IMAGES: SVEN PIEK; JOEL BURGER; VALENTIN LUTHIGER
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PAID CONTENT FOR VI S IT ANDERMATT SWI SS ALP S
Once a destination for experienced skiers seeking challenging terrain, Andermatt has seen huge development over the past four years to become a place all mountain- goers can enjoy. The new Andermatt- Sedrun-Disentis link has earned the resort the title of central Switzerland’s largest ski area, counting over 110 miles of pistes. While beginners and families can cruise the mellow blue runs of the Nätschen- Oberalp area, there are plenty of reds across the whole resort for intermediates to practice their carving. Riders looking to get creative can head to the snowpark in Sedrun, complete with jumps, wave features and boxes. Meanwhile, experts can earn their bragging rights on the couloir-riddled Gemsstock peak, where the easy-access off - piste routes are brilliant fun after a snowfall. Don’t miss: The black Bernhard Russi Run, named after the Olympic champion and Andermatt local. It’s two and a half miles of steep, extreme-carving enjoyment.
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Andermatt’s historical village centre is a highlight. Despite the recent development the resort has experienced, the old part of the village has remained untouched, with various traditional stube and tea rooms to choose from. Stroll along the cobblestone Gotthardstrasse, admiring the timber buildings stood alongside stately rococo- style houses, and look out for an intricately detailed patrician house set back from the street. This building is home to the Ursern Valley Museum, where you can learn all about the culture and history of the area, defi ned by its location at the heart of Switzerland’s Alpine passes (the exhibit on Bernhard Russi will be especially interesting to those who’ve just tackled the Russi Run). Just a few streets away you’ll fi nd the church of St Peter and Paul. Step inside to see its beautiful baroque interior; the lofty ornate altar, created by the famous Valais sculptor Johannes Ritz, is quite a sight. Don’t miss: A performance at the beautiful Andermatt Concert Hall, the fi rst such venue designed specifi cally for year-round entertainment in the Alps.
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V I L L A G E C E N T R E BEST FOR: CULTURE VULTURES
VA S T S K I A R E A BEST FOR: SNOWSPORTS
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N A T U R AL WO N D E R S BEST FOR: STRIKING VIEWS
Mighty peaks, serene forests, striking rock formations and frozen lakes — Andermatt’s landscape is as varied as it is dramatic. One of its most impressive natural wonders, Schöllenen Gorge can be reached on foot from the village in just 10 minutes. Straddling its sheer granite walls, several hundred feet above the River Reuss’s torrents, is the famous Devil’s Bridge. Today, it’s made from stone, but when it was fi rst built in the 13th century — to facilitate the vital Alpine trading routes — the landmark was created from wood, making it an even more impressive sight. Keen to explore further afi eld? Rent some snowshoes and set off on the resort’s network of winter trails; an easy loop takes you from the centre up to Mettlen for views of the icefall along the Gurschenbach River. Don’t miss: The 50-minute train journey from Andermatt to Sedrun over the Oberalp Pass, said to be one of the most scenic sections of the Glacier Express Line .
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A LP I N E A T TR A C TI O N S BEST FOR: FAMILIES
While the ski area is essentially one giant play park for families, there are countless more off -slope activities for kids to get stuck into. Just north of the old town — next to the Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen — is an outdoor ice rink where families can hire skates, then warm up with a hot chocolate at the snack bar. In winter, the scenic Oberalp Pass road from Nätschen to Andermatt serves as a downhill toboggan run. Board the famous Matterhorn Gotthard train for a nine- minute ride up to the Nätschen station (also reachable by gondola), then launch yourself down the four-mile-long run’s twists and turns. While it may sound hair-raising, the descent is actually quite gentle, making it ideal for younger children, too. What’s more, a new cross-country skills park will open this winter, which will include training elements for kids as well as for experienced skiers. Expect slalom, ramps and jumps — and lots of falling over. Don’t miss: A classic horse-drawn sleigh ride. You’ll travel through the Ursern Valley countryside, snugly wrapped up in thick woolen blanket.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Drive to Andermatt from Zurich Airport in 90 minutes and from Milan Malpensa in around two hours. The following
accomodations offer an ideal base to explore Andermatt.
RADISSON BLU HOTEL REUSSEN This hotel ticks all the boxes: spacious rooms, a central location and a top-notch spa. Choose from doubles, suites or residences sleeping up to seven. Refuel at restaurant Spun with classics like veal stew with homemade rösti. radissonbluandermatt. com
ANDERMATT ALPINE APARTMENTS Ranging from studios to four bedrooms, these apartments highlight mountain views with floor-to- ceiling windows and are complete with fully outfitted kitchens. The centre and ski lifts are just a short walk away.
alpine.apartments
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