The History of Zermatt Resort

Zermatt Resort, in Midway, Utah, was named after the open flat valley at the base of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland. Its name sought to draw a parallel between the breathtaking views of Switzerland and the open valley of Midway, Utah, which lies at the base of the 13,000 foot high Wasatch mountain range.

In 1863, Simon Schneitter emigrated with his family from Switzerland to Utah. They came as a group of thousands of  pioneer immigrants from many countries. After crossing the ocean and losing one child, Simon and his family arrived in Midway, Utah, along with fellow Swiss immigrants. To them, Midway was reminiscent of their native Switzerland.

In 1886, Simon Schneitter discovered a large, curious-looking rock crater on his farm. He noticed that the warm mineral water flowing from the pot rock was soothing, therapeutic and strangely attracting. It wasn’t long before Simon’s mineral water “Hot Pot” because the “hot tourist spot” for miles and mile. With the help of his wife Fanny’s cooking, they attracted even greater crowds and everyone wanted to stay longer. The Schneitters operated the family resort for 67 years where comfort, good food and the hot water bathing became famous with guests from throughout the United States.

The family legacy continued as Dr. Robert L. Fuller, the great-grandson of Simon Schneitter, sought to expand the vision of his great-grandfather. He built “Schneitter’s Swiss Oaks,” a year round condominium village overlooking the original “Hot Pots.” When it was completed, he felt it was time to bring the beauty of Heber Valley, the Swiss heritage of Midway, and the recreational splendor of this unique mountain setting to the public, by creating an authentic alpine village designed from the towns and villages throughout Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

To create and build Zermatt Resort, Dr. Fuller traveled with architects, engineers and designers to Europe  for the actual design and planning of the resort. In fact, many of its main features, such as the beautiful 20-foot-high lobby fireplace with Swiss Canton crests and German wood carvings, were created and carved in Oberammergau, Germany. Along with its Austrian chandelier, Swiss stained glass and French marquetrie, Zermatt Resort is an artistic showplace of its heritage.

The results have been the realization of what Robert Fuller conceived when he first envisioned the resort. Today, guests enjoy superb accommodations, conference facilities, gourmet dining, and boundless recreation amidst the authentic architecture and incredible atmosphere of Zermatt Resort.