High above Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn, reached by its own mountain tram.
Riffelalp Resort 2222m is a ski-in, ski-out hotel above Zermatt with one of the most famous Matterhorn views in the world. There are many hotels that look out at the mountain, but few that feel as though you could reach out and touch it. Riffelalp sits on a sunny plateau 2,222 metres above sea level, reached by the Gornergrat mountain railway and then Europe's highest tram. A hotel has stood here since 1884, when Europe's high society came to spend weeks in the mountain air. Today it is a five-star resort with Europe's highest outdoor pool and a sense of being above the world.
Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Riffelalp lies on the southern edge of a plateau in the heart of the Gornergrat ski and hiking area, about five kilometres from Zermatt and seven and a half from the Matterhorn. It is reached by the Gornergrat cog railway from Zermatt, which climbs through larch and stone pine forest, followed by a short ride on the hotel's own tram, the highest in Europe, or by snowmobile in winter. The hotel porter meets guests in Zermatt and takes care of luggage.
Zermatt is car-free, and visitors leave their cars in Täsch, or arrive by train from Visp, connecting with services from Zurich, Geneva and Milan. The plateau enjoys a mild microclimate. The hotel is open in winter and summer, typically from mid-December to mid-April and from late June to late September.
Rooms and suites at Riffelalp
There are around 70 rooms and suites, including singles, doubles, junior suites, suites and a couple of apartments. Rooms are decorated in a traditional, elegant Alpine style, with pine-clad walls, natural materials and large windows. Almost all have balconies, and most look directly at the Matterhorn, which seems astonishingly close.
The hotel is spread across several buildings; the Chalet building tends to have the largest rooms, while the historic Nostalgie building has more classic character. Families are well catered for, with family rooms, a playground and the car-free environment.
Facilities at Riffelalp
The spa is the highest in Europe, with a heated outdoor pool facing the Matterhorn, at around 35°C. Swimming in it on a snowy day, with the mountain rising in front of you, is extraordinary. There is also an indoor pool with whirlpool, saunas, marble steam rooms, a cave-like relaxation area and a menu of massages and treatments. The pool even featured in the BBC series *The Night Manager*.
Dining options include Restaurant Alexandre, the hotel's elegant main restaurant serving regional and Mediterranean cuisine; Ristorante Al Bosco, with a sunny terrace and Italian and Swiss Alpine dishes; and the Walliserkeller, a cosy, rustic room serving Swiss specialities such as raclette and fondue in winter. There is a bar with a sun terrace, a vinotheque for wine tastings, and skis and mountain bikes can be rented on site.
In winter, the slopes of the Gornergrat ski area are right outside the door, linking to Zermatt's vast network of around 360 kilometres of pistes, including runs across the border into Italy. In summer, hiking trails lead to glaciers, mountain lakes and viewpoints.
The mountain moment
The defining moment is a swim in Europe's highest outdoor pool, the Matterhorn rising before you. At sunset, as day visitors return to the valley, the plateau falls quiet and the great pyramid of the Matterhorn glows orange and pink, then fades to blue. It is one of the most iconic mountain sights in the world, and here you have it almost to yourself.
Another magical experience is to take the Gornergrat railway higher still, to 3,089 metres, for a panorama of 29 peaks above 4,000 metres, including Monte Rosa, Switzerland's highest, and the vast Gorner Glacier.
Why Riffelalp is one of the best mountain hotels
Riffelalp earns its place for its sheer location: few hotels anywhere offer such a direct, intimate relationship with one of the world's most famous mountains. Its history, highest-in-Europe superlatives, ski-in, ski-out access and car-free tranquillity make it a truly special place to stay.
It is a classic, traditional resort rather than a design hotel, and being on the mountain means evenings are peaceful rather than lively. But for romance, skiing, hiking and Matterhorn views, it is unbeatable.
When to go to Riffelalp
Riffelalp opens for two seasons, typically from mid-December to mid-April and from late June to late September. Winter brings ski-in, ski-out access to the Gornergrat slopes and Zermatt's huge network, with the snowiest and most atmospheric days in January and February, and long, sunny days in March. Christmas, New Year and Easter book out early. Summer brings glacier hikes, mountain lakes and wildflowers on the plateau, and July and August are the busiest summer months. Early in either season can offer better availability and value.
Questions, answered
- How do you get to Riffelalp Resort?
- Take the Gornergrat cog railway from Zermatt, then the hotel's own tram, the highest in Europe, or a snowmobile in winter. A porter meets guests in Zermatt and handles luggage.
- Is Riffelalp ski-in, ski-out?
- Yes. In winter the Gornergrat ski slopes are right outside the door, linking to Zermatt's network of around 360 kilometres of pistes.
- When is Riffelalp Resort open?
- Typically from mid-December to mid-April and from late June to late September. Check exact dates when booking.
