Norbert Julen and his family have been at the helm of boutique Zermatt hotel 22 SUMMITS since its opening in 1999. Driven by a love of Zermatt and the mountains and a passion for sharing their destination and all it has to offer in both winter and summer with clients from all over the world. We spoke to Norbert to find out more about 22 SUMMITS and life in one of Europe’s most popular alpine resorts.

Norbert Julen working as a mountain guide

Tell us a bit about your background and previous experience?

I am a mountain guide in winter and during the summer we do a lot of renovations. As we do have to close our hotel due to coronavirus we were already able to start with the renovations in our sister hotel Casa Vanessa. We are renovating the bathrooms and the bedrooms. The goal is to renovate the apartments in the same style as the 22 SUMMITS and to rent them under the same name “22 SUMMITS Apartments”. Due to coronavirus it is difficult to get the material (as some of the material comes from Italy). However, we try our best and we are happy that we could start already now, so we hope to be ready beginning of July.

What has been your favourite moment at 22 SUMMITS?

Since one year my children Nicola, Carolina and Rachel are also working in the hotel. I like to see how the whole family is working on it. Like this I can be a mountain guide during the winter season.

What do you love about working in the mountains?

Working in Zermatt and in the mountains is incredible. We are surrounded by some 38 mountains over 4000 meters. Zermatt is very international and I love to communicate with different people all over the world.

Where is your favourite place to ski?

My favourite place to ski is the Klein Matterhorn area. The freeride area is also quite big. You can combine your ski day with a lunch in Cervinia (Italy).

What influences have you brought to the hotel?

We had the opportunity to build the hotel completely new with our architect Hans Zurniwen. For me it was important that the interior design is a mix between mountain chic and modern. We used a lot of old wood, which we were able to buy from old buildings around Zermatt. This old wood helps the public areas a lot to get a cosy mountain atmosphere.

What changes has the industry seen in your resort?

Travel behaviour of our guests changed a lot the last few years. Before we had a lot of return costumer who booked their stay already one year in advance. Today a lot of people, especially young people they like to book a room last minute. We had adapted our cancellation policy and created a non-refund rate. We try to privilege clients, who plan their trip in advance.

In your eyes what makes your resort a special destination?

The exclusive boutique hotel will enchant you with 22 stylishly furnished rooms and suites, a bar and lounge and a unique, two-story wellness area. Trendy & alpine design, perfect comfort, casual ambiance and a breath-taking views of the Matterhorn await you in a quiet but centrally located area.

What experience do you want to give your guests when they stay at your hotel?

We want to create a second home in the mountains for our clients. The lobby and lounge of the house is like a second living room. They can relax and indulge next to the fire place or read a book in our cosy library on the second floor.

What new developments are there to the hotel and service this year?

We love Zermatt and the mountains. And we want to share this love with our clients! With infinite passion, we work towards our goal of offering our clients a stay that they will fondly remember for a long time. With first-hand insider tips and secret spots, we would like to introduce Zermatt to you from a different perspective.

Where do you like to spend your holidays?

We like to spend beautiful summers enjoying the sunshine in South France.

Which is your favourite room in the hotel?

The Matterhorn double rooms are my favourite rooms, over an average of 30 fantastic square meters will impress you with their spacious bathrooms and a comfortable sitting area. On the balcony, the alpine surroundings with a view of the Matterhorn can also be conquered as private territory.

What is your favourite dish on the menu in the hotel?

We do have not restaurant in the hotel; however, my favourite restaurant in Zermatt is Brasserie Uno.