Sereina Perren's Zermatt

A local's shortlist of the slopes, cafés, hikes and quiet corners that define her year in the village beneath the Matterhorn.

A local's shortlist — the slopes, cafés, hikes and quiet corners Sereina returns to, season after season, in the village beneath the Matterhorn.

Slope

Consistent, nicely steep. When you carve tight turns from top to bottom, find your rhythm and feel your legs burning at the finish — that is when I am in my element. The slope at Furgsattel gives you exactly that.

Backcountry

The Schwarzsee area, for sure.

Café

Manud for a coffee. And Restaurant Marmo for the cinnamon rolls — the best.

Hiking and Running

The entire right side of Zermatt is my happy place — anywhere from the Schönbielhütte all the way to Trift. One of my favourites is also the route from Rotenboden to Gornergrat, taking the path towards the Monte Rosa Hütte and then turning left.

Restaurant

For a Schnitzel, head to Sonnmatte. For Cordon Bleu and the best salad dressing, Restaurant Waldhaus is the place to be.

Quiet Corner

About 20 minutes above the village at Tiefmatten. Far enough from the crowds, close enough that you didn't sign up for a hike.

For the Adventure-Seekers

Sunrise at Höhbalm, and sunset on Oberrothorn. Tip: skip the main path on your walk to Zmutt or Zum See. Just above and beside the main route there are small, quiet trails.