A solo Zermatt Adventure: Snowboarding in the Swiss Alps
I absolutely love traveling with my family, but there's something uniquely liberating about a solo adventure. It's a chance to shape my individuality by immersing myself in the world on my own terms. These solo journeys give me a deeper understanding of myself as I soak in diverse cultures beyond my own.
As a mom, solo trips are my much-needed recharge button. They let me return home refreshed, ready to take on the whirlwind of motherhood with renewed energy. So, I recently jetted off to Zermatt, Switzerland—a snowboarding paradise with the iconic Matterhorn on my bucket list.
At the Zurich train station ready to head to Zermatt.
As someone who's been hitting the slopes for over 20 years, snowboarding is more than just a hobby—it's a passion. With my trusty IKON Pass in hand, I love exploring new resorts each season, soaking up the thrill of the mountains. When Zermatt Matterhorn Resort became part of the IKON Pass family, it was a no-brainer to add it to my list of must-visit spots.
When traveling alone, I usually feel most comfortable going to a place that I have visited before. I had visited Switzerland the summer prior and got to experience navigating the airport and train system. I also became familiar with the the Co-op which is key to stocking up on quick bites to avoid the astronomical restaurant prices. If planning a solo adventure, I would highly recommend a trip to Switzerland.
After flying to Zurich, I took a scenic 3 hour train ride to Zermatt. The SBB mobile app makes planning your train trip easy. You just plug in your start point and destination and it will display the available trains, departure times, and platform. For this trip, I had a connection in Bern and the app guided me to my connecting train to Zermatt, ensuring a smooth travel experience start to finish.
Once in Zermatt, I was greeted by the charming village and the infectious après-ski atmosphere. Skipping the gear haul, I rented everything I needed from Matterhorn Sport Zermatt. They set me up with a brand new snowboard and boots— no fuss, no hassle!
For my stay, I picked the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof—an elegant spot smack dab in the heart of Zermatt, offering luxury and alpine coziness all in one package.
The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. Image from myswitzerland.com.
The next day, fueled by adrenaline, I was up at the crack of dawn, ready to hit the slopes. Little did I know, finding the lifts would be a mini-adventure in itself. Turns out, in classic Swiss style, you take train up the mountain to get to the slopes, or piste as it is referred to in Switzerland. Boarding the mountain train, I was treated to views that seemed to stretch on forever. When Gornergrat Station finally came into view, the sight of the majestic Matterhorn had me grinning from ear to ear.
Finally got to snowboard alongside the iconic Matterhorn
As the day wound down, I swapped my snowboard for a seat at Harry's Bar—a hotspot buzzing with après-ski vibes and '80s hits. I met some fellow Californians and we shared laughs and stories over cold beers, connecting in the shadow of the Matterhorn.
Fun vibes at Harry’s Bar Zermatt
Moments like these make me smile because they encapsulate what Kinfolk Adventure is all about. It's about forging bonds, creating memories, and embracing the spirit of adventure with kindred souls. As I raised my glass to toast to new friendships and unforgettable experiences, I knew that my solo journey to Zermatt had become more than just a snowboarding trip—it had become a testament to the magic of travel.
xo Michelle
Want to visit Zermatt and stay at the famous Grand Hotel Zermatterhof? Book with Kinfolk Adventure for VIP perks and more tips on visiting Zermatt.
Zermatt Matterhorn Ski Paradise