Sunnegga - the family paradise in Zermatt

8 Highlights on the Sunnegga

• Sunnegga is located at 2288 m above sea level and is a popular destination all year round
• Hikers and mountain bikers use the area around the Leisee with its trails in summer
• The Leisee has a bathing beach, playground and barbecue areas
• A marmot observation post is a special experience for the whole family
• An incomparable view of the Matterhorn lets excursionists enjoy the sun terrace of the restaurant
• The funicular takes only five minutes from Zermatt through a rock tunnel to Sunnegga
• Bike trails are popular on Sunnegga not only because of the unique view
• With the Kickbike, an all-terrain scooter, you ride from Sunnegga over 821 meters in altitude to Zermatt
• Children and adult ski or snowboard beginners use the Wolli beginners' park on Sunnegga
• Paragliders use the funicular to Sunnegga all year round

What to expect at Sunnegga

At 2,288 m above sea level, Sunnegga is situated on a plateau that offers a unique view of the Matterhorn.

You can reach this alpine area in under 5 minutes via the funicular railway from Zermatt, passing through a rock tunnel. Sunnegga is particularly family-friendly. Within a few minutes' walk, you can get to a viewpoint for marmots. The clear Leisee is very popular with families as a bathing lake. There are also barbecue spots and a playground for children.

In winter, winter sports take place further up. You'll quickly reach the ski area via the lifts, but the sun terrace is a great place to relax. The Wolli beginner's park at Sunnegga is suitable for ski beginners, and from here, winter walks and snowshoeing trails start.

Leisee at Sunnegga

The Leisee is located at 2,232 m above sea level and is a popular destination for families. You can reach it from the Sunnegga mountain station in about a 10-minute walk or just 3 minutes using the Leisee shuttle. Since the lake is shallow, it offers pleasant bathing temperatures in summer. A small stream flows into the lake, providing play opportunities for children. In July, they can observe tadpoles and small frogs here.

Besides the playground and a play raft, various barbecue and picnic spots make for the perfect addition to a family outing. Firewood is provided, but you should bring matches and some newspaper yourself.

A picnic pavilion protects from excessive sun or rain. The lake reflects the Matterhorn, making it a very popular photo spot.

Wolverine Observation Post Sunnegga

Just a few minutes' walk from the Sunnegga mountain station, you'll find an observation post for marmots. It's only staffed during the summer since marmots hibernate in winter. An educational trail provides information about the lives of these charming animals on display panels.

Wolli Adventure Park Sunnegga

The Wolli Adventure Park Sunnegga is located right next to Leisee. The playground is suitable for children aged 0-15. A wooden raft is securely attached to a cable, allowing older kids to cross the lake. There are barbecue spots, a picnic pavilion, toilets, and a kiosk nearby.

The playground features:

• Benches and tables
• Climbing frames
• Swings
• Slides
• More than 8 different play structures

Wolli is the mascot of the Zermatt region and represents a black-nosed sheep.

You can reach the Wolli Adventure Park from the Sunnegga mountain station via a marked path that’s suitable for strollers. With the shuttle funicular, it takes you five minutes.

Wolli Beginner Park Sunnegga

The Wolli Beginner Park is located in a particularly sunny and sheltered spot, making it perfect for ski and snowboard beginners.

Entry to the beginner park is free. You can practice on your own or book one of the ski schools in Zermatt. Five magic carpets (conveyor belts), drag lifts, and various play equipment ensure that all “snow bunnies” feel comfortable quickly.

You can reach the Wolli Beginner Park in 10 minutes on foot from the mountain station, or in 3 minutes using the self-service Leisee shuttle.

Arrival Sunnegga with the mountain railways

Two funiculars go to Sunnegga. One starts in Zermatt, the other at the Leisee.

Mountain railroads to Sunnegga

Valley station	Height (m a.s.l.)	Mountain station	Height (m a.s.l.)	Lift type
Zermatt	1599	Sunnegga	2279	Cable car (underground)
Leisee	2247	Sunnegga	2290	Stand Cableway (inclined)

From Sunnegga you have direct connection to these cable cars:

• Sunnegga - Blauherd combined lift
• chairlift Eisfluh
• Chairlift Findeln

The beginner ski pass of Zermatt Bergbahnen therefore includes all five cable cars. So, in addition to access to the Wolli beginner park, you also have access to the blue beginner slopes in the Sunnegga-Blauherd area

Swiss Activities Tip:

Youngsters under 16 ski for free on Saturdays. There is a 50% discount for them on the mountain railroads

Mountain railroads in the Sunnegga - Rothorn area

Two funicular railroads, one aerial tramway and one gondola lift operate in the Sunnegga-Rothorn area.

• Zermatt - Sunnegga (funicular)
• Sunnegga - Blauherd (gondola lift)
• Blauherd - Rothorn (aerial tramway)
• Leisee - Shuttle (funicular)
• Patrullarve (chairlift)
• Hublot-Express: Gant-Blauherd (chairlift)
• Eisfluh (chairlift)

The trip from Zermatt to the Rothorn is done with three consecutive cable cars and takes 20 min. From Zermatt (1608 m) to the Rothorn (3103 m) 1495 meters of altitude are covered.

Restaurant on the Sunnegga

The Buffet Bar Sunnegga restaurant is located directly at the mountain station. It has a huge terrace with a unique view of the Matterhorn. The sun is almost always shining here. The self-service restaurant is open all day and offers Swiss and Valais specialties, including vegan cuisine. There are 432 seats inside and 350 outside.

Other restaurants you'll find in Findeln:

• Paradise with 50/100 seats inside and outside
• Mountain restaurant Findlerhof with 100/120 seats
• Adler-Hitta with 120/120 seats

Activities on Sunnegga

Sunnegga is a year-round excursion paradise.

Activities on Sunnegga include:

• Skiing and snowboarding
• Hiking, winter hiking and snowshoeing
• Mountain biking and kick biking

Winter Sports at Sunnegga

Besides the Wolli beginner park, you can access 19 well-maintained slopes in the Rothorn-Sunnegga ski area at Sunnegga. You can take gondolas, chairlifts, and finally the funicular to get further up to the Rothorn.

This sun-drenched ski resort features popular runs such as 11 (red) and 7 (blue) between Rothorn and Sunnegga. After skiing, many skiers love to relax on the terrace of the Sunnegga restaurant to soak up the sun and enjoy the view of the Matterhorn.

For renting skis and sports gear, you’ll find two providers right close to the valley station.

Offers from swiss Activities for guided ski tours starting from Sunnegga:

• Ski Tour Fluehorn for beginners
• Ski Tour Pfulwe-Täsch

Skischools at Sunnegga

You’ll definitely find a course tailored to your skill level among the ski schools in Zermatt. Whether in a group or with a private instructor, Sunnegga is a great place to improve your skills.

A selection of offers from Swiss Activities

• Cool Teens Camp Ski & Snowboard 3 Days
• Private Telemark Ski School
• Kids Snowboard Group Ski School

Hiking Sunnegga

Some very popular hiking trails start or end on Sunnegga.

5-Lakes Hike (No. 11)

The 5-lake trail leads from Blauherd to Sunnegga. You pass these lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, Leisee.

• Distance: 9.8 km
• Duration: 2:30 hours
• Altitude gain: 165↑ 454↓ hm
• Season: June to September

Swiss Activities Tip:

You can see a reflection of the Matterhorn at Lake Stelli, Lake Grindji and Lake Lei.

Other hiking trails in summer

• Flower trail (No. 3): Blauherd - Tufteren - Sunnegga (1:20 hours)
• Marble trail (No. 8): Blauherd - Stellisee - Sunnegga (1:10 hours)
• Forest trail (no. 12): Sunnegga - Tufteren - Patrullarve - Ried - Zermatt (1:50 hours)

Winter hiking Sunnegga

In winter, it's best to take snowshoes to hike through the magnificent landscape.

Winter Wonder Trail snowshoes (no. 146): Sunnegga - Gant - Riffelalp

• Distance: 7.7 km
• Duration: 3 hours
• Altitude gain: 326 ↓ 237 ↑
• Season: December to April

Winter Hiking Trail (No. 110): Blauherd - Fluhalp

• Distance: 2.2 km
• Duration: 1 hour
• Altitude difference: 89 ↓ 55 ↑
• Season: December to April

Mountain bike and kickbike on the Sunnegga

With your mountain bike, be sure to show consideration for hikers on the trails. On the flow trail F2 (Sunnegga trail) you are on the road for 30 min without hikers and can really step on the gas

Kickbikes are all-terrain scooters that you can rent at the mountain station. You ride them from Sunnegga over 821 meters of altitude to Zermatt.

As you can see, there are many possibilities for activities on the Sunnegga. Therefore, the alpine area is very popular especially with families. The great view of the Matterhorn is a special highlight.