The main town of the Ski Arena Andermatt is in the Urserental on the Reuss in the Swiss canton of Uri. Located at 1,440 m above sea level, the authentic ski resort, which is considered snow reliable, is characterised by its compact construction.

Andermatt’s many historical buildings nestle against the impressive mountain backdrop with the SkiArena’s parade mountain, the Gemsstock (2,963 m). In the center of the alpine town, skiers will find a few shops, restaurants and nightlife options with numerous winter activities beyond the ski slopes.

The SkiArena is a well-known center among skiers with almost endless opportunities for freeride, off-piste and ski touring.

The recent past of the Andermatt ski resort is characterized by an economic upswing and investments by an Egyptian investor through numerous innovations. Modern lift facilities and the newly built Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn recently enabled the creation of the Ski Arena Andermatt / Sedrun with the connection of the two ski resorts.

A gondola lift takes skiers to the Gemsstock ski area at an altitude of almost 3,000 meters. Another gondola lift goes to the family-friendly ski area on Nätschen.

In the nearby Realp, the Ski Arena offers two ski lifts for beginners to practice and try out. Away from the slopes, you can go for winter walks, snowshoe and ski tours, ice skating or a leisurely horse-drawn sleigh ride in the midst of a wonderful mountain backdrop. There are also almost 30 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails in the Urseren Valley.

Article on Andermatt

A visit to the Swiss Alps is always something special for me. So I’m all the more pleased that I can spend a day in Andermatt + Sedrun + Disentis in March. I’ve never been to this corner before. My first time, so to speak. As soon as you arrive, there is pleasant excitement in the air. It increases with every meter that we get closer to our goal. Especially when suddenly the streets and peaks are covered in snow. Snowplaza blogger Marlene reports on her day of skiing, the new ski connection between Andermatt and Sedrun, and about her personal favorite run down from the Gemsstock.

Arrival to Andermatt

The route to Andermatt leads from Munich in the direction of Lake Constance and then first through Austria and later via the Swiss motorways. We make one last stop to refuel in Germany and buy both vignettes. 

By the way, it is worth refueling beforehand. The fuel prices in Switzerland are significantly more expensive than in Austria and Germany. In between, it is almost like spring on the way there, when we pass Lake Lucerne, which glistens in the sun. But when we drive up the last switchbacks towards the ski resort after just under five hours, there is no trace of spring left. Instead everything is white.

Varying ski pass prices

We park directly on the Gütsch-Express, which leads up to the 2,344-meter-high Gütsch. The parking fee for a day of skiing is 5 CHF. With our skis shouldered, we make our way to the gondola, which can be reached underground via a conveyor belt and an escalator. 

There has been no fixed price for the ski pass since the 2017/2018 season. Daily supply and demand determine the price of the day ticket. The high and low seasons, but also the day of the week and even the weather play a role. The day of booking is also important. Those who book the ski pass online in advance can ski in the ski area from CHF 39.

Finally back in the Swiss Alps

Once at the top, I let the atmosphere really work on me. The Swiss Alps tower up all around me. I’m in the middle of it. I enjoy the tranquility that the sight of the mountain peaks radiates on me. 

Then I pull the ski goggles over my eyes, strap on my skis and get ready for the descent. The edges slide through the grippy snow. It gets dusty with every swing. So I set off towards Sedrun. 

The ski connection has only been possible with skis since this season. Before that, skiers always had to take the train back and forth between Andermatt and Sedrun. That is certainly an experience, but I am happy to be able to spend the time on the slopes on such a dream day of skiing.

Feelings of happiness on the long panorama slope from the Gemsstock

And because it’s so beautiful, it’s back to the top. The cable car takes me to the highest point of the ski area, the 2,961 m high Gemsstock. I thought until a moment ago that the slopes were already good, now I’m positively surprised again. I choose the red descent down. 

From the summit to the valley, a height difference of 1,517 meters is overcome over a length of 10 km. This makes the body sweat, the thighs glow and puts a smile on my face. Feelings of happiness spread. Skiing can be so much fun. And best of all: the large-capacity gondola brings many people up at once, but if you let them through and enjoy the panorama, you have the descent to yourself!

Conclusion

I think the ski area is not only worth visiting when there is fresh snow. I especially enjoyed skiing on the long descent from the Gemsstock. 

The slopes to the right and left are ideal for freeriding. But to do this, the emergency equipment must be with you and if in doubt, you should better take a ski guide with you. Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis are not yet among the most touristic places in Switzerland, but are increasingly geared towards ski vacationers. 

Large hotel complexes are being built, especially in Andermatt. But it is still pleasantly quiet and therefore exclusive. If you want to experience this atmosphere too, you shouldn’t wait too long. In a few years the word will have got around how beautiful it is here.

Overwhelming view on the descent from the Gemsstock

The new Schneehüenerstock-Express connects Andermatt and Sedrun

View from the Gemsstock

Practical tips about Andermatt + Sedrun + Disentis

180 kilometers of slopes await you around the three ski resorts of Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis . If you want to ski from Andermatt to Disentis, you currently either have to get into the car or take a short passage by train. 

To make the journey itself an attraction, an apres ski train commutes back and forth between the train stations several times a day . The ride is free with a valid ski pass. Another new lift in the direction of Disentis will be available from the coming 2020/2021 season. Then the ski area will move even closer together.