The Star of the Show – Zermatt, Switzerland
Once upon a time, Zermatt was just a quiet, tucked-away farming village where life moved with the rhythm of the seasons. That all changed in the mid-19th century, when adventurous mountaineers arrived, drawn by the dramatic peaks surrounding the valley. The first successful and tragic ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, catapulted Zermatt into the global spotlight. Suddenly, this little mountain village became the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and explorers.
Today, Zermatt has grown into one of the world’s most iconic ski resorts, but it hasn’t lost its soul. The village remains car-free, its weathered wooden chalets and narrow stone lanes create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and alive. Here, authentic alpine heritage blends seamlessly with modern mountain luxury, with Michelin-starred restaurants, stylish hotels, and some of the best skiing and hiking anywhere in the Alps.
Zermatt is about more than just its 360km of ski runs and year-round glacier slopes. It’s about the quiet awe of watching the Matterhorn glow at sunrise, the rhythm of cowbells echoing through wildflower meadows, and afternoons spent lingering over great food and mountain views. Whether you’re here to push your limits on the trails or slow down and savour the alpine atmosphere, Zermatt has a way of turning every visit into something unforgettable.
We’re Sam and Teri-Anne
Two Brits who fell head over heels for Zermatt over a decade ago. What began as a one day visit for Teri-Anne and a Ski Instructor course for Sam, turned into a full‑time love affair. With nearly 46 % of Zermatt’s permanent residents coming from outside Switzerland, a mix of seasonal workers, hospitality staff and long‑term arrivals, the town is a genuine expat hub.
We’re part of that vibrant blend: Sam previously taught skiing at Summit Ski School, and Teri-Anne worked in hospitality and tourism for companies like Zermatt Holidays, and The Unique Hotel Post. We aim to bring you both local insight and international perspective.
We created this blog because we believe Zermatt is more than just a destination, it’s a lifestyle. We want to show you the personality behind the place, the people who make Zermatt what it is, the best places to ski and wander, local events you’ll love, behind‑the‑scenes views of daily life here, and insider tips only locals can share. All information will come from our personal experiences and our team of Swiss and international local contributors.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or are already one of us—somebody who just can’t quite shake this valley—we’re here to give you stories that inform, inspire, and make you feel right at home.
Our Local Contributors
Catherine Brooksmith
Owner & Childcare Manager
Alpine Nanny
“I love Zermatt and especially our iconic Matterhorn. I believe I love it so much as it’s part of Africa so I feel connected to my South African roots.”
Andreas Alm
Owner
Brasserie Uno
“I cycled to Zermatt from Sweden and have been here for over 23 years. Despite six knee surgeries, I still love skiing and am happy to call Zermatt home.”
Alex Willard
Founder
Summit Adventure Camps
“Life behind a desk was never for me. What started as a winter season in Zermatt teaching skiing turned into a deep love for the mountains year-round. These days, I’m just as passionate about climbing, hiking, and mountaineering as I am about skiing. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be somewhere outdoors.”