Zermatt, around 5 800 permanent inhabitants (called the Zermattois) is a ski station situated in the South of the canton of Valais being part of the Viège district. The official language is German but English is widely known and spoken. This winter sport station became famous owing to its ski area and high altitude of 1 600 meters. Above the city you may see the most spectacular and unmistakable Matterhorn (Mont Cervin). Around Zermatt there are over 38 peaks over 4 000 meters. In Zermatt the air is fresh, and the nature perfectly preserved. The village is car free, except for electric vehicles and public services (firefighters, ambulance and garbage tracks). Visitors need to leave their cars in the big parking of Täsch, 5 kilometers away and take a train or an electric taxi. Situated in the end of the Bahnhofstrasse which is the main street of Zermatt, the museum of Matterhorn tells you the story of the village and including the first spectacular (and tragic) ascent of the Matterhorn mountain in 1865. Here in Zermatt you can discover the great variety of local plants: Edelweiss, gentian, different kinds of orchids can be spotted here.
Zermatt is buzzing day and night during the whole year with many winter sport activities: in January the Horu Trophy is one of the largest Open Air Curling Tournaments in Europe and in February over 16 best freeriders and freestylers compete with each other in the Swatch Skiers Cup. All along summer the region of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the largest and highest placed ski area in Europe. Those who do not fancy skiing may enjoy hiking and riding the MTB trails or watching international tennis championships of the Raiffeisen Open in June and July or the Matterhorn Eagle Cup golf tournament in July. In April the Zermatt Unplugged brings together the international music stars. The Swiss Food Festival takes place each August. Zermatt is a little village. In the town center you will find the railway station, the church and the famous Bahnhofstrasse full of luxury shops, four-star hotels and restaurants. During the peak season, the municipality is home to 20 000 inhabitants. As for the real estate market, buildings maintained unchanged its small Valais village appearance. Old high-ceiling attic granaries have been preserved. Property prices are high in this both sport and family-oriented city.