To be found in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt is the largest village in the Urseren Valley and is an up-and-coming ski resort with a fabulous climate and high altitude, allowing for perfect snow conditions throughout the winter season, which runs from November until mid-April. Current upgrading to the resort means that Andermatt will be linked to Switzerland's largest ski area and will eventually boast more than 120 kilometres of pistes, no fewer than eighty-five runs (the longest being 4.5 kilometres) and twenty-five ski lifts - it also offers complimentary shuttle bus runs throughout the town during the winter season. Perfect for all levels of ability, there is terrain to suit skiers, snowboarders, tourers - even freeriders.
For example, the 3,000-metre-altitude Gemsstock Mountain is an internationally renowned mecca for advanced skiers and those who enjoy off-piste skiing, freeriding and snowboarding, offering wide pistes, deep snow and stupendous panoramic views of approximately six-hundred Alpine peaks at its summit. Natschen-Oberalp-Sedrun, meanwhile, is more suited to recreational skiers and families and boasts chair lifts and t-bar lifts suitable for beginners, while Realp has a children's lift. Apart from the skiing and snowboarding, there's a multitude of other winter sports that can be enjoyed in Andermatt, such as hiking, tobogganing, ski touring and ice-skating. In addition, there is the Cross-Country Ski Centre and forty kilometres of marked track running along the River Reuss to tempt visitors, along with well-signposted snowshoeing trails and the G-Park for freestyle skiers. With ski and snowboarding schools for young and old, a collection of eclectic restaurants serving cuisine ranging from Swiss and Mediterranean, to Japanese, plus a pretty lively apres-ski scene at the resort's bars and nightclubs, there's something for everyone in Andermatt. And if you think you've heard the name of the resort before... Andermatt and it's surrounding area provided the locations for some of the most memorable scenes in the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger.
At a Glance
Snow: Andermatt is one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps, with an altitude of 1,444 metres. Lift System: A range of cable-cars, chair lifts and t-bar lifts provide easy access to the slopes. Apres-ski: There's a lively apres-ski scene and a number of restaurants, nightclubs and ski bars in Andermatt itself. Families: The Nattschen's slopes are ideal for families and it is the sunniest area. There are runs for all abilities served by chair lifts and gondolas. In addition, there is a ski school with multi-lingual instructors and a kids' programme of instruction and childcare. Other Activities: Snowshoeing, winter hiking, ice-skating, ski touring, tobogganing and cross-country skiing.