Reasons NOT to Propose While Skiing in Zermatt

If you have an exciting trip planned to Zermatt, Switzerland and you’re secretly planning to propose, you’ve come to the right place.

I am a professional photographer based in Zermatt who helps couples plan and execute their dream, surprise proposals every week! This village is a fantastic place to get engaged. Between the striking landscapes, cozy village, friendly people and beautiful seasons year-round, you can’t go wrong. However, there is one proposal plan that I try to steer people away from in our initial consultations: Proposing on skis. 

It is my number one priority to execute your vision, but here are some reasons why I don’t advise proposing while skiing.

With so many variables, it's hard to coordinate.

When you’re on the mountain, lots of things are out of your control. The gondolas and lifts could shut down. You might get stuck behind a large group. You may have an issue with your gear that you need to stop and fix. Certain runs might be closed for weather or maintenance… The list goes on and on. With so many variables, it can make being in a specific place on the mountain at a specific time very difficult. When I photograph proposals, I always remain hidden and discreet until the moment happens, so you can imagine how if the timing is off, it would be very hard to coordinate the capture of your planned surprise. Typically I “meet up” with couples at a certain place and time while still in the village and discreetly follow them to the decided spot but I cannot chase you down on skis with my camera on my back!

They may not like how you look and feel in all of your gear.

We all know the feeling on the mountain when your helmet and goggles are on, your hood is up, your jacket is zipped and your gloves are snug - you feel anonymous. You could be anyone. And while it’s warm and cozy, athletic and functional, I would guess few people describe it as sexy or beautiful. And the reality is, most people want to look good when they get engaged. Especially if there will be a surprise, professional photoshoot right after. Not to mention, proposals are very intimate. It is nice to feel physically close to each other with hugs, hand holding and kissing after you agree to spend your life together - all of which can be difficult when you’re suited up for sport. 

It’s dangerous to store the ring in your pocket.

Carrying any item with sentimental or monetary value in your pocket when you hit the slopes is risky. Carrying an engagement ring? Terrifying. All it takes is one brutal fall, one mis-zipped pocket, one moment of confusion about where you placed it and suddenly you either reveal the surprise on accident or, even worse, lose the ring. Not to mention how tricky it can be to do ANYTHING with your hands when you have your gloves on or are numb from cold. Think about the fluidity and smoothness with which you’d like to pull the ring out and drop to one knee. Can you see yourself doing that well through the gear, on the ice and snow, with your skis, emotion and nerves? 

After the moment, you can’t immediately celebrate.

The last point I will make is this: very often, after this highly emotional and exciting time, the couples I work with want to relax! They want to sit by a fire, have a glass of champagne and a nice dinner, take a little stroll–anything that can let their heart rates come down, their nerves settle and allow the new reality to set in. Even though it is a happy time, adrenaline will be pumping and it will feel like a rush. However, when you get engaged on the top of the mountain, you have to ski all the way down. You may feel much more exhausted doing this than normal with everything your body has just felt so consider what your partner might need after this monumental surprise.

Some ideas I suggest instead:

As I said, I help proposing individuals pull off epic, gorgeous proposals year round. I know the mountain like the back of my hand and have so many plans down to a science. Here are a few alternatives that still excite and delight my clients:

• Taking the train to Rotenboden or Riffelalp and popping the question in the snow in front of the Matterhorn

• Taking a helicopter ride through the alps and getting engaged amongst the peaks

• Taking a quiet and romantic hike and asking them to marry you on a forest path or in a snowy clearing 

• Planning a visit to the Schönegg or Bella Vista hotel terraces in the village and dropping to one knee in front of the stunning, twilight horizon

Now, if you know for a fact that a ski proposal would mean a lot to your person and you don’t plan on hiring a photographer, this article may not be for you. And that’s totally valid. But remember, it’s a moment in your life that will never happen again and it’s happening in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Capturing that is really special. If I can’t convince you it’s worth it, maybe some of these photos will.

No matter what you decide to do, it will be INCREDIBLE, special and lovely. It’s my job to make sure the logistics go smoothly and the pictures turn out breathtaking. So let’s talk through your ideas and plan this big moment together. 

BOOK A CONSULTATION NOW