Everything you need for your Andermatt ski holiday
23th June, 2025
5 min read time
Andermatt blends the charm of an authentic Swiss village with a thriving ski scene renowned for its superb off-piste terrain and consistent snow conditions. Famous for steep powder runs on the legendary Gemsstock mountain, yet equally welcoming for intermediate skiers and families in the Nätschen area, the resort offers versatility alongside Alpine luxury. Away from the slopes, Andermatt impresses with excellent dining, refined après-ski spots, and picturesque winter walks.
Whether you're chasing exhilarating descents, leisurely family skiing, or simply soaking up traditional Swiss mountain culture, this guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable Andermatt ski holiday, from essential slope insights to après-ski and culinary delights.
Andermatt is located in the canton of Uri, in the heart of the central Swiss Alps.
Nearest airport
Zurich Airport: 125 km (77 mi)
Transfer time
Zurich Airport: 1hr 45 min via A4
Andermatt the resort
Resort elevation: 1,445 m (4,741 ft)
Population: ~1,500
Andermatt uniquely combines traditional Alpine authenticity with contemporary luxury. The charming old village retains its historic appeal with its winding main street, cosy bars, and local shops. Meanwhile, the newer part of town, led by the luxurious Chedi Andermatt hotel, provides high-end amenities, sophisticated accommodation, and elegant dining without disrupting the quaint charm. The village architecture remains tastefully traditional, creating a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary comfort. Nestled among majestic white peaks and dense alpine forests, Andermatt delivers a quintessentially Swiss mountain experience.
Pros
Cons
Exceptional snow record
Limited terrain options for complete beginners
Extensive freeride
Limited number of mountain restaurants
Extensive expert terrain
Weekends can be crowded
Here is how Andermatt looks like
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Andermatt has to offer.
Types of pistes: 47.5 km (29.5 mi) blue, 84 km (52 mi) red, 37 km (23 miles) black, 16.5 km (10 miles) yellow/freeride
Ski lifts: 33
The interconnected ski area of Andermatt, Sedrun, and Disentis is the largest in Central Switzerland, offering an extensive and diverse 180 kilometres (112 mi) of pistes served by 33 modern lifts that reach up to nearly 3,000 metres (9,843 ft). The area is conveniently linked by the Sport Train and the Cuolm da Vi gondola, seamlessly connecting Andermatt–Sedrun with Disentis, ensuring effortless exploration of all sectors.
### Andermatt–Gemsstock
Famed among freeriders and advanced skiers, Gemsstock is the crown jewel for adrenaline seekers. Rising to nearly 3,000 metres (9,843 feet), this north-facing area delivers unmatched snow reliability from November to May, with exhilarating off-piste terrain, steep descents, and deep powder runs. The legendary Bernhard Russi Run, a record-long downhill piste, challenges even expert skiers with an impressive 1,500 metres (4,921 feet) vertical descent. The area also hosts the Avalanche Training Centre, promoting safety awareness and skills for freeriding adventures.
### Andermatt–Nätschen–Oberalp–Sedrun
This sunny, family-friendly sector offers picturesque wide pistes perfect for intermediate skiers and leisurely enthusiasts. The Nätschen area presents long, relaxing descents ideal for improving technique and enjoying spectacular views across the Oberalp Pass. Numerous spacious mountain terraces invite skiers to relax and soak up the sunshine between runs, making it a favoured area for groups and families alike.
### Disentis
Known for its outstanding natural beauty and quieter slopes, Disentis combines serene Alpine charm with excellent skiing and diverse winter sports. Here, skiers can explore a mix of intermediate and advanced runs, along with vast opportunities for freeriding. Off-slope activities are abundant, including ski touring, snowshoeing, fat biking, and even paragliding, further enhancing the ski area's versatility and appeal.
Skiing in Andermatt
Beginners
Andermatt offers limited beginner-friendly skiing. A long gentle blue piste from Nätschen to the village provides an easy introduction, but the resort is not particularly suited for complete beginners. First-timers would likely benefit more from other ski areas designed specifically for new skiers.
Intermediates
Intermediates have plenty to enjoy, especially around the Nätschen and Sedrun sectors, which offer extensive and varied red runs. Wide, well-groomed slopes provide confidence-building descents along with panoramic mountain views. On Gemsstock, confident intermediates can experience longer, sweeping red pistes served by the top cable-car, offering challenging but accessible terrain.
Advanced/freeriding
For advanced skiers, Andermatt is a paradise, especially on Gemsstock mountain. Renowned worldwide for its steep terrain and excellent off-piste conditions, Gemsstock delivers thrilling descents with impressive vertical drops. With a reliable snow record, the area provides limitless freeriding opportunities, attracting powder enthusiasts seeking challenging, untouched snow.
Snowboarding
Snowboarders are particularly well-served on Gemsstock's freeride terrain, offering superb natural features and extensive powder fields. The interconnected Andermatt-Sedrun area also includes dedicated snowparks catering to freestyle enthusiasts of all abilities.
Andermatt ski season dates
The ski season in Andermatt is scheduled to run from 13 December to 6 April. Please note that these dates are provided by the ski resort, and that they can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors.
Andermatt snow history
Andermatt offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 34 cm (13.3 in) and 36 cm (14.17 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.4 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall decreases to 30 cm (11.8 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.6 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Andermatt, with an impressive 49 cm (19.2 in) of snow over 3.6 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 29 cm (11.4 in) of snow over 3.5 days.
Andermatt offers diverse dining options, showcasing Swiss and international cuisines. From hearty Swiss comfort food to sophisticated gourmet experiences, the village and mountain restaurants deliver memorable meals in atmospheric settings. Highlights include:
Bergrestaurant Nätschen: Renowned for consistently high-quality food and stunning panoramic views from its large sunny terrace, this is the top choice for skiers on the Nätschen side.
Bergrestaurant Gurschen: Situated on Gemsstock, this busy spot serves traditional mountain dishes, though it can get crowded, particularly on weekends.
La Curva (Hotel Monopol-Metropol): Excellent pizzas and succulent steaks in a warm, welcoming environment.
Baeren: Specialises in delicious cuisine from Ticino, highlighting southern Switzerland’s Italian-inspired dishes.
The Chedi Andermatt: Offers two exceptional restaurants, including a gourmet Asian dining experience and contemporary international cuisine in a luxurious atmosphere.
Things to do in Andermatt
Cross-country skiing
Ski tours
Tobogganing
Ice skating
Winter hiking
Snowshoe hiking
Goat paradise Göscheneralptal
Villages tour
Tower guard tour
Culinary experiences
Water-themed adventures
Sport studio
Uela Spa
Museum
Mundart Café painting studio
Andermatt après-ski, and nightlife
Après-ski in Andermatt tends to be relatively laid-back during the week but livens up on weekends. Highlights include:
The Chedi Bar: A luxurious, sophisticated après spot serving cocktails and fine wines in a chic setting.
Apothek (River House Hotel): Casual and lively, this bar offers a vibrant atmosphere popular among locals and visitors alike.
Spycher: Another favoured local haunt, known for its authentic atmosphere and sociable vibe, especially at weekends.
