Ever driven through the Heber Valley and wondered why there’s a massive Swiss clock tower just chilling in the middle of the Utah mountains?
It’s a bit trippy at first. You’re in Midway, a town that honestly feels like someone took a slice of the Alps and dropped it right into Wasatch County. The centerpiece of this whole European fever dream is Zermatt Hotel Midway Utah, or as it’s officially known, Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa.
I’ve spent a fair amount of time wandering these grounds, and let me tell you, it’s not just a place to sleep. It’s basically a portal. One minute you’re dodging traffic in Salt Lake, and 50 minutes later, you’re walking past a giant stone-carved bear and murals that look like they belong in a Hans Christian Andersen story.
The Vibe: It’s Kinda Like a Fairy Tale (But With Better Coffee)
If you’re expecting a cookie-cutter Marriott, you’re going to be surprised.
The original vision for Zermatt came from a local dentist, Dr. Fuller. He built the place in 2006 as a tribute to his Swiss grandmother. You can really feel that personal touch in the details—the cobblestone driveways, the hand-painted coats of arms from Swiss cantons in the lobby, and the ornate wood-paneled ceilings.
It’s charming. Sometimes a little "themed," sure, but in a way that feels earnest rather than tacky.
The resort sits on 18 acres and has about 300 rooms. But "rooms" is a loose term here. You’ve got standard hotel rooms, but then you’ve got these massive villas that have full kitchens and jetted tubs. If you’re traveling with a crew, the villas are the way to go.
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Why the Location Actually Matters
Midway is the "quiet" neighbor to Park City. While Park City is great, it’s also chaotic and, frankly, overpriced during peak season. Staying at Zermatt Hotel Midway Utah puts you about 20 minutes from the Deer Valley gondola without the $800-a-night price tag.
Plus, you’re right across the street from the Homestead Crater.
If you haven’t heard of the Crater, it’s a 10,000-year-old geothermal spring tucked inside a limestone dome. The water stays at 95 degrees year-round. It’s the only place in the continental U.S. where you can do warm-water scuba diving. Even if you don't dive, just soaking in that blue water while it’s snowing outside is a core memory kind of experience.
The Food Situation (Don’t Skip the Bakery)
Let’s get real: hotel food can be hit or miss.
But Zermatt has a secret weapon: the Backerei & Eis.
Most people just call it "the bakery." It’s arguably the best thing about the resort. They make everything from scratch—croissants, fruit tarts, and this chocolate mousse bomb that is legitimately dangerous. If you’re staying there, your morning ritual will basically be walking down to grab a latte and a pastry and sitting by the duck ponds.
For dinner, you’ve got Z’s Steak and Chop Haus.
- The Beef Wellington: It’s their showstopper. They wrap it in prosciutto and mushroom duxelles.
- Pork Schnitzel: A nod to the Swiss roots.
- The Brunch: They’ve won "Best of State" for their Sunday brunch. It’s a lot of food. Pace yourself.
There’s also a more casual spot called the Lobby Lounge for burgers and beer. It’s 21+ in the evenings, which is nice if you want to escape the families for a bit.
What to Do When You Aren’t Napping
One of the weirdest and coolest things about Zermatt is the sheer variety of random activities on-site.
They have a carousel. Yes, a full-sized European carousel that runs every hour. They have life-sized chess. They have mini-golf that recently got a refresh.
And then there’s the Goat Yoga.
I know, I know. It sounds like a gimmick. But doing a downward dog while a baby goat tries to eat your hair is surprisingly therapeutic. It’s one of those things you just have to do once for the story.
The Spa and Wellness Center
If you’re here to actually relax, the Spa at Zermatt is legit. They have a year-round indoor/outdoor "swim-through" pool. You start inside, swim under a glass partition, and suddenly you’re outside in the mountain air while the water stays toasty.
The indoor hot tub has a two-story waterfall. It’s loud, it’s steamy, and it’s perfect after a day of skiing.
They offer all the standard stuff—massages, facials, wraps—but they also have a steam room and dry sauna that are complimentary for guests. Most resorts charge a "spa access fee" just to look at the sauna, so this is a nice perk.
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Winter vs. Summer: When Should You Go?
Winter is the classic choice. You’ve got the Ice Castles of Utah (usually open January-February) which are literally walking distance from the hotel. You’ve also got Soldier Hollow nearby for tubing and cross-country skiing. It was an Olympic venue in 2002, and the tubing lanes are some of the longest in the state.
Summer is actually my favorite. The Heber Valley stays a good 10-15 degrees cooler than Salt Lake. You can go fly fishing on the Provo River, which is world-class "Blue Ribbon" water. Or you can head to Deer Creek Reservoir for paddleboarding.
The golf is also top-tier. You’ve got the Homestead course right across the street, plus the Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow courses just a few minutes away.
A Few Real-World Tips
Honesty time: the resort isn't brand new. It was renovated in 2015, but some of the rooms can feel a little "classic." If you want the most modern experience, ask for the villas or the recently updated suites.
Also, keep in mind that Midway is a small town. Things close earlier than they do in the city. If you’re arriving late, don't expect to find a 24-hour diner nearby.
Wait, what about the goats?
The goats aren't just for yoga; they live on the property. Kids love them. If you’re traveling with family, bring some quarters for the dispensers so you can feed them.
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Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Book the Crater early. You cannot just walk into the Homestead Crater. It requires a reservation and they fill up weeks in advance, especially on weekends.
- Hit the Bakery at opening. The best pastries (looking at you, almond croissants) sell out by 10:00 AM.
- Check the Event Calendar. Zermatt is a huge conference hub. If there’s a massive tech retreat happening, the pool will be packed. Try to aim for mid-week stays if you want peace and quiet.
- Explore the Town Square. Take the 5-minute drive into "downtown" Midway. Grab a pizza at Cafe Galleria or check out the Swiss flags flying along the main street.
- Pack for "Mountain Casual." Even at the steakhouse, you don't need a tuxedo. Jeans and a nice sweater are the vibe here.
Staying at Zermatt Hotel Midway Utah is about leaning into the quirkiness. It’s about the clock chimes, the mountains, and that weirdly addictive Swiss chocolate. Whether you’re there to ski or just to hide from your emails for three days, it’s a spot that definitely leaves an impression.