A Ski Specialist’s Guide to Catered Ski Holidays in Zermatt
May 8, 2024 by Natasha Royal
A ski holiday in the Swiss Alps is always a joy to experience, and Zermatt is one of the most iconic ski resorts in Europe. It’s undoubtedly amongst the top resorts for an ultimate luxury ski holiday. The indomitable figure of the Matterhorn steals every visitor’s gaze, rising above the cosmopolitan village and beautifully maintained pistes. The gorgeous scenery is matched by the excellent Swiss hospitality that’s felt in every bar, restaurant and shop, while the skiing itself is simply world-famous. To really make the most of your Swiss Alps holiday, a stay in one of the luxury catered chalets in Zermatt is the best way to elevate your experience.
Dine in the ultimate blend of opulence and comfort, with menus tailored to every taste bud. Indulge in the finest wines, safe in the knowledge that your service team will never leave your glass empty. And the chalets? Works of architectural magic, blending traditional alpine charm with contemporary flair, and showcasing fantastic facilities from swimming pools to cinema rooms. Our Ski Specialists regularly travel to the chalets in our portfolio to live the guest experience first hand and discover the best kept secrets from the resorts we feature. Some of the team were lucky enough to be invited for an ultra-luxe catered chalet experience in Zermatt, sampling some of the best luxury accommodation in Switzerland. In this blog, they have detailed some of the highlights of a high-end catered ski holiday in Zermatt to inspire your next trip to the Swiss Alps…
What Can I Expect from a Catered Ski Chalet in Zermatt?
Luxury catered chalets in Zermatt are the ultimate in ski holiday opulence. Prior to arrival guests can review and discuss their dining preferences with the chef, and plan for the week. There is no impetus from the chef, simply a desire to understand guests’ preferred cuisines, palates, and dining style. For example, the number of courses, mealtimes, and a thorough assessment of allergies are discussed before crafting the bespoke menu. The best catered ski chalets in Zermatt require chefs to have extensive experience in luxury environments to ensure peak culinary standards. Therefore, the cuisine served in these properties will make your catered ski holiday in Switzerland unforgettable.
A typical day on your catered chalet holiday starts with a nutritious breakfast, with flexibility to your schedules and tastes. Are you looking to live as the Swiss do? Then opt for the healthy classic of Bircher-Müesli topped with locally sourced fruits. If you’re more of a cooked breakfast person, your private chef will readily prepare a hearty spread worthy of royalty. Later, afternoon tea provides the perfect reset before heading to your wellness spa or browsing the town’s boutiques. And of course, if guests want to explore Zermatt’s après-ski scene, afternoon tea beforehand is just the ticket!
During their trip to visit the luxury chalets in Zermatt, our Ski Specialists enjoyed the efforts of some truly fantastic chefs. From gorgeous patisserie during post-ski afternoon tea, to multi-course gourmet feasts, every bite was beautifully seasoned and brimming with care.
Gourmet Cuisine and Quality Local Ingredients
Great food begins with the raw ingredients. From planting to plating, every step matters when it comes to gourmet cuisine. Our Ski Specialists discovered this on their trip, where they experienced the outstanding culinary treats served at Chalet Grace and Chalet Les Anges, two of the finest luxury catered ski chalets in Zermatt.
When sourcing ingredients, alpine chefs are spoilt for choice. Zermatt’s location in the Valais region places it in the agricultural heart of Switzerland. Surrounded by farmland, there’s an abundance of high-quality local Swiss produce of the highest quality. As a result, food miles are not an issue! Suppliers in the village typically source the majority of their products from within Switzerland, if not within the immediate area. Fresh fruit & vegetables are from the Rhone valley, eggs are directly from local hens, and dairy from nearby herds grazing in the rich mountain pastures.
Where sourcing locally is not possible, the dedication to freshness and quality is clear in the catered chalets of Zermatt. The chefs at Chalets Grace and Les Anges exclusively source their seafood from premium merchants Chamberlain’s of Billingsgate for instance, to ensure the finest quality.
Service to Celebrate
Zermatt is truly a special ski resort, and is the perfect destination for a celebration ski holiday. Perhaps a milestone birthday celebration with friends and family, an intimate wedding in the mountains, or even a corporate ski trip to recognise your team’s achievements. The staff at the luxury catered chalets of Zermatt will pull out all the stops to ensure festivities are unforgettable. Enjoy VIP service at top apres ski bars and also secure the best tables at top restaurants. In addition, you can surprise your guests with a mountain picnic, or de-stress with in-chalet massages and treatments.
Our Ski Specialists experienced a “night to remember” during their recent catered ski holiday in Zermatt. The team at Chalet Grace surprised them with a drinks party complete with live music from a two-piece band, and an endless stream of canapes courtesy of the chef. To really complete the festive atmosphere, the chalet was decorated for the occasion. This showcase of the chalet’s service really made an impact! Our Ski Specialist Faye commented that it was an “incredible experience” and noted that the “service was exemplary”. It was evident that the staff were dedicated to crafting a special atmosphere. Needless to say, they succeeded, leaving our team with both full bellies and blissful memories.
For the ultimate special occasion vacation, a Christmas ski holiday is the perfect opportunity to savour a stay at one of Zermatt’s catered chalets. A gourmet Christmas dinner complete with festive décor is special by itself, however there is one more notable element. Being looked after by the professional chalet team allows you and your guests to spend quality time together over the festive season, with no daily stresses or concerns. A holiday truly becomes luxurious at a catered ski chalet in Switzerland.
