The village «Iglu Dorf» is erected at about 3000 m., facing the Matterhorn. Every year in December, real igloos are (re)constructed for the winter season. One gets there on foot from Zermatt after a train journey. Once there, if you like the «Grand Nord» ambiance, you will not be disappointed: a main igloo serves as the dining room, another as the bar and other smaller ones serve as bedrooms. All of them are sculpted and decorated according to a particular theme. Of course, it is not very warm: count on between 0 to minus 4 degrees. You can find refuge in the Jacuzzi (39 degrees), warm yourself up with a half-half fondue (in mittens) or, for those less sensitive to cold, enjoy a chilled champagne. High rates which the organizers justify by pointing to the cost of maintenance and reconstruction of the igloos.

Informations et contact:

www.iglu-dorf.com
Adults: 140 - 255 CHF/ person (discount for children), including fondue, non-alcoholic drinks, jacuzzi, breakfast (till April ).
Photo: IGLU-DORF

Hotel Hohnegg: a land of entchantment

With such a view on the peaks that rise 4,000 metres high, Hotel Hohnegg (it takes its name from a place reputed to be the sunniest spot in the village) could be excused from making you forget that you had really come for the winter sports. In fact everything is at hand to turn you into a stay-at-home: eight bedrooms in the “Hansel & Gretel” style, a “bio” restaurant where the most astonishing as well as the most classical dishes are served (they have already found their way into many good food guidebooks) and host of activities. Apart from the saunas and the solariums, you can have massages, practice the “Nordic walk”, and even, if you insist, go on a diet! No austerity though in this charming hotel where guests are regaled with stories, a glass of wine in hand. Yet another reason to spend a night in the land of the fairies.

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One year ago, after eight months of renovations, the Kulm Hotel Gornergrat opens its doors again to connoisseurs of a magnificent panorama. This mythical hotel, perched at a height of 3100 m, was completely transformed for its centennial. It has preserved its panoramic restaurants, the original stones and legendary view of the Matterhorn; it provides three star comforts and has elevators linking it directly to the Gornergrat station. 23 rooms and two suites situated in the two towers. A unique spot to admire the «mountain of mountains»  directly from your room after a stunning train voyage from Zermatt.

Information and contact:

With plenty of antidepressant features, this hotel is all covered in wood and has 83 rooms. There is, of course, a Spa that stretches over 1,200 m2 and offers all kinds of body care services, from the most conventional ones to the funniest, including - for the aficionados of the kings' treat - a chocolate bath. And more unique yet, there is even a room with a heart shaped bath tub. Exquisitely kitsch. Piano-bar, disco, theme restaurants, child-care centre and children activities complement this little town located in the foothills of the most famous 4,000 metre peaks. With only one small drawback, i.e. the decoration of the « comfort rooms »  could do with a little overhaul.