Andermatt Ski Resort Guide
Previously a small and hidden ski resort in the Ursern valley, Andermatt, has doubled in size since 2013 and is now making an exclusive comeback for serious and intermediate skiers with many luxury hotels, apartments and lifts.
Known for its reliable snow well into May and off-piste terrain, it has two snowy mountain ranges – Nätschen located on the north-east side and Gemsstock on the southern side.
Bond fans will also get a kick out of seeing where Bond filled up his Aston Martin at the local gas station Aurora, near the Gemsstock departure, after a car chase on the Furka pass in the movie Goldfinger.
The resort is about 2 hours by rail from the international airport of Zurich and 4.5 hours by rail from Geneva.
Good for
The Resort
The most luxurious resort of Andermatt – the 5-star Hotel Chedi – has been popular with stylish weekend day trippers who like to relax in its spas and wellness areas after a long day of powder-filled runs.
Located less than 1km from the Gemsstockahn cable car, it’s a convenient, peaceful and a quiet location in Andermatt. There are also many other accommodation options for families or more budget-conscious visitors. The weekends fill up, but the weekdays tend to be less crowded.
The village is small and has the traditional Swiss charm. For those who need their Vitamin D, the best time to visit is February at the earliest. In Mid-winter the town centre doesn’t see sun until late-afternoon and is one of the coldest ski resorts in Europe.
On the slopes
Snow conditions are ideal for freeride and backcountry riders, with solid snowfalls, long descents and snowy peaks. Sunny south-facing slopes on Nätschen to the east of Andermatt bring solid terrain for intermediates. The darker, north facing Gemsstock mountain stands 2961m high; this rugged and steep mountain is home of the famous Bernhard Rossi black run.
While the resort is more focused on advanced riders, there is also a very good beginner run in Sedrun on Valtgeva making this approachable for any ability.
New chairs and gondolas will bring you and 5 of your mates to harvest all the powder you want. The ski terrain will also be expanded in the 2019-20 season by linking Sedrun with neighbouring Distenis.
One drawback is that after a heavy snowfall much of the terrain is hidden and the visibility may be limited. If you want to make the most of scoring that powder, you can pay to hire a guide to show you the best kept secret mountain runs.
Fancy a train beer or coffee on the way to the slopes? The unique Après Ski Bar Train carriages provide music and beverages on its regular journeys. The slopes also provide a lively Après ski scene- try the Biber Bar near the gondola base and the Jodlerwirt Bar near the Gemsstock base. Enjoy a good drink at the end of the day at the Big T bar (and disco!) at Dieni, but it does fill up quickly.
Andermatt is not for those who want to party til dawn like Ischgl or St. Anton, but you can still enjoy an open fire and live music on Saturdays at Pinte Bar and Club. The Gotthard bar is also a good for some live entertainment and Spycher has the best pizza.
If you enjoy sushi after hitting the slopes, the restaurant at the Chedi is the best option for Japanese cuisine. Other Italian and swiss options include Baeren, Toutoune, Gasthaus Tell, and Gasthaus zum Sternen. Wine enthusiasts will love Vinothek 1620, an excellent wine bar that offers a simple but delicious food and wine menu.
The location
Stats
LIFTS
21
VERTICAL
1,444m – 2,961m (1,519m)
PISTES
120 kmm
