A Ritz-Carlton will open in Zermatt, Switzerland, and it will probably be the most luxurious ski resort in Europe that can be booked by points.

The Ritz-Carlton Zermatt opened in 2026

Marriott has signed an agreement with Mario Julen to open the Ritz-Carlton in Zermatt, Switzerland. It will be the first Ritz-Carlton ski resort in Europe, and the brand’s second property in the country, after the Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, in Geneva.

The problem is, the hotel will only open in 2026, so we have to be patient. The hotel is expected to have 69 guest rooms, so it will become a boutique.

The property offers unobstructed views of the Matterhorn. The design plan suggests that the property will feature two restaurants and two bars, an outdoor terrace for outdoor dining, ski-in ski-out access to the slopes, a spa and gym, and indoor and outdoor pools.

The property will be designed by the Paris-based firm AW², led by architectural partners Reda Amalou and Stéphanie Ledoux, with architectural and interior designs expected to offer a chic look to a classic mountain chalet.

Here are some renderings from the Ritz-Carlton Zermatt:

The exterior of the Ritz-Carlton Zermatt

The Ritz-Carlton Zermatt pool

The Ritz-Carlton Zermatt Spa

Here’s a video about the new hotel:

Why am I excited about the Ritz-Carlton Zermatt

Personally I am very happy with this property, as it should be a wonderful opportunity to redeem points. I will try to control my excitement, considering we will have to wait five years.

No, I don’t ski – Ford is a skier and I am an après skier. Once a year we try to go somewhere so he can ski, and I end up enjoying it. Even though I don’t like the cold, I absolutely love sitting by the fireplace looking at the snow. And I also enjoy the culture around skiing (i.e. sitting outside drinking heated alcohol).

Ski culture in Europe is much more enjoyable than in the US, although there are not many ski hotels you can book with points in Europe. As an example, I have lived in W Verbier, which was great fun, although I’m not sure I should go back. Having other options that are likely to be better is something to look forward to.

W Hotel Verbier

Also being developed in Europe in Alila La Gruyère, Switzerland, which will have 85 guest rooms. As Hyatt Globalist World I can’t wait for this new property.

Serving of Alila La Gruyère

I also want to go to the Park Hyatt Niseko (in Japan), because I’ve never experienced ski culture in Japan, although I’m sure it would be great (like almost anything else in Japan).

Park Hyatt Niseko

The bottom line

The Ritz-Carlton Zermatt is expected to open in 2026, and will be a great new option for skiers looking to redeem points in Europe. With only 69 rooms, this will be a boutique property, and I think the cash price will be very high.

Between this and the new Alila, there are some great new European ski properties to look forward to.

Anyone interested in the Ritz-Carlton Zermatt?

(Tip of the hat to JDP)