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	story Frank Greco Considered Europe’s premier resort destination for both summer and winter, Zermatt is located at the base of the world’s most recognized mountain–the Matterhorn. Right on the border between Switzerland and Italy, the Matterhorn stands 4,478 metres high, but as any Swiss resident will tell you, they have the best side (the northeast). The mountain is the iconic symbol of the country. Landlocked in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is bordered by Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein and is one of the few countries on Earth with four official languages–German, French, Italian and Romansh (a language spoken in the Roman era when they occupied this region). Zermatt has been a combustion engine car free zone since 1947. Only electric vehicles are allowed to operate in the village, ensuring clean, dry air and a very clear blue sky. For those who love the outdoors, the area is paradise. By train, one can go directly from Zurich or Geneva with a transfer in Visp (about a three to four hour journey). From the city of Visp, it’s approximately a one hour ride with the most spectacular scenery and eye-opening dropoffs you have ever seen as the cogwheel train hugs the edge of the mountain. Trains in Switzerland run like clockwork. In fact, you can set your watch to the train schedule. If you happen to be late and your train has departed, not to worry, another will come along within the hour (or less). The other option is to drive to Brig or Täsch (seven kilometers from Zermatt), leave your car at the designated parking area and take the train. It will drop you off in the centre of Zermatt. You’ll see the famed Matterhorn as the train pulls into the station. Have your camera ready. In the summer, hikers can hike any of the more than 400 km of marked hiking and walking trails that wind themselves in and out of the Alpine mountains. Zermatt is surrounded by 38 mountain peaks all of which are over 4,000 metres high. With this altitude, the air is very thin, so pace yourself and do not carry heavy equipment unless you are very fit. The hikes are spectacular. Climbing over glaciers, you can see beautiful valleys below and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the Ibex climbing the mountain (the local mountain goat). There are amazing small villages and pastures throughout the mountains. You can relax, find a restaurant along the route, find a seat and enjoy the breathtaking views (and there are many). The food is just as spectacular. One local favourite that must be experienced (besides the Swiss chocolate), is the Raclette cheese dish. The cheese is melted onto your plate accompanied by a pickle and potato and it tastes great. If you are daring, try the local Ibex goat as a meal, it is a delicacy here and tastes great too.	ABOVE A view of car-free Zermatt (Canton Valais), at 1616 m in altitude the uppermost resort in the Matter Valley, at the foot of the 4478 m high Matterhorn. Winter hikers in the Aletsch Arena with the car-free resort of Riederalp (1950m) in the background. Skiing in front of the Matterhorn at Zermatt, Canton Valais.
	In the winter months, Zermatt transforms into Europe’s premier ski resort. Get this: There are over 300 kms of ski runs (also known as pistes) spread out over three ski areas and at the centre of it all is The Matterhorn and Zermatt. Skiers can even ride trails alongside the Matterhorn on the Italian side so in actuality, one can ski two countries in one day. There are many lifts and gondolas to whisk skiers to heights of more than 4,000 kms so they can start their runs. Zermatt is unique, because one can actually ski through the village and even to the hotel for a break before starting another run. What a thrill. Between the gondolas and trains, one can go to any peak effortlessly. One very unique attraction that must be experienced is called The Glacier Paradise located nearby on the Klein Matterhorn (meaning “Little” Matterhorn) east of the Matterhorn mountain). This is the highest glacier in the world. One can actually go inside for an out of this world experience. An ice tunnel (cave) has been bored into the glacier fifteen metres below the surface (an elevator takes you down). It is an eerie feeling when you get inside. The ice walls that surround you are bluish in colour and I did catch myself looking deep into them to see if there was any debris caught frozen in the ice. It was all the stories of people falling in the crevasses that made me look. What amazed me was I could see what giant ice crevasses looked like from the inside. For fun, one of the most enjoyable attractions is the ice slide. Here’s where adults can be kids again. Just sit on the plastic mat provided and let yourself go. The slide takes you through a short tunnel and out the other side where there is a great photo opportunity (of you) as you exit the tunnel. It’s a fast and bumpy ride and you will be air born at the end, but all so fun. A word of caution: It is cold inside the glacier. Most people take a break at the restaurant located at the Klein Matterhorn for a coffee or delectable cup of Swiss hot chocolate and take in the amazing views and bask in the sun. The village of Zermatt provides an international gastronomy. All you have to do is know what you are in the mood for. Zermatt has a wide array of gourmet restaurants. Since this village is heavily influenced by Germany and Italy, most of the menues reflect this. Zermatt is Europe’s jewel and is an area that should be experienced for what may be a once in a lifetime experience. Most people keep going back for that same experience year after year. GL Cable car to the Klein Matterhorn (3758 m) above Zermatt (1616 m). The majestic Monte Rosa Massif (4554 m) can be seen in the distance.	Zermatt in Canton Valais. Restaurant at the arrival point Trockener Steg at 2939 m, in the background the Matterhorn, 4478 m. A snowshoe hike surrounded by numerous snow-covered peaks including the Matterhorn (4478m). Zermatt Travel Tips from The Travel Guy • The Euro is widely accepted, but any change will always be returned to you in Swiss Francs. • The Swiss have a remedy for upset tummies (especially if you eat too much of the Raclette cheese or fondues). Just drink a glass of snaps (schnapps) and your tummy problems will be over… I know this from experience! • Don’t carry a heavy load as you climb. Take a gondola to various mountain peaks. The air is quite thin at higher altitudes making people very lightheaded. Some experience difficulty breathing. • Do not venture out on glaciers for a walk or to explore. Stick to the marked routes, better yet, go with an experienced guide or you may be the one that people see frozen in the ice at The Glacier Palace. • All hotels have electric cars that will pick passengers up from the Zermatt station. A courtesy telephone is available at the station to call your hotel. • Locals refer to the Matterhorn as “das horn” (The Peak). For more information visit: www.myswitzerland.com www.swissair.com www.zermatt.ch Frank Greco is a world traveler, producer and host of a television travel show called The Travel Guy. Frank’s show has been broadcast through Discovery World HD in Canada. You can contact Frank at:  frank@thetravelguy.tv