Riffelalp Resort - Standing at The Foot of The Towering Matterhorn
Ambience In spite of the isolation of this resort, it provides a well tempered mixture of luxury, comfort and perfect service. Since its reopening on December 1st 2000, it became fast a high-end destination for those wanting a luxury hideaway. The resort is benefiting from the favorable micro-climatic conditions of a plateau.
The location with a perfect view at the Matterhorn is worldwide unique. When you arrive after an afternoon of hiking or skiing, a comfortable fire burns in the chimney while the pianist in the saloon hits softly the keys. The rooms and suites at the Riffelalp Resort present themselves in that fresh coziness which allows international guests to come back again with pleasure and desire. The public lounges are furnished with matching warm colors and with lots of gorgeous woods. And the Spa with its steaming outdoor pool makes this vacation hotel an ideal place for relaxation and rest. Spa-Infrastructure There is a beautiful outdoor swimming pool decorated with a flickering chimney and child washbasin. In the wintertime late at night and with full moon, you can see the towering Matterhorn while you are sitting in the 35°C warm water of Europe’s highest outdoor pool. Of course, afterwards it is time to visit the saunas and massage showers. The wellness options up there are a bit limited. However, there is the Chriiter Grotta, a saline bath hewn out of a rock which completes with a waterfall. Body Treatments Body treatments are probably the only thing lacking at the Riffelalp Resort. Sure, it provides relaxation baths, Thalasso applications and soft packs, but with that ends the offer. Don’t let that stop you, because since it reopened in 2000, it emerged as one of the absolute best ski hotels in the world. Activities & Entertainment Remember that this hotel is located above 2,200 meters (7,288 feet) and because of climatic conditions it is more difficult to maintain the infrastructure. Further, there is a home cinema, a wine bar, a bowling rink, a children’s playground, a billiard room, a kindergarten, and a concert and conference hall. Of course, you can rent your ski equipment and ski instructors in-house. A big advantage is that the ski pistes pass directly in front of the hotel. Other local activities include mountain biking, winter and summer skiing, mountaineering, glacier tours, paragliding and heli-skiing. The location is perfect for heli-skiing or heli-tours around the Matterhorn as the helicopter can pick you up right in front of the hotel. I remember many flights with guests from everywhere while flying as a helicopter pilot in Zermatt. Guest Rooms & Suites The Riffelalp Resort offers 65 double rooms, 5 suites and 2 apartments with all modern conveniences. • 48 exclusive "Chalet -style" double rooms • 17 modern "Nostalgie" –style double rooms • 2 suites "Matterhorn" which are ideal for families • 3 suites "Monte Rosa" which are also ideal for families • 2 very spacious apartments "Alpenresidence" Dining The "Ristorante Al Bosco" is located in the heart of the Gornergrad ski- and hiking area. While there, order a "Matterhorn Pizza" which are famous in this area. If you rather prefer typical Swiss food, try traditional Raclette or even a Fondue. You will not need reservation, just wait to be seated by the staff. The "restaurant Alexandre" is nobler and attracts a different clientele. Imagine eating gourmet food at high altitude on a sunny terrace without being stressed. In case the weather doesn’t cooperate, you may exchange your ski boots with cozy slippers and head inside. "The Lodge" is in a cozy lobby with a spacious bar area. This is the ideal place to enjoy your cocktail with piano music after a day of skiing or hiking. There is of course more choice to dine down in Zermatt. Try and taste different foods in gourmet restaurants and the many bars in the village. Services & Amenities The highly motivated hotel staff provides style, heart and taste at the Riffelalp Resort which means that you are not just served, but you are exclusively pampered. Even if you stay at the hotel for the first time, you immediately get the feeling that you have become a guest for some time. It is like being on an island up there, so the service has to be very good - - which it certainly is. Things are done the Swiss way, which means that attention to detail here is impeccable. Rates Winter Suite Summer Location The Riffelalp Resort is located above the village of Zermatt. No cars are allowed in the village centre. In fact, you can only drive until Taesch about 6 km (4 miles) before Zermatt.
The closest airport is Geneva International. From there, most people take the train. to Visp, than change the train for Zermatt. Traveling time is about 4 hours. You can also rent a car in Geneva and drive to Taesch, where there is plenty of parking space available. You can’t drive all the way to Zermatt because permission is only given to locals and hard to get. By far the quickest and simplest way is by air charter which go either to Geneva International Airport or to the small Sion Regional Airport. From Geneva, you can rent a helicopter which flies you directly to the heliport of Zermatt in about 40 minutes. All the hotels pick up their guests with small electric vehicles directly from the heliport. What I find good Spending a vacation there is well worth your money. Good food, outdoor sports, perfect mountain views, tranquility and fresh mountain air make up all the difference. What I don’t find good The Riffelapl Resort does not offer any beauty applications and you will not find any fitness equipment either. But when you are skiing or hiking all day at that altitude, you will not need the fitness centre anymore.
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The Riffelalp Resort is a high above 
Hotel manager Hans-Jörg Walther worries with untiring vitality that no wish for his guests remains unfulfilled. 
During the wintertime, the Riffelalp Resort provides an ice skating rink and a tennis court in the summer.