Zermatt
If you follow the Matter Vispa river upstream, you will find yourself facing the Matterhorn. At the foot of this mighty peak, dozens of natural springs were the reason for Zermatt’s original name: Praborno, “meadow among natural springs.”
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Timeless winter Magic
At these altitudes, water turns to snow and ice during the winter months. And before long, Zermatt is covered under a powdery blanket. This signals to hotels that the holidays are near; time to deck the lobbies and outdoor spaces with festive lights. It may come as a surprise that winter tourism has taken hold in Zermatt less than a century ago. Thanks to lobbying efforts by the Seiler family, owners of the Mont Cervin Palace, the summer train service of the Visp-Zermatt Bahn was eventually extended. Ever since, travelers from near and far have been flocking to the town on the foot of the Matterhorn. Some appreciate the winter landscape primarily for its timeless beauty. Snowshoeing and winter hiking are mindful ways of experiencing it all; the trails reveal new vantage points around every bend. Others see the numerous ski runs as an open invitation for schussing. Each slope has its own merits – generous space for carving or steep inclines for speeding. But whatever your activity of choice may be, we all find ourselves glued to the mighty Matterhorn.
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