zermatt to the Gornergrat at 3,100 m; sunny terraces and the ZOOOM the Matterhorn exhibition | One of the most snow-sure areas in Switzerland | source |
| Sledging Pass | Train to Riffelberg to pick up a sledge, then unlimited runs from Rotenboden (2,815 m) down to Riffelberg (2,582 m), surrounded by 29 four-thousand-metre peaks | Sledge rental is included in all sledging tickets | source |
| Winter hiking and snowshoeing | Well-prepared winter trails away from the ski slopes, and snowshoe tours | Ask the tourist office which trails are open that day | source |
| Getting around | Car-free village with e-taxis, horse-drawn carriages and a free e-bus (Ski-Bus and Winkelmatten lines) | Drivers park in Täsch and take the 12-minute shuttle train | source |
A Gornergrat day
The Gornergrat railway climbs to 3,100 m. At the top there are sunny terraces and the ZOOOM the Matterhorn exhibition. Combine it with the sledging run or a winter walk on the way down.
Sledging from Rotenboden
With the Sledging Pass you ride the train to Riffelberg to collect your sledge, continue to Rotenboden, and sledge back down to Riffelberg as many times as you like. Sledges are included in every sledging ticket.
Skiers and non-skiers together
The Gornergrat also has ski slopes and terrace restaurants, so non-skiers can meet skiing friends for lunch. Check the Zermatt lift pass page for the ski side.
Zermatt lift pass prices 2026/27 →Zermatt ski trip planning →Frequently asked questions
What can non-skiers do in Zermatt in winter?
Ride the Gornergrat railway to 3,100 m, sledge from Rotenboden to Riffelberg, walk prepared winter hiking trails or go snowshoeing.
Where is the sledging run in Zermatt?
On the Gornergrat line, from Rotenboden (2,815 m) to Riffelberg (2,582 m), with unlimited runs on the Sledging Pass.
Official sources
- Gornergrat Bahn: winter activities
- Gornergrat Bahn: sledging
- Zermatt tourism: hiking
- Zermatt tourism: arrival and getting around
Checked on . Prices and timetables change; confirm with the operator before you pay. How we research.