From its mountain aerie, high above the renowned Swiss ski resort of Zermatt, the luxurious Riffelalp Resort 2222 m beckons travellers to a hotel experience like no other. Its history stretches back to 1856, when Alexander Seiler purchased a plot of land near the Swiss-Italian border and 28 years later unveiled the Riffelalp Grand Hotel, which soon became a favored retreat for European high society.
Today, the Riffelalp Resort 2222m is new again, with all the services and amenities expected of a five-star hotel, and many that go beyond. Two bowling alleys, a home cinema, and a church transformed into a concert venue are among the hotel’s more unusual features. Surrounded by a glorious snowscape in winter is Europe’s highest outdoor pool, with a breathtaking view of the world-famous Matterhorn. There are also an indoor pool with a Kids Corner and a wellness area, the St.-Trop-Alp, that features a spectacular cave with steam bath and a grotto with saline pools and waterfalls. A full array of body treatments and massages are available. Kids enjoy a fun-filled kindergarten program in winter, supervised by a skilled and caring kindergarten teacher.
The Riffelalp's location on the slopes allows guests to ski-in and ski-out in winter, and in the summer puts them right in the midst of the Gornergrat hiking area. In-house ski services, rental and instruction are available for those who want to conquer Zermatt’s legendary slopes. An in-house ski and mountain guide leads guests on daily ski excursions in the winter and guided hikes in the summer. Other seasonal offerings at the resort include ice skating, curling and tennis.
Reaching the Riffelalp is an adventure in itself. From the town of Zermatt, guests take a 20-minute cog-wheel train ride to the Riffelalp station. From there, they travel to the resort by Europe's highest tram in summer and snowmobile in winter. Upon arrival, guests will find 70 luxurious accommodations, including five suites that are ideal for families, plus two modern apartments. Most rooms offer balconies with Matterhorn views.
There are three excellent restaurants at the Riffelalp, including the Pavillon, serving ski hut favorites accompanied by breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Guests can also choose from a wide selection of restaurants at four hotels in Zermatt, a stunning mountain village whose quaint, automobile-free streets are lined with shops, restaurants and lively nightspots. These include the Mont Cervin Palace, the Hotel Monte Rosa and the Hotel Schweizerhof & Residence, as well as the restaurants Seilerhaus and Myoko.
Welcome parking is available for a fee in the town of Tasch, 5 km from Zermatt. From there, guests can take a shuttle into town. Zermatt is also accessible by train.
RIFFELALP RESORT 2222 m
CH-3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Phone: +41 (0) 27-966-05-55
Fax: +41 (0) 27-966-05-50
Management: Claudia and Hans-Jörg Walther
Reservations:
e-mail: reservation@riffelalp.com
http://www.riffelalp.com
65 rooms, 5 suites, 2 apartments
Airports: Berne, Zurich, Geneva, Milano
Meal Plan: Half-board
Credit Cards: All Major
Currency: Swiss Franc
Open: Winter season: mid-December to mid-April; Summer season: mid-June to end of September
Member: Leading Small Hotels of the World
