Igloo Village Zermatt Opening Hours Winter Schedule

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Zermatt travel info.

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Zermatt travel info.

If you plan to stay overnight, your experience starts later in the afternoon. Overnight guests usually meet their guides at the Rotenboden station around 4:30 PM. The village remains closed to the general public during these evening hours. You must book your stay in advance to access the site after dark.

The ice bar and restaurant serve snacks and drinks throughout the daylight hours. Last orders for day guests are usually taken at 3:45 PM daily. This ensures everyone has enough time to catch the final train back to the valley. You can check the official Zermatt Tourism site for daily weather updates.

Special Igloo village Zermatt events may occasionally change these standard operating times. Private functions or corporate parties sometimes book the entire venue for the evening. Always check the calendar before you start your hike or train journey. The village is made of fresh snow and ice every single year.

How to Access the Igloo Village in Zermatt

Reaching this icy wonder requires a scenic trip on the famous Gornergrat Bahn. You should board the train at the Zermatt station in the center of town. The journey takes about 25 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Alps. You need to exit the train at the Rotenboden station.

Once you arrive at Rotenboden, a short walk leads you to the village entrance. The path is clearly marked but can be quite slippery in the winter. It takes about ten to fifteen minutes to walk down to the igloos. Wear sturdy boots with good grip to ensure your safety on the snow.

The Gornergrat Bahn runs frequently throughout the day to accommodate mountain visitors. A return ticket from Zermatt to Rotenboden costs approximately 100 CHF during the peak season. Prices may vary depending on the exact month and any available travel passes. Learn more about how to reach Zermatt Igloo Village to save time.

Travelers using the Swiss Travel Pass can receive a significant discount on this train fare. Always keep your ticket handy as you will need it for the return trip. The trains are very punctual, so do not miss the last departure. Missing the final train means a very long and difficult walk down.

Special Igloo Village Zermatt Events and Activities

The village is famous for hosting unique gatherings in a frozen setting. One of the most popular activities is the traditional Swiss cheese fondue night. These dinners usually take place inside a large igloo decorated with intricate carvings. You must make a reservation weeks in advance for these popular evening slots.

Art lovers will enjoy the guided tours of the ice sculptures found within the rooms. Every year, international artists create new designs based on a specific theme. You can see these works of art during the standard day hours. If you want a deeper experience, consider spending a night in Zermatt Igloo Village for full access.

The village also serves as a romantic venue for winter weddings and proposals. Couples can book private igloos for a truly intimate and memorable celebration. Professional event planners on-site help manage all the logistics for these cold-weather parties. The atmosphere becomes truly magical once the sun sets behind the mountains.

For those visiting in January, look out for the Zermatt winter events 2026 schedule. The village often participates in local festivals and mountain-top celebrations during this month. You might find live music or special drink tastings at the ice bar. These events create a lively buzz throughout the snowy resort.

Practical Tips for Your Winter Igloo Visit

Dressing correctly is the most important part of enjoying your visit to the igloos. Even on sunny days, the temperature inside the ice structures remains near freezing. You should wear several layers of warm, moisture-wicking clothing for maximum comfort. Do not forget a warm hat, gloves, and thick wool socks.

Food and drink prices at the high-altitude bar are higher than in the town. A cup of hot mulled wine or tea usually costs between 8 and 12 CHF. A simple lunch of soup or a sandwich will cost around 20 CHF. Bringing some cash is helpful, though most major credit cards are accepted.

• Wear polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright snow glare.
• Apply sunscreen even if it feels cold, as the mountain sun is very strong.
• Charge your phone and camera batteries fully before leaving your hotel room.
• Arrive before noon to enjoy the best light for your photos.

The village can get very crowded during the Christmas and New Year holidays. If you prefer a quiet experience, visit on a weekday in late January. February is also a busy time due to school holidays in Europe. Planning your trip for March offers longer daylight hours and milder temperatures.