Summer Events and Festivals in Zermatt
There are twelve major events taking place in Zermatt this summer; ranging from tennis and golf, spectacular fireworks and world-class music, to one of the toughest marathons in the world.
Below is a list in chronological order:
Come and watch young tennis players in Switzerland's 4th biggest tournament, set in the heart of the village. Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka played here on their way to fame.
Marathon from St. Niklaus (1,116 m above sea level) via Zermatt to Riffelberg (2,582 m above sea level). The course covers 42'195 metres with a climb of over 1900 metres vertical. Far more challenging than your standard city marathon, set in a literally breathtaking panorama! The Zermatt marathon welcomes not only runners, but also spectators who can enjoy this event in unforgettable surroundings.
This unique golf tournament is open to all golfers who are members of a club, and whose handicap is at least 36. Early inscription is advisable as participants are limited to 156. Played at between 2,000 and 3,000 metres altitude, the course is true to the Scottish spirit of golf, with completely natural fairways and greens, set among the high Alpine meadows, surrounded by spectacular mountains. Players are allowed three clubs of their choice, and three balls.
more info or email: events@zermatt.ch
The start is in Täsch and your destination and aim is to reach the Täschalp ASAP! The stretch is 7.64 km long and participants have a total 780 meters to ascend in the categories Runners, Folks-Runners and Nordic Walking. The traditional Älplerfest along with Holy Mass, canteen-style catering and musical entertainment is naturally also part of the programme: healthy enjoyment and a breath of fresh air in the framework of an event that introduces guests and participants to the natural beauty and culture of this delightful region.
Celebrations for the Swiss National Holiday aren't forgotten here either. It is celebrated in traditional style with processions, parades, music, street food and markets.
The culminating point of the celebration in Zermatt has to be the large firework display around 10 p.m.
The whole main street becomes a food street, with many charming stalls and tables serving a wide range of local produce, which you can either take home or eat on the spot. Delicious smells waft across the whole village: the highlight is the whole oxen roast on Saturday.
Every year on the second weekend of August, Zermatt is overrun by Swiss Folklore groups from all over the country. The highlight of the Folklore Festival is the main parade through town with 50 different folklore groups with more than 1200 dancers, yodelers and musicians. After the parade the folklore groups perform at the fairgrounds and at the church square. Food and drinks as well as entertainment for the children is provided. Spend an unforgettable day at the foot of the Matterhorn with music, dance and lots of good fun!
This new Matterhorn trail run is one of the most beautiful and challenging mountain runs. Three different race courses lead from Zermatt into the mountains up to 3,100m and back again, over distances of 16km, 30km and 46km, this last can only be won by the greatest of athletes!
For some years now, the autumn in Zermatt has not only been marked by the bright colours of nature, but also by the Zermatt Festival: the Classics and Art Festival with the soloist and ensembles of the Berlin Philharmonic. An academy, a film festival, contemporary art and artistic performances with audience participation in beautiful churches and magical open air locations around the village provide nature lovers who particularly like to visit Zermatt during this season of the year with an opportunity to appreciate high art. World-class musicians were never so close, and concerts are held up to altitudes of up to 2,222 metres! Mountain Exposure is proud to be an official partner of the Zermatt Festival.
20/20 Special Offer: Book a stay in one of our chalets and we will give you a 20% discount on your accommodation and 20% off tickets for the concerts of your choice. For more details please see our special offers page. For further information email bookings@mountainexposure.com or call +44 (0)8454 252 001 or +41 (0)27 967 4353.
The award ceremony for the best-looking Valais blacknose sheep and for the Shepherd of the Year, which will be elected the day before, will take place during the traditional Shepherd Festival at the Schweigmatten/Furi. That day offers plenty of opportunities to marvel at the attractive and affectionately coiffed sheep.
A varied festive program for young and old is guaranteed. And Wolli the kid's mascot will, of course, attend the festivities personally, as he will also be celebrating his birthday on this day.
Book a stay in one of our chalets and our concierge service will help organise any of the above for you. For more information email bookings@mountainexposure.com or call +44 (0)8454 252 001 or +41 (0)27 967 4353.
There was a great lineup in 2013, featuring Bryan Ferry, Morcheeba with Skye, Skunk Anansie and many more: With more than 40 concerts – 2/3 of which are free - there is a show for every musical taste. The event combines great music with superb skiing - it is the most civilized of music festivals. The main acts perform every evening in an atmospheric 2,000 seater marquee set in the middle of the village; there are nine other venues both in the village and on the ski slopes. As soon as the lineup is announced for 2014 we will publish it on our website.
