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La Grave vs Pontresina vs Zermatt: at a glance

Side-by-side comparison of La Grave, Pontresina and Zermatt based on Alpe Match data: ski area, altitude, size, prices and access.

La GravePontresinaZermatt
CountryFranceSwitzerlandSwitzerland
RegionAlte AlpiCanton of GrisonsValais
Price level––€€€€
Best forFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellersFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellersFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellers
Car-free centreNoPartlyYes
Nearest airportsGrenoble Alpes Isère Airport (GNB) (~100 km); Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) (~170 km)Zürich Airport (ZRH) - approx. 200 km; Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) - approx. 200 kmGeneva Airport (GVA) - approx. 235 km; Zurich Airport (ZRH) - approx. 250 km
Ski area19 km36 km360 km
Blue slopes––74 km
Red slopes–27 km227 km
Black slopes19 km9 km20 km
Ski lifts3552
Village altitude1,497 m1,805 m1,620 m
Maximum altitude3,983 m4,049 m3,899 m
Hiking trails200 km580 km400 km
Population4792,0776,099
Accommodation beds2,2004,00012,909

Key differences

  • Zermatt has the largest ski area: 360 km, compared with Pontresina (36 km) and La Grave (19 km).
  • Zermatt has the most black slopes: 20 km, compared with La Grave (19 km) and Pontresina (9 km).
  • Zermatt has the most ski lifts: 52, compared with Pontresina (5) and La Grave (3).
  • Pontresina has the highest village: 1,805 m, compared with Zermatt (1,620 m) and La Grave (1,497 m).
  • Pontresina has the highest top altitude: 4,049 m, compared with La Grave (3,983 m) and Zermatt (3,899 m).
  • Pontresina has the most hiking trails: 580 km, compared with Zermatt (400 km) and La Grave (200 km).
  • Zermatt has the largest accommodation capacity: 12,909, compared with Pontresina (4,000) and La Grave (2,200).

La Grave

World-renowned for lift-accessed off-piste and extreme freeride skiing under the iconic Meije peak, preserving a raw, non-commercialized alpine character.

Full guide to La Grave JSON

Pontresina

Historic alpine architecture, gateway to the Bernina Massif, high-altitude mountaineering, and world-class cross-country skiing infrastructure.

Full guide to Pontresina JSON

Zermatt

Zermatt is a world-renowned car-free destination famous for the iconic Matterhorn, year-round glacier skiing, and high-altitude luxury. It offers a massive interconnected ski area with Italy and a blend of authentic alpine charm and modern infrastructure.

Full guide to Zermatt JSON