If you expect the Swiss to have a super efficient system for getting from one side of the resort to the other, you will be terribly disappointed. Anticipate hiking a considerable distance through the streets of Zermatt (if you miss the signs for the ski bus as we did), and be prepared to traipse through at least one Landtunnel. Despite this shortcoming, Zermatt is truly an unforgettable place to ski. Just be sure to be back up to the top of the mountain before the lifts stop running for the day, or else you will be looking at an unexpected night’s stay in Switzerland.

In the end, perhaps the Italians truly do know how to live la dolce vita, for they stay in Valtournenche or Breuil-Cervinia, and ski at Valtournenche and Breuil-Cervinia, leaving Zermatt (and the 4-lift/gondola hassle that is required to crest the peak to ski over), and the rest of Switzerland for that matter, to the Swiss, the chamois, and the tourists). They know all too well that Valtournenche has it all: world-class skiing, a gorgeous Alps setting, jaw-dropping views, and perhaps most notably, the wonderful Hotel Bijou, where adventurous souls can enjoy the bold and incomparable la cucina tipica valdostana.

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