(Skiing · 30 Sep 2026)
First tracks on the Riffelalp
At 7:30, before the lifts open, the piste patrol takes our guests up for the first run of the day.
The groomers work all night. By six the pistes are smooth as fabric; by nine, they are carved to pieces.
Twice a week our ski host arranges a ride up with the piste patrol on the first train to Riffelberg.
You ski down alone, on untouched corduroy, as the sun hits the Matterhorn and turns it gold.
“The corduroy is perfect for about eleven minutes. Be there for them.”
Breakfast is waiting at the Riffelalp hotel at the bottom of the run. You are back in the chalet before most of Zermatt is awake.
Bring goggles for flat light and an extra layer: at 2,580 metres the morning is minus fifteen.
Ask your chalet manager the night before. The patrol leaves at 7:20 exactly.
