To The Top of the world

Disembark the iconic red train and step out into the bright, welcoming sunshine that beams around the square, reflecting from the snow covered peaks surrounding Zermatt. A special way to arrive in a very special ski resort; gliding peacefully past the stunning Swiss scenery; lakes, mountains, forests and beautiful towns. None more beautiful than Zermatt itself with the majestic Matterhorn sitting poised to welcome each fresh train full of guests to her home. 

You will be greeted personally too by the concierge team from La Vue, and you are whizzed through the charming car-free streets by electro taxi to the doors of La Vue, and your home in the Alps; Penthouse Panorama. No journey could be smoother, and on entering the bright, contemporary reception area you will feel at once relaxed, and excited to have arrived; let the holiday merriment commence.

Penthouse Panaorama is the crowning glory of this beautiful, boutique collection of apartments. The views commanded from the top floor are jaw dropping, with Zermatt spread out before you and the Matterhorn winking seductively. The angled, pitched ceiling of bright pine coupled with the vast picture windows give a light, airy and relaxed feel to the main living areas. A large modern fireplace brings warmth to proceedings, along with the fur-covered chairs, which surround the coffee table. Start your vacation here with a glass of something delicious from the extensive wine cellar, warming your toes by the fire. 

The bedrooms are spacious and furnished in neutral tones, featuring bath tubs with views to die for, and just a little bit of that quirky La Vue spirit in the décor. Balls of string artfully adorn the wall above the beds, a colourful and very original feature. Each room has it’s own TV if you are in need of some quiet time to yourself, or if a group film night is called for you have the luxury of a vast shared cinema room downstairs, where you can have a special showing of a classic flick with all the trimmings.

Penthouse Panorama’s modern interior is matched by her modern and flexible service. Breakfast is served each morning and cleared away – but in the evenings you can choose to dine in one of Zermatt’s many fine restaurants, cook for yourself in the sleek and well-equipped kitchen, or opt for the chef to cook you a meal while you go for a soak in the hot tub in the shared wellness suite downstairs.

You won’t excessively exert yourself reaching the spa facilities as there is a convenient lift installed to whizz you from top to bottom – and back again once you’re fully refreshed and ready for dinner. Sit back in one of the modern rocking chairs, glass of pinot in hand and discuss the hot topics of the day. Which was the best ski run? Is the coffee always so much better on the Italian side of resort (yes)? Where should you go for lunch tomorrow?

On the evenings you do choose to head into town for dinner a gentle stroll will find you in the main KirchePlatz in just a couple of minutes where you are spoilt for choice. Cocktails and oysters at Elsie’s maybe? Or local lamb over the fire at Chez Heini. Zermatt is a food lover’s paradise and you are in prime position to enjoy this to the utmost, with the same short stroll home very much appreciated after an indulgent dinner. Stop off for a nightcap or two in Gees where the best bands are usually to be found; you don’t have far to go to reach the ski lifts tomorrow morning, so one more beer can’t hurt can it?

If you do wake feeling slightly like a bear with a sore head breakfast and a good Nespresso taken outside on the balcony should do the trick. The crisp mountain air is all the tonic required and you are just an easy 5 minute walk, or an easier 2 minute shuttle ride, from La Vue’s ski room to the Klein Matterhorn lift, up, up and away onto the glorious slopes.