LOVE THE MOUNTAINS – RESPECT THE RULES
With consideration and tolerance, everyone can enjoy the mountains together.
With good route planning, up-to-date weather forecasts and the right equipment, nothing stands in the way of your mountain adventure.
Whether on a bike or on foot, stay on the marked trails so that the flora and fauna can thrive undisturbed. Pay special heed to the signposted wildlife and forest protection zones. These are marked on our panoramic maps and shown in the overview here.
Certain protected areas apply in winter too; these must be respected by ski tourers and off-piste skiers.
Keep your distance from wild animals and grazing livestock and avoid disturbing them. Leave nature as you found it – take nothing with you, leave nothing behind. By caring for the environment, you are helping to preserve the beauty and diversity of the mountains.
Take your rubbish with you and dispose of it at the designated collection points in the village. Even organic waste such as fruit peel or paper tissues do not belong in nature – they often take many months or even years to decompose completely.
Assess your abilities realistically and avoid unnecessary risks. Good preparation and honest self-assessment are crucial for safe and enjoyable trips in the mountains.
Camping on public land is not permitted. This also applies to all mountain lakes in the destination. More information is available in the police regulations of the municipality of Zermatt, Article 43 (Camping).
Dogs must be kept on a leash in the village, except in designated off-leash areas. An overview of these areas and prohibited zones can be found here.
- When off the leash, dogs must remain within sight and earshot at all times.
- During the breeding and nesting season, dogs must be kept on a leash in the forest and its surroundings, and meadows should be avoided during the growing season.
- Dog waste must be picked up in all situations and disposed of correctly in a Robidog container or a waste bag.
In and near the forest, fires may only be lit in public places designated by the municipality or in clearly safe locations, depending on the current danger level. Open fires must be supervised at all times and completely extinguished before leaving. You can find a list of the official fire pits in the destination here.
As a general rule, drones are not permitted over the village or in the vicinity of cable car facilities and ski slopes. In Switzerland, you need a permit from the relevant airport operator to fly drones within a 5 km radius of heliports. As the heliport in Zermatt is located at the entrance to the village, drones weighing more than 250 g always require a permit. Permission must therefore be obtained from Air Zermatt in advance for planned flights.
Flying over crowds of people is generally prohibited. Areas protected for wildlife must also be respected – animals must not be flown towards or pursued. If they react, the flight must be stopped immediately. Direct visual contact with the drone must be maintained at all times.
Further information and the current regulations are available here.