Zermatt Snowfall Data & Powder Probability

Snowfall patterns over the last decade

Across ERA5 reanalysis snowfall records from 2015 to 2025, Zermatt averages 650cm (256 inches) of snowfall a year, with the November-through-April ski season delivering about 460cm of that total. November is the heaviest calendar month in the 10-year average at 90.7cm — unusual for an Alpine resort — followed by April at 82.5cm, January at 79.4cm and March at 78.8cm; December (77.8cm) and February (50.7cm) fill out the season. The shoulder months are still significant: October adds 41.4cm and May another 60.7cm of average snowfall to the higher elevations. Ranked by powder probability — the share of weeks with at least 15cm of fresh snow — December leads at 46%, just ahead of March at 44%, November at 40%, January at 38% and April at 35%, so any week from mid-November through April has historically delivered nearly a coin-flip on a 15cm-plus week, with the December peak the highest hit-rate window in the record.

Year-to-year variability is extreme. January snowfall in the 10-year record ranges from 22.1cm in the driest winter to a remarkable 288.3cm in the wettest — a roughly 13x spread on a single calendar month. November swings between 5.4cm and 217.9cm, March between 17.0cm and 220.6cm, and April between 26.1cm and 178.2cm. The November range is the most consequential for trip planning: a quiet early season can leave the lower mountain piste-dependent until Christmas, while a strong one can deliver more snow than the heart of midwinter. A multi-year baseline is more useful for choosing travel dates than any single-week Zermatt snow report or short-range forecast.

In the context of neighbouring Swiss resorts tracked here, Zermatt's 650cm annual average is at the top of the cluster: Saas-Fee records 609cm, Verbier 504cm, St. Moritz 500cm and Laax 303cm in the same dataset. Zermatt's edge is concentrated in the shoulder season — its November (90.7cm) is roughly double Verbier's and triple St. Moritz's — driven by the same orographic setup that lifts moist Atlantic and Mediterranean fronts onto the 4,478m Matterhorn massif and the highest lift-served terrain in the Alps at the Klein Matterhorn (3,883m). The high base elevation (1,620m in the village, with terrain to 3,883m) preserves snow quality well into spring; for peak powder probability the late-November through mid-March window concentrates the highest hit rate, while late-April skiing on the upper sectors remains competitive most years.

Snow & Weather Conditions

We use 10 years of historical data to help you plan — not a live snow report.

Swiss resorts benefit from high-altitude glacier terrain and reliable snowfall. The combination of altitude and north-facing slopes preserves snow quality throughout the season. The rarefied atmosphere at this elevation keeps ambient temperatures far below the freezing mark for months on end, ensuring a stable base that just keeps growing. Even modest weather disturbances tend to deposit surprisingly fine, low-moisture crystals. Cumulative seasonal totals routinely top 8-12 metres, packing down into a base layer 3-4 metres deep by mid-winter.

Best Time to Ski

The best time to ski at Zermatt is December and March, with 77.8cm average snowfall and 46% powder probability. Based on 10 years of historical snowfall data from PowderDays. Season runs from late November to late April, with glacier skiing extending into summer. February and March are peak months for fresh snow. PowderDays' historical tool lets you compare precipitation patterns and find the best travel windows.

Powder Probability by Month

Chance of 15cm+ fresh snow in any given week (10 years of data):

• Nov40%
• Dec46%
• Jan38%
• Feb31%
• Mar44%
• Apr35%

10-Year Snow History

What Makes It Special

Dramatic glacier descents, perfectly groomed trails, and challenging off-piste routes amid some of the most photogenic mountain scenery on earth. Many Swiss resorts offer year-round glacier skiing. Swiss precision meets mountain tradition — expect immaculately groomed pistes, panoramic mountain restaurants, fondue, and a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.