How to visit Zermatt, Switzerland on a budget

How to visit Zermatt, Switzerland on a budget

zermatt switzerland budget
The famous Matterhorn. What a view!

It’s no secret that Switzerland is famously expensive, and the ski town of Zermatt located smack dab in the middle of the Alps is no exception. The cost of an entree is enough to make one rethink whether they’re really hungry after all, and the price of a ski day including lift tickets and rentals adds up fast.

Fortunately, there are some simple ways for those still clamouring to hit the hills to save money. While the getaway still won’t be cheap compared to vacationing in neighbouring countries like Austria or Italy, here are some tips for how to visit scenic Zermatt, Switzerland on a budget.

READ MORE: How to plan the perfect ski weekend in Zermatt, Switzerland

zermatt switzerland budget
Looking out from the Gornergrat

Stay in a private apartment

Like anywhere, the largest expense in Zermatt is accommodation. Hotel rooms cost anywhere from $300 to a staggering $2100 per night at five star properties in high season, which can leave even the most well-heeled visitors shell shocked. However there’s a way around that: staying in private homes.

Airbnb is a great resource, with two bedroom apartments costing an average of only $250 per night. Since Zermatt is quite compact, pretty much anywhere in town is considered a good location. As a bonus, renters will also have access to a kitchen, which brings me to my next point…

Make your own food

Eating out in Zermatt is expensive (it’s hard to find any entree for less than 25 euros per plate, and even McDonalds can run around 15 euros), and it’s not always healthy. I’m looking at you, delicious fresh bread soaked in steaming cheese fondue! A nice workaround is to head to a grocery store, such as the Coop right across from the train station.

Despite not having access to a kitchen, my husband and I managed to pull this off magnificently. For about 25 euros, we got a full pack of prosciutto, salami, a block of gruyere cheese, a fresh baguette and basket of tomatoes, then had a picnic in our hotel room. Paired with a bottle of white wine, it turned out to be a delicious dinner which tasted even better knowing we weren’t facing a 100+ euro bill once we finished!

Another trick for those staying in a hotel is to fill up at breakfast. The family-run Hotel Perren has a huge breakfast buffet with sausages, eggs, fluffy croissants, fruit and yogurt among other things. Safe to say you won’t be hungry for hours after starting your day there!

READ MORE: Just how expensive is Switzerland?

zermatt on a budget
Eating out in Zermatt means a great view, but a high price tag

Skip the taxis

Zermatt is very walkable (and the gateway to some of the best hikes in Switzerland), and lugging your ski equipment through the streets between the hill and your accommodation is commonplace. If that seems like a burden, it won’t after learning how much it costs to hop in one of the town’s electric taxis: up to 20 francs for a ride taking an average of five minutes!

zermatt switzerland budget
An eTaxi in Zermatt

Those on a budget will want to skip the cab ride and hoof it around on their own two feet instead. Those still balking at the idea will be pleased to know there are frequent buses, which are free for those who have already purchased rail tickets to attractions such as the Matterhorn glacier paradise. Most hotels will also pick up visitors in their own eTaxi for free, which takes care of that pesky luggage problem.

Ski away from Switzerland

Finally, there’s a foolproof way to save money on your Zermatt holiday—ski over to Italy! The hill is actually shared by both Switzerland and Italy, and lift tickets are good for both countries. Simply make your way over to the Matterhorn glacier paradise, and from there you can ski down into the Italian section.

zermatt switzerland budget
There’s a fantastic restaurant at the top on the border (no passports required!) which serves up specialities like steaming hot bowls of pasta and paninis, which will only set you back 5-15 euros. Alternatively, ski down to the Italian resort town of Cervinia for meals that are about half the price of similar fare in Switzerland. Buon appetito!

zermatt switzerland budget

WATCH: Skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland

 

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:

How to visit Zermatt on a budget

This post may contain affiliate links, which Globe Guide receives compensation for at no additional cost to you.

About The Author

9 thoughts on “How to visit Zermatt, Switzerland on a budget”

  1. Pingback: A fashionista's guide to what to pack for winter in Europe

  2. Pingback: Globe Guide’s 2015: A year of highs and lows 

  3. Pingback: How to plan the perfect ski weekend in Zermatt, Switzerland

  4. I skied in Zermatt a few years back- such a beautiful place, but eye waveringly expensive! We’re talking 16 euros for a 2 egg omelette! I could have done with these tips then; great post!

  5. You can say that again- ‘eye waveringly expensive!’ 16 euros for a 2 egg omelette, that is pricey! I don’t see it getting any cheaper anytime soon however I will also use these tips to keep the costs down! Hopefully one day ill be able to afford a Zermatt Luxury Chalet for one of our trips

  6. Pingback: How to plan the perfect ski weekend in Zermatt, Switzerland

  7. It may be expensive, but there is nothing in the world to compare with the sun shining on the Matterhorn in the early morning and turning it to a pure gold mountain!!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top