Tailored Experiences and Excursions
Visitors on a luxury catered ski holiday in Zermatt are able to embark on tailored experiences designed to fulfil their every wish. The service and concierge teams on your catered ski holiday can arrange unparalleled adventures; from carving tracks in pristine off-piste snow with a knowledgeable guide, to experiencing culinary mountain delights, each moment exceeds expectations.
Heli-skiing offers an adrenaline-fuelled thrill, while paragliding provides a serene view of the surrounding peaks. For more family-friendly mountain activities, guests can try out igloo-building under the watchful eye of the Matterhorn, followed by a hearty lunch of cheese fondue on the mountain! Try night-skiing with a private torchlight descent, discover the secrets of slope preparation with a unique piste-basher experience, or experience the Gornergrat Bahn mountain railway in a new way in their exclusive NostalChic Class carriages. The Swiss Alps certainly knows how to cater to everyone. Your chalet team, with both their attention to detail and commitment to excellence, will book and tailor these experiences to each party, ensuring every stay is unique.
Exploring the town also brings its share of enjoyment. It reveals its allure through charming streets and stunning alpine vistas. As guests wander the pretty streets, they’ll discover a compact village which nonetheless enjoys a vibrant atmosphere; perfect for leisurely strolls and exploration. The Swiss ski resort captivates visitors with its unique blend of traditional charm and a markedly cosmopolitan flair. It certainly impressed our Ski Specialists of their catered ski holiday to Zermatt in December. “The town is truly outstanding,” noted one; primarily pedestrianised there’s a pleasant pace of life in resort, that allows for relaxed exploration and a true appreciation of how beautiful this part of the world is.
Highly Trained Chalet Staff
A highlight of a catered ski holiday in Zermatt is of course the dedication of the front of house team. Each member is a connoisseur of exquisite experiences, an expert in the art of hosting. From the ambience and personal touches specific to your guests, to finessing the smallest detail, the chalet staff will ensure the ultimate catered chalet experience no matter the occasion.
Guests will truly understand what luxury service means on a Zermatt ski holiday. After returning from her recent visit some of the top catered ski chalets in Zermatt, our Ski Specialist Su said that the chalet service was amongst “the best I’ve ever experienced”, while Faye agreed that “staff are attentive, responsive and professional, but super discreet”.
To maintain the highest standards, the service teams at Chalets Grace and Les Anges attend a finishing school annually. This includes modules delivered by Jane Urquhart of the London Academy, formerly known as Greycoats Academy. As a result, there is unparalleled quality service from every member of staff. The chalet team are experts at crafting holiday experiences and creating lifelong memories.
Catered Ski Chalets in Zermatt
“Chalet Grace is one of the most fabulous chalets I have ever stayed in – I loved it! The service was exemplary, and the chalet manager didn’t miss a thing.”
– Su Collins, Ski Specialist
Embrace the mountain lifestyle at Chalet Grace. Sleeping up to 10 adults and 2 children, it’s one of the chalets with the best Matterhorn views and showcases exceptional service and facilities. From yoga and pilates in the relaxation area, to some friendly competition in the games room (complete with a poker table), you won’t be short of activities at this chalet. For family ski holiday moments, gather in the cinema room for a wholesome film night. When the night draws in, the adults can head to the open spirit bar for a cocktail or a glass of Perrier-Jouët house champagne to make the most of your luxury catered ski holiday.
When it comes to wining and dining, it is impossible to be disappointed by Chalet Grace. With the most tantalising gourmet dinners thanks to the Michelin standard private chef, this chalet is surely unforgettable.
“The service throughout our visit was flawless, especially during the delicious 5-course meal. Chalet Les Anges truly had the wow-factor!”
– Faye Jones, Ski Specialist
Chalet Les Anges is blessed with some gorgeous views of the Matterhorn, especially from the master bedroom. The design is impeccable, even making our list of the most unique chalets in Zermatt. With floor to ceiling windows throughout, Chalet Les Anges really showcases the incredible location and surroundings. The stylish relaxation area boasts a sauna and Hammam, as well as a water feature, setting the mood perfectly. Settle down with a glass of bubbly in the outdoor hot tub, and simply relax.
Sleeping 14 guests, Les Anges is a fantastic special occasion chalet, reinforced by sumptuous meals and exquisite service. Enjoy a dinnertime serenade with a live musical accompaniment at the grand piano. You can also make the most of the views with alfresco meals on warmer days for a truly uninterrupted scene! The prestige is obvious from these views alone, but the food is where Chalet Les Anges truly shines. Experience Michelin standard gourmet cuisine throughout your stay. In addition there’s quality vintages from the wine cellar, Perrier-Jouët house champagne, and gorgeous cocktails.
Zermatt is a truly wonderful ski resort, especially when you stay in a catered ski chalet. The service, the food, and the experiences afforded by these chalets all make for a magical Swiss Alps holiday. If you’d like to learn more about catered ski chalets in Zermatt, don’t hesitate to contact our Ski Specialists. They will use their expertise and first-hand knowledge from time spent visiting the chalets in our portfolio, to find the best chalet for you. Simply send us an email, or give us a call on +44 (0)1202 203653, and let us kickstart your holiday plans. Lastly, you can also check out our website to see our collection of luxury self-catered chalets in Zermatt if you prefer.