DSC Ski Trip to Zermatt, Switzerland
March 15 - March 24, 2024 for the basic trip
(Leave DFW on Friday, March 15th. Arrive in Zermatt on the March 16th).
Trip Leader: Laurel Levin
Asst Trip Leader: Freda Pattillo
Join the Dallas Ski Club for an amazing ski trip to Zermatt Switzerland.
Location
Zermatt, Switzerland's best-known ski resort has the highest concentration of mountains and glacial ice in the Alps and the most magical and romantic car-free village situated at the foot of Switzerland's most famous landmark: The Matterhorn is considered by many true mountaineers to be the peak of all peaks.
You will find a wide range of possibilities for the experienced skier and many wide-open groomed runs for the intermediate and beginner skier. Ski in Switzerland and Italy in one day when you ski over the peak of Cervinia. Combined with the spectacular natural beauty, Zermatt is a record-holding destination which includes Europe's highest-altitude aerial cableway to the Matterhorn glacier paradise and cogwheel railway in a open air (no tunnels), to the Gornergrat at 10,135 feet. This a fabulous trip for non-skiers as well.
Zermatt Switzerland
Lodging
Hotel Alex, located in the center of town, this family-owned hotel combines the modern and the traditional in an exciting world of experiences that is full of surprises. Their traditional log-cabin exterior conceals modern bedrooms and luxury suites and their culinary delight delights are amazing! In 2019 it was recognized as a Michelin Star Restaurant. Hotel Alex, Zermatt offers boutique accommodations with a sauna, a terrace, heated pool, and Wi-Fi in rooms and lobby.
Hotel Alex
$ 4,225 - Full Trip, Double Occupancy
$ 4,225 - Standard Single room (2)
$ 2,950 - Land Only, includes everything except air
$ 1,397 - Single Supplement Additional
Land only passengers: The in-country transporation is included provided you follow the rules listed below:
- Transfers between airports and hotels are always arranged for the main group and are coordinated with the main group’s flight itineraries.
- The transfers also pick up and drop off only at airport terminals that are in the main group’s itineraries. Transfers do not stop at alternate terminals for pick-ups or drop offs.
- It is the responsibility of such passengers to coordinate their flights with the group and for them to be at the appointed place and time that the group is being picked up.
- There can be no special arrangements made for these passengers for alternate pickups or drop offs by the transfer companies involved.
- All of the above is equally applicable to any luggage that such passengers are bringing.
Package Includes:
Round trip air, Dallas to Zurich and Milan to Dallas
3/15/24
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American
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#1662
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DFW
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PHL
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3/15/24
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American
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#0092
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PHL
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ZRH
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3/24/24
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American
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#0199
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MXP
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JFK
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3/24/24
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American
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#1274
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JFK
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DFW
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7 nights lodging (3/16/24 - 3/23/24) at Hotel Alex and 1 night (3/23 -3/24/24) in Milan at Hilton, Hotel Milan center, 2 persons per room, total of 8 nights on the basic trip.
Lodging and airline taxes and fuel surcharges
Breakfast included daily and 3 nights dinner at the hotel, giving you the opportunity to try the local cuisine the other nights.
Transfer between Zurich Airport and Tasch via private coach, then train transfer via 2nd class rail to Zermatt Round trip luggage transfer of 2 pieces per person.
On March 23 the entire group will travel to Milan, Italy. Spend one night night in Milan at Hilton, Hotel Milan center before heading back to DFW the next day.
Trip Insurance is highly recommended:
LIFT TICKETS:
Listed below are the rates for the 2024 Group passes for Zermatt Only and the International pass, which includes Cervinia and Valtournenche. Those individuals that opt for the Zermatt Only pass, can pay a onetime fee of CHF40.00 per day to add Italy to the pass for that day. IKON pass accepted for Zermatt Only pass. People with IKON need to go to the Ticket window and present their IKON pass for the 5 or 7 days Zermatt Pass. Then on the day that you wish to ski over to Cervinia, Italy, take your Zermatt pass to the ticket window and pay the CHF 40.00 upgrade to activate the International Option on your pass for that day.
Lift ticket rates ALSO INCLUDES the CHF5.00 Key Card fee that is refunded when you return your pass at the end of the week
Ski Care Insurance is highly recommended on the Lift passes at a rate of CHF5.00 per day
# of Days:
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Zermatt
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International
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2 in 4 Day
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$ 218.00
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$ 246.00
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3 in 5 Day
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$ 313.00
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$ 362.00
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4 in 6 Day
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$ 416.00
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$ 480.00
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5 in 7 Day
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$ 519. 00
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$ 600.00
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6 in 8 Day
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$ 621. 00
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$ 719.00
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SKI RENTALS:
Ski Rentals will be available via Bayard Sports, located right next to your hotel. We will provide you with a link and discount code roughly 60-days before departure.
Payment Schedule:
Deposit: $300 - due at booking
35% due 9-15-23
35% due 11-1-23
30% (balance) due 12-1-23
Post Trip: Milan, Italy - Those that want to spend two more days in Milan the cost will be as follows:
$ 450 - Full Trip
$ 234- Single Supplement Additional
Flights back to Dallas
3/26/24
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American
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#0199
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MXP
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JFK
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3/26/24
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American
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#1274
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JFK
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DFW
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BEST DAY TRIPS FROM ZERMATT
Some ideas in the works!
Staying in Zermatt for a while and want to explore outside the town while you’re there? Then you’ve come to the right place because this detailed guide includes all the best day trips you can do from the charming Swiss town.
