Situated beneath the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a classic, picturesque alpine village. As no cars are allowed, you arrive in town by narrow gauge railway or horse-drawn sleigh. Zermatt has few equals as a ski destination that will please any level of skier. Beginners can practice on the gentle slopes of the Klein Matterhorn glacier and Gornergrat—real alpine country, not bunny hills. A 12,500-foot cable car ride takes you to the spectacular views at the top of the Klein Matterhorn. From there, descend the glacier (skiable year-round) or cross the ridge and ski down to Cervinia on the Italian side. Zermatt also offers all the excitement an advanced skier could want.

And for advanced skiers? How about dozens of serious chutes and couloirs in the Sunnegga and Gornergrat areas, as well as on the Kumme side of Uterrothorn? Mogul lovers will find plenty to write home about, especially in the Stockhorn and Rote Nasse sections of the Gornergrat. The off-piste options, too, are virtually endless, with deep powder, cornice jumping, and even an overland run to Saas-Fee.

Hardcore adventure skiers may want to sample the Haute Route—a classic backcountry circuit that connects Saas-Fee, Zermatt, Courmayeur, and Chamonix. Skiers must be strong in deep powder and on steep terrain, with the ability to climb 3,000 feet per day on skis.

Lodging in Zermatt is not cheap. The best hotels—the Mont Cervin and the Zermatterhof—charge $450 or more per night in midseason. Cheaper but still excellent are the Hotel Alpenhof and hotel Monte Rosa. With 10,000 apartment beds in Zermatt, you should be able to find one you can afford.