Situated high on the Italian side of the Matterhorn and surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery, this old climbing village offers wide, well groomed, gentle slopes ideal for early intermediates as well as an excellent nursery slope for beginners. If you are searching for powder and thrill, think again: off piste is limited and experienced skiers and boarders will be easily frustrated.  Although recent lift improvements to Zermatt have made access quicker, they can close in bad weather.  There are good guided heli-drops and one of the best terrain parks in Italy - but these come at additional cost.
The village has evolved over the years and although the centre is pleasant, it is surrounded by nondescript hotel and apartment blocks which sit uncomfortably together. Most of the hotels are only accessible on foot which means coach/taxi drop-offs are from a central point. Après ski centres on a few bars and for those who don’t plan to hit the slopes there is little to do with only a few marked walks and limited spa facilities. 
For the cautious, or simply if you just want to cruise the slopes, Cervinia is great place to learn and progress your snow skills. Thanks to the great number of tour operators offering holidays to this destination there is always opportunity to pick up cheap packages and late deals.