Easy Hike in Zermatt | 1-Day Trip with Kid & Dog

I woke up to the kind of view that makes you forget to breathe for a moment — the Matterhorn, standing proud and impossibly perfect, framed right outside our hotel window. My coffee steamed gently in my hand, but I hardly noticed. It’s not every day you wake up to the mountain from the Toblerone bar logo, and I wasn’t about to rush it.

We had just one day in Zermatt, which meant no time for long, muscle-testing alpine hikes. Traveling with a 13-year-old daughter and Hana, our Shiba Inu with a nose for every interesting smell, meant we needed something spectacular but manageable. The Peak2Peak Pass was our golden ticket — letting us ride between two major peaks, soaking in all the panoramic glory without spending hours trudging uphill.

The cable cars floated above the valleys, the world below shrinking into a patchwork of green meadows and tiny villages. At each stop, we hopped out for short walks, breathing in that crisp, clean mountain air that feels like it should be bottled. The Matterhorn kept appearing and disappearing between ridgelines, each angle more photogenic than the last. My daughter alternated between snapping photos and staring quietly — which, for a teenager, is high praise indeed.

We found a few well-marked, family- and dog-friendly trails just off the lift stations, perfect for stretching our legs without the pressure of “needing” to get somewhere. Hana trotted ahead, tail curling proudly, occasionally stopping to sniff something clearly far more fascinating than the views. By mid-afternoon, the combination of fresh air, excitement, and endless steps was catching up with both her and my daughter. By the time we descended back into the village, the two of them were moving at the exact same tired-but-happy pace.

Traveling with a dog in Zermatt is doable, but not without its quirks. Grassy areas for walking are few and far between, so it helps to plan your routes. Keep your dog leashed where it’s required, avoid places where dogs aren’t allowed, and always clean up after them. I carry biodegradable waste bags everywhere — they weigh next to nothing and keep things friendly for both locals and other travelers.

Our one-day easy hike in Zermatt was proof that you don’t have to be a seasoned mountaineer to fall for the Swiss Alps. With the Peak2Peak Pass, we saw the Matterhorn from more angles than I can count, walked scenic trails without overdoing it, and still had time for a relaxed wander through the village before dinner. It was a day full of crisp air, beautiful views, and the quiet kind of satisfaction that comes from knowing you made the most of your time — without feeling like you’d run a marathon.