"Paul" wrote in message
...
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?


Usually the hotel will collect you. There is a phone for this purpose at
the station.

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

See Web site - an International pass will include Cervinia. Take passport if
returning via cable car - there are random checks!

* 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;


We use Dorsaz Sport. It is by the lift to Furi. We leave own boots and
hired skis in shop at the end of each day. (We have stayed in hotels close
by)

http://www.dorsaz-sport.ch/



* I gather the ski areas are all a bit separate and involve a fair hike to
the lifts.

No longer the case since the introduction this year of the Furi - Riffelberg
lift

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?

Fluhalp, Schwarzsee

There was a place on the left between Furi and Zermatt at the end of a flat
section just before you go down a little dip. We used to go upstairs.


* 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')?


The hotel we stayed at had 'Free PCs' and there was also a wireless network
in the hotel.

* 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?

I think that would depend on you and whether you like skiing with others.

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

Thanks for your help, if you can.

Paul




--
Michael Chare