Whether you want to visit a village that’s even smaller than Zermatt, head to a bigger city for the day, or explore the wonderful nature that surrounds this city, we’ve got the perfect day trip for you! Keep reading to see the most popular places for day trips from Zermatt, all of which are easily accessible by public transport in Switzerland!
Brig
Brig is another charming town you can easily visit on a day trip from Zermatt. It’s about an hour and a half away from Zermatt by train, including one train change in Visp. It is also the first stop from Zermatt on the Glacier Express train, which is considered to be one of the most scenic train journeys is on all of Switzerland.
Brig town is best known for its imposing historic landmarks and some great thermal baths. Stockalper Palace is a baroque castle in Brig that attracts tourists from all over the country. You can go on a guided tour of the castle, explore its beautiful formal gardens, and visit the on-site museum to learn more about Simplon Pass and its history.
The Thermal Baths of Brig is a great destination for travelers who want to relax and unwind for a little while, especially after challenging skiing sessions in Zermatt.
Sion
Sion is a charming hilly city some two hours outside Zermatt by train. There are no direct trains between the two Swiss towns and you will need to change trains in Visp to reach Sion.
Sion is best known for Valère Basilica, an 11th-century castle that dominates the town’s central area. The castle is situated on a rocky promontory, and you can see it from most places in the town. The Valais History Museum is situated inside the castle, and it’s absolutely worth visiting if you’re in the area.
Domaine des Iles is another very popular attraction in Sion. This is a large park in the southern area of the town, and it’s the perfect place for all outdoor adventurers who are looking to have some fun in Sion. Visit the adventure park, relax near the lake, or just explore the main hiking trails throughout the park.
The Sion Cathedral, Valais Nature Museum, and Lac du Mont d’Orge are some of the other popular attractions in Sion.
Martigny
Martigny is a little more than two hours away from Zermatt by train, including a train change in Visp. The town is popular with tourists thanks to its excellent attractions, landmarks, and surreally beautiful nature that surrounds it.
Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Martigny is the Musée et Chiens du Saint-Bernard. It’s an absolute must for all dog lovers and animal lovers in town, mostly because you get to pet and play with St. Bernard dogs, as well as learn a little more about them.
Other interesting attractions in Martigny include Fondation Pierre Gianadda, which is a very popular art museum. The Roman Amphitheater is another interesting historical landmark.
Brigerbad
Brigerbad is a village west of Brig and it’s where all the best thermal baths in the area are. If you want to spend a day reaping the benefits of some of the best thermal baths in Switzerland, a trip to this lovely village is exactly what you’re looking for.
You can take the train from Zermatt to Visp, and from there it’s a little more than 5 minutes by bus to Brigerbad. Here you can relax in both indoor and outdoor thermal pools, get massages, hit up saunas, and much more. It’s worth noting that the center doesn’t rent towels; you can either purchase them or use any towels that you bring yourself.
Montreux
Montreux is a beautiful city on the shore of Lake Geneva, best known for its importance in the life of Freddie Mercury. The iconic Queen frontman lived here while they recorded the last Queen album, and there are many easter eggs dedicated to him and the famous band throughout the town. It’s even possible to stay in the apartment that was once owned by the singer, but it’s a pricey experience.
The Swiss town of Montreux is also known for panoramic lake views, delicious local wine, interesting landmarks, and great museums. It’s also very close to Chilon Castle, which is an iconic Swiss landmark worth visiting if you have the extra time.
Montreux is about two and a half hours away from Zermatt by train. It’s worth noting that there’s no direct train from Zermatt to Montreux and you will need to change trains in Visp.
Ernen
Ernen is a municipality close to Zermatt, and a good place for a day trip for travelers who enjoy exploring the great outdoors. The beautiful mountain village is part of the Binntal Nature Park, which is precisely what makes it a great destination for travelers who love to explore.
It takes about an hour to reach Ernen from Zermatt if you have a car, but some two hours if you’re traveling by public transport. You will need to take a train to Visp and then get a bus from there to Ernen.
Ernen is also known as the musical village, thanks to the Ernen Musical Village Association which organizes a festival of classical music every year. The festival usually takes place in the summer and it’s certainly not a huge festival, but it is a special experience in a quaint little Swiss village.
Visp
Visp is the closest city to Zermatt, and it’s only about an hour away by train. It’s not exactly a very touristy place, but if you’re looking for some bigger chain supermarkets or a wider choice of restaurants than in Zermatt, this is the closest place.
Visp is also an important transport hub for the region, and if you want to travel to other towns in the area, you’ll often need to change trains here. Also, because Visp is surrounded by mountains, it’s a starting point for many popular hiking trails in the area.
Lausanne
Lausanne is a gorgeous city on the northern shore of Lake Geneva accessible by train from Zermatt. It will take you almost three hours to travel to the city by train (two hours if you have a car), so try to catch one of the earliest trains possible so you have enough time to explore this beautiful place.
Lausanne is famous because it’s the headquarters of the Olympic Committee, so it’s not surprising that the city also boasts a great Olympic Museum. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in town, in addition to the hilly historic center with beautiful landmarks and architecture.
The Gothic cathedral in Lausanne is considered an absolute masterpiece, and it’s one of the highlights of the city’s historic center. There are also quite a few interesting museums here, as well as historical palaces.
The more adventurous travelers can hike to Saubelin Tower to experience gorgeous panoramic views of the city and the lake.