Andermatt | Ski Resort Review

The Swiss Alps resort of Andermatt sits within the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun area and is widely regarded as one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland, offering access to 120km of downhill terrain and some of Europe's most spectacular freeride.

Given its proximity to Zurich, just over an hour away by car, it's surprising that Andermatt isn't better known on the international winter sports market and that it hadn't, until fairly recently, been subject to much large-scale development.

"Advanced freeriders come to tackle the gnarly flanks of the iconic Gemsstock"

 All that has changed though following recent massive external investment in the area, which now features several stylish new hotels sitting alongside the traditional wooden chalets in the town’s central core. Restaurant and shopping options have also improved, and a new gondola links Andermatt to the village of Sedrun, with which it shares the ski area.

Home of an Alpine training barracks for the Swiss Army, Andermatt has also earned its well-deserved pedigree amongst advanced freeriders who come to tackle the gnarly flanks of the iconic Gemsstock which looms above the end of the village's main street. Less experienced visitors are nevertheless also warmly welcomed and are catered for handsomely with the opening up of the Sedrun sector's cruising runs.

Best deals on Andermatt hotels: Book now on Booking.com

Best deals on Andermatt/Sedrun Ski Hire: Extra 5% off with SnowRental

Best deals on Andermatt Ski Lessons: Book now with Maison Sport

Andermatt - Interactive Ski Map & Pistes:

Two separate local ski areas serve Andermatt, both directly accessible via ski lifts from village-level base terminals at opposite ends of the resort.

The emblematic Gemsstock area is the main attraction for the resort's many expert-ability visitors: its glaciated steep upper slopes offer true black-grade pistes plus a plethora of rugged off-piste routes, together with a black-graded home-run to the village; yet it also has a novice-friendly mid-altitude sector of easy blue pistes plus a small snowpark, reached via the mid-station of the principal access cable car.

The second local ski area, Natschen, on the slopes of the Gutsch on the sunnier side of the valley, has a wider variety of pistes better suited to novices and intermediates; served by a chairlift from the village, the mid-altitude sector of the Natschen slopes is also accessible by train from Andermatt's railway station, though the new lift links make the train an endearing quirk rather than a vital ingredient in a ski holiday here.

Andermatt is now also linked with the more extensive Sedrun-Oberalp ski area which lies on the far side of the Oberalp Pass further to the north-east.

Wondering whether to bring the family along for the ride? Check out Pete Coombs' Family Adventure in Andermatt to find out more about this wickedly versatile Swiss spot.

Andermatt - Off-Piste, Backcountry & Ski Touring:

The entire Gemsstock mountain that looms over the town is a freerider’s paradise, with steep descents and big vertical on pretty much every run. For newcomers, the Gemsstock freeride terrain is best explored with a guide to appreciate its potential - and its pitfalls. But the resort is fully geared up for off-piste and has acres of superb freeride to explore, with the new lifts and expanded terrain opening up even more backcountry towards Sedrun.

If big mountain riding is your vibe then our guide to the best resorts for off-piste skiing is packed full of powder-seeking inspiration.

Andermatt - Restaurants, Bars & The Town:

The arrival of luxury hotels such as the sublime five-star Chedi, have raised the class of apres-ski venue up a few notches and the resort is generally quiet, especially during the week. the weekend sees visitor numbers swell with family groups and city types making the short trip from nearby Zurich, the apres-ski hours and nightlife cranks up a gear or two and the resort acquires a lively buzz which lasts from late Friday until early Sunday.

There are a couple of venues with occasional live music, the cosy in-house bar at The River House boutique hotel is one of the coolest hang-outs. Some late-night drinking sessions are to be expected in a resort such as this that appeals to a particular sub-culture of adventure-lifestyle characters, but mostly the apres-ski action revolves around an amiable few beers over stories of the day's action in the mountains and planning for catching the first lift up the next morning.

Andermatt - Ski Hire:

For ski hire in Andermatt, the easiest option is to choose a shop close to where you’re staying. Long-established names such as Imholz Sport and Meyer’s Sporthaus remain the mainstays in the village, offering reliable kit and friendly service. Readers booking through Snowrental can also take advantage of an exclusive 5% discount on online rates, adding a handy saving to your trip.

Andermatt - Ski School:

You can choose from a wide selection of top-rated ski and snowboard instructors in Andermatt on Maison Sport.
Simply select your dates and lesson type, choose your ideal instructor and book online.

The Andermatt Alpine Sports school is another good option offering all level of lessons, but specialising in off-piste and wilderness skiing. The Swiss Snowsports School is well represented, and the Ski Academy is another that's worth a look.