Hi Everyone,
Just back from a fabulous long weekend skiing in Andermatt…
Driving to Andermatt takes just a little over an hour from Zurich. Making it super easy to get to even just for a day trip. Note though, there is plenty to do so my tip would certainly be to spend a few nights there.
A little history:
Interestingly Andermatt used to be extremely popular as a spa town in the 1800’s. However once the St Gotthard Railway tunnel opened in 1881 tourists bypassed the village, choosing to take the tunnel to sunny Ticino. Since 1885 Andermatt was the military base of the Swiss Federal Army. Today it is still a training centre of the Swiss Army.
The turn of the 21st century saw tourism begin to flourish once more, especially with the opening of the Chedi, a 5-star hotel and luxury apartments complex. Followed by large investments being made extending the ski region, making it the largest ski area in Switzerland. The opening of the beautiful 4 star RADISSON BLU Hotel and many more luxury apartments also helping to increase Andermatt’s tourism.
Keep reading for “Best Andermatt Winter Tips in a Nutshell”.
Best Andermatt Winter Tips in a Nutshell
The largest ski area in Switzerland
With over 180km ski pistes, 33 lifts and the longest decent being 6km there is certainly a lot of fun to be had at the Ski Arena Andermatt.
Despite being in Andermatt just when the Canton of Zurich has it’s Winter sport holidays, there were hardly any people on the slopes. One big reason to go there if you ask me.
From Andermatt village you can either take the gondola up to Gütsch at 2’344 m. Here there are pistes for all levels including little ones and total beginners. It is possible to ski all the way to Disentis – allow for the whole day if you wish to do this and back.
The restaurants at Gütsch are both Michelin star, but if you want delicious regular mountain food simply ski 200m down towards the middle station and the Wachthuus will pop up on your right. We had the most delicious rösti and dessert.
Alternatively you can take the gondola up to the Gemsstock which at 2’961m has the most amazing views over neighbouring mountain ranges. In fact I would say this view should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Unfortunately there is no restaurant at the top – only at the middle station, Gurschen.
The slopes on this side are all either black or red so it is not the place for a total beginner. However I would call them relatively gentle red slopes – nothing to truly be too afraid of if you can ski.
The best way to order your ski ticket is online:
https://www.andermatt-sedrun-disentis.ch
Note the great 50% discount available until 1st May 2022 for anyone who has a half-price pass.
You might also like to try Free riding, sledding, cross-country skiing, ski touring or more…
Ski Rental
There are a number of places to rent skis throughout Andermatt but my favourite is Imholz Sport Andermatt.
This is the second time we rented our ski/snowboard equipment there and the service is simply unbeatable. Ask for Thomas – he is our favourite – smile!
We got great equipment perfect for our level of skiing/snowboarding and kept on trying boots until I really had the perfect pair for me. Good ski equipment makes such a difference to your day on the slopes and I can really recommend:
They have a few locations and also offer courses as well as Fat bikes and E-Fat bikes for Winter.
Where to Stay:
One of our favourite places to stay in Andermatt is the RADISSON BLU Hotel Reussen, Andermatt. It’s a 4 minute walk away from the Gütsch gondola and only 10 steps away from our favourite ski rental place: Imholz Sport Andermatt.
The lobby and bar area pictured above is so welcoming and the perfect melting pot where guests relax from afternoon till evening.
Rooms are modern with plenty of space for storing ski clothing etc.
Personal tip: ask for a room with direct mountain view on a higher level.
I love the light details throughout the hotel.
The restaurant is also a great option if you don’t feel like going out into the cold at night:
There is also a lovely spa with lap pool looking out onto the mountains and gym available.
View from our room:
For bookings:
Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen, Andermatt
Andermatt – the secret village tip:
A lovely 10 – 15 minute walk crossing the Reuss on your way, will take you into the heart of Andermatt village.
Along our walk we discovered the cutest wine bar: Vinothek 1620. The building in Andermatt dates back to 1620 – hence the name. It is run by an Italian man, Dani who is super passionate about what he does. Telling us he constantly travels throughout every region of Italy, France, Switzerland, and the Mediterranean to find new small wine producers. His focus is around Bio & Biodynamic wines, small and away from mainstream industrial production.
Dani also bakes fantastic artisan bread – make sure to order a portion with your wine. On our way home we visited his bakery in Altdorf – bread being the perfect souvenir to take home.
Outfit details:
Ski Suit – Capranea
Helmet – Cp-fashionatsports The secret is that it even has a fabulous cashmere lining.
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Wishing you all a fabulous Winter sport season!
You might also like to read about The Chedi Andermatt here.
Hi dear Yvonne thank you for your blog Andermatt sound really like a place to dream off so beautiful with those beautiful Mountains and very nice Hotels love it very much