Andermatt
101km of piste, 2,961m summit, 1,517m vertical. Central Switzerland's largest ski area with Epic Pass access.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
14 Nov 2026
Closes
18 Apr 2027
Days open
155
Annual snow
6.5m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Andermatt spans 1,444 to 2,961 metres elevation across 101 kilometres of piste accessed via 21 lifts serving 43 marked runs. The vertical drop of 1,517 metres ranks amongst the largest in Switzerland, with the north-facing Gemsstock delivering descents that hold powder for days after storms. Annual snowfall averages 8 metres, concentrated at high elevation where the Gurschenfirn glacier ensures snow reliability from mid-November through April. Andermatt joined the Epic Pass network in 2023, offering unlimited access to passholders and solidifying its position as central Switzerland's largest ski area.
Terrain splits 26 per cent beginner, 50 per cent intermediate, 17 per cent advanced and 7 per cent expert across two distinct sectors. The Gemsstock side provides steep blacks and freeride terrain from the 2,961-metre summit, including the Bernhard Russi Run and marked routes into the Felsental. Across the valley, the Nätschen-Gütsch-Oberalppass corridor offers sun-soaked cruisers and the family-friendly KidsArena Matti at mid-station. Ski lifts link directly to Sedrun since 2018, creating a continuous 10-kilometre ski connection over Oberalppass.
The base village sits at 1,437 metres in the Urseren Valley where the Reuss River flows beneath the St Gotthard Massif. Andermatt retains its historic military-town character with cobbled streets and traditional architecture, now complemented by contemporary hotel developments on former army land. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn station integrates with lift infrastructure via underground passages, and weekend crowds from Zurich can queue at the Gemsstock cable car. Four webcams monitor conditions from Gemsstock summit to valley base.
Full Epic Pass provides unlimited skiing at Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis with access extending to neighbouring Disentis via lift pass and optional Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train upgrade. The resort runs from 16 November through 21 April, with Gemsstock often extending into May on weekends. Terrain and infrastructure suit confident intermediates and expert freeriders best, whilst beginners face limited nursery options beyond Nätschen. Pricing starts at CHF 89 for advance-purchase day tickets, with children under six skiing free.
1517m
Vertical
43
Runs
101 km
Piste
6.5m
Annual snow
Epic Pass
Pass
The Terrain
43 runs across 101 km of piste
Gemsstock rises to 2,961 metres above the old garrison town of Andermatt, and the mountain around it is the most serious high-alpine terrain in this part of Switzerland. The area covers 101 kilometres of piste across 43 runs, with 1,517 metres of vertical from the 1,444-metre base. Grades skew harder than most Swiss areas of this size: 26% beginner, 50% intermediate, 17% advanced and 7% expert. Snow averages 8 metres a year, among the highest figures in this batch. The mountain has two characters: Gemsstock is steep and exposed, while the Nätschen and Gütsch side is sunnier and far more forgiving.
Gemsstock is the draw for experts. The Bernhard Russi Run drops from the summit over the Gurschen glacier to the mid-station, and the mountain is known for powder lines such as the Felsental, Giraffe, Guspis and Geissberg. These are unpatrolled backcountry descents and call for a guide, avalanche gear and a careful read of conditions. Nätschen and Gütsch handle novices and intermediates, and the connection continues towards Sedrun over the Oberalp pass. Strong intermediates, advanced skiers and freeriders get the most from it, while beginners are better off staying on the sunny side.
Terrain split
43
runs
43 runs across 4 grades
Beginner11 runs · 26%
Intermediate22 runs · 50%
Advanced7 runs · 17%
Expert3 runs · 7%
Time it right
When to visit Andermatt
Andermatt operates from 16 November 2025 through 21 April 2026, with Gemsstock often extending weekend operations into early May due to its north-facing aspect and glacier terrain. This 22-week season ranks amongst Switzerland's longest, benefiting from the resort's position near the main Alpine divide where storms from Atlantic and Mediterranean systems converge. Pre-season weekends at Disentis begin late November before full area opening mid-December. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn provides year-round rail access even when passes close.
Annual snowfall averages 8 metres with peak accumulation January through March, though reported seasonal totals vary by source from 4.4 to 5 metres depending on measurement location. The second week of January typically delivers the snowiest conditions with 49 centimetres falling across 3.6 snowy days. The Gemsstock's north-facing orientation preserves powder quality well into April above 2,400 metres, whilst lower elevations benefit from extensive snowmaking. Current season data shows 408 centimetres total snowfall with 120-centimetre base depth.
December offers quiet slopes and festive atmosphere before holiday crowds arrive, whilst January delivers cold temperatures and optimal powder conditions across all elevations. February brings half-term family visitors and busier weekends, particularly on the Nätschen beginner terrain. March and April provide longer daylight, softer snow and milder temperatures ideal for intermediates and spring skiing on Gemsstock's sustained vertical. The Oberalppass and Sedrun sectors receive more sunshine than the shadowed Gemsstock base.
New Year's Eve celebrations take place at mountain restaurants including Nätschen, Gütsch and Gurschen with extended sledging until 12:30am. Weekly Snownight Sedrun runs Thursdays with floodlit pistes between Dieni and Milez. The resort hosts freeride events including King of the Mountain competition, whilst the Avalanche Training Centre at Gurschen offers safety courses. Premium day pricing reaches CHF 99 during peak periods, with advance purchase reducing costs to CHF 89.
Season 2026 - 2027
14 Nov 2026
Opens
18 Apr 2027
Closes
155
Days open
6.5 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Andermatt
Daily snow reports at Andermatt go back to 1996, 31 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
63 cm
Snowiest day
4 Apr 2019
56 cm
This winter · 2026-27
so far
647 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Andermatt, and where to stay
Andermatt occupies the Urseren Valley floor at 1,437 metres in Uri canton, positioned where the St Gotthard, Oberalp and Furka passes converge beneath the St Gotthard Massif. The village sits 28 kilometres south of Altdorf, Uri's capital, surrounded by the Lepontine Alps with the Reuss River flowing north through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge. Three Alpine passes link in all directions - Oberalp at 2,044 metres east to Graubünden, St Gotthard at 2,106 metres south to Ticino, and Furka at 2,436 metres west to Valais. This crossroads position has shaped Andermatt's role as a transit hub since medieval times.
The nearest substantial town is Göschenen 7 kilometres north down the Reuss Valley, whilst Altdorf lies 28 kilometