I'm off to Zermatt with my son on 10 April for a week. I'm flying to Geneve
from Liverpool and then getting the train. We are staying in the Albana Real
which is in Schluhmattstrasse.

I'm a Zermatt virgin so I'd welcome a few clues about getting around and
making the most of the place. For instance:

* I gather that Zermatt is a ped-zone so how do we get from the Bahnhoff to
the hotel with luggage? Do we walk or is there an alternative?

* what's the lift pass deal? How much? Where do you get them? Do you need a
photo? Any tips or traps?

* we take our own boots but prefer to hire skis. Where's the best/most
convenient hire shop? What brands of kit are we likely to be offered (I like
to do a bit of research before I go)? I'm generally looking for something
like the Rossi B2;

* I gather the ski areas are all a bit separate and involve a fair hike to
the lifts. Any comments or suggestions about the lifts/ski areas (which are
best, or best in certain circumstances; what's the best sequence to do them
in?). My son is a very good, and I'm a pretty good, skier but we are likely
to be on-piste most of the time (so it is decreed by she who will not be
coming with us!);

* in Austria and parts of Italy, the lifts have ski and boot storage
facilities to save you tromping about in boots etc. Is there anything like
that in Z and is it a waste of time anyway because of the way the slopes and
lifts are spread about?

* any particular recommendations for mountain or village restaurants (though
we are half board) or for apres-ski?

* how technologically advanced is Zermatt? I'm going to have to do some work
while I'm there so I'll need some connectivity. I've got a 3G data card but
are there any convenient alternatives (and I don't include internet cafes in
the definition of 'convenient')?

* we'll be arriving late Tuesday (probably too late to sort out the kit
hire). I know SCGB has a host in Z but only to the end of the week. Is it
worth trying to connect wirth her/him part way through the week?

* Anything else I should know but am too ignorant to ask?

Thanks for your help, if you can.

Paul