A restored train carriage from 1961 and a personal concierge who tells you all about the history of the region along the way, from the first mountaineers to the construction of the Gornergratbahn itself. The NostalChic Class is a six-hour day trip that begins with an aperitif at the legendary Hotel Monte Rosa in Zermatt, followed by a tour of the historic village, stunning views along the way, and a three-course dinner with wine pairing at the Riffelalp Resort. A nostalgic trip you won't soon forget.

NostalChic Class

Want to get away from the crowds on the slopes for a while? Strap on your snowshoes and forge your own route through the winter landscape. The most popular tour leads down from the Gornergrat via Rotenboden and Riffelberg, through snow-covered pine forests and past frozen mountain lakes. The routes are marked with pink posts and are regularly checked for safety. You can rent snowshoes at the Bayard sports shop in Zermatt or at Riffelberg station. Choose your own pace, get off wherever you like, and take the train back down.

Zermatt snowshoeing

The toboggan run from Rotenboden to Riffelberg is not only the highest in the Alps, it is also one of the most beautiful. 1,5 kilometers down, ten minutes of tearing along at full speed, and the Gornergratbahn takes you back up for another run. Pure fun on a classic wooden sled, no matter how young or old you are. You can rent sleds at Riffelberg station. Fancy a break? The Riffelhaus 1853 is within walking distance for a hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Gornergat sledging

You board the train in Zermatt and 33 minutes later you check in at an altitude of 3100 meters. The 3100 Kulmhotel is the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps. Once the day tourists have left on the last train, the peace is complete. Then the starry sky is yours – literally, because the hotel has its own observatory with a professional telescope. And those who get up early are doubly rewarded: take a sunrise trip to the Riffelsee. While it is still dark, you board the train with a guide, with the interior lights off, so that you watch the world slowly wake up. Upon arriving at the Riffelsee, the first rays of the sun appear on the Matterhorn, reflected in the lake in clear weather. If you still want to go home then, you just don't understand.

3100 Kulmhotel

Since 1853, the Riffelhaus has stood at an altitude of 2500 meters on the Riffelberg, as one of the first mountain hotels for alpinists in the world, with an enormous history. Europe's most famous mountaineers have dined here. And, also noteworthy: the American writer Mark Twain once slept in room 32. Today, it is a 4-star hotel with its own spa, sauna, steam bath, and a Jacuzzi with a direct view of the Matterhorn. In the restaurant, you can enjoy classic Swiss dishes made with local products, and the interior—filled with portraits of historic mountaineers—tells the story of the Alps. This hotel is also accessible from Zermatt via the Gornergratbahn.

Riffelhaus

As early as 1884, the European high society Come here for weeks of rest and mountain air, and that is still a very good reason to stay here. At an altitude of 2222 meters, nestled among pine forests, alpine meadows, and with a view of the Matterhorn, stands the Riffelalp Resort. Five stars, three restaurants, and a spa with an outdoor pool at 35 degrees with that Matterhorn view. Twice a week, mountain guide Yann takes you up the mountain, including a climb of the Breithorn at 4164 meters, included in the room rate. And for the children, there is an outdoor playground with a trampoline and slide. Curious what it looks like at the Riffelalp Resort right now? You can watch along on the webcam on the website.

Riffelalp Resort

Get off the Gornergratbahn at Riffelalp station, walk five minutes, and you are standing in front of Alphitta. A classic chalet-style restaurant with a cosmopolitan edge—you can see this in the young, enthusiastic staff, the mix of classic and modern dishes, and the live music on the terrace. Dave and Tanja have been running it for over 40 years with infectious enthusiasm. And that beautiful terrace, stylishly furnished and with the best Matterhorn view imaginable, completes the picture. Be sure to make a reservation, because this is no longer a secret tip.

Alphitta