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The Ritz-Carlton will open its first European ski resort in Zermatt, Switzerland

Jan. 21, 2021
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4 min read
The Ritz-Carlton, Zermatt
The Ritz-Carlton will open its first European ski resort in Zermatt, Switzerland
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Luxury skiers, rejoice: Marriott is bringing its high-end Ritz-Carlton brand to the famed Swiss ski resort of Zermatt in 2026.

The chain partnered with Mario Julen — a Zermatt native and real estate developer and hotelier — to bring this project to life. His company, Matterhorn Peak AG, is responsible for many of the most famous projects in Zermatt and Gstaad, another high-end ski town in Switzerland.

When it opens, the 69-room luxury resort will be The Ritz-Carlton's first ski resort in Europe and will boast jaw-dropping views of the town's famous peak, the Matterhorn, from both its guest rooms and dining spaces.


 

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The property's design is being led by AW², a Paris-based firm helmed by architects Reda Amalou and Stéphanie Ledoux, and it will "offer a refined take on the classic mountain chalet," according to a statement from Marriott.

Aside from those amazing views, the hotel will offer two restaurants, two bars, an outdoor terrace for enjoying your food or drink in the fresh Alpine air and a private dining room.

And, of course, the hotel will have plenty of activities on offer with its ski-in, ski-out access to the surrounding mountains, a gym, a spa and both indoor and outdoor pools.

Zermatt is a world-famous ski resort and is accessible from both Geneva (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH) airports via train -- it's about a four-hour ride from either airport.

Even if you're not a skier, there's plenty to enjoy in Zermatt, as the town boasts plenty of cafes and bars (perfect for après-ski cocktails) and provides easy access to Cervinia in Italy. And, in the summer, there's plenty to do for travelers who love adventure or are simply craving beautiful Alpine scenery.

The Ritz-Carlton, Zermatt will be the brand's second Swiss property, with the other being The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix in Geneva.

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Marriott has another high-end ski resort in Switzerland: the W Verbier. That property is a Category 8 in Marriott's Bonvoy chart, so it stands to reason The Ritz-Carlton will match that rating. But starting room rates have not yet been announced, and anything could happen with Marriott's Bonvoy chart between now and the resort's projected 2026 opening. When it does open, though, you can expect cash rates to be very high, given the upscale vibe of the area and the fact that the resort will have under 70 rooms in total.

We're excited to see such a landmark announcement from one of the world's most well-regarded hotel brands — we just wish we didn't have to wait five years (or more) to experience the Ritz-Carlton, Zermatt for ourselves.

Featured rendering courtesy of AW².

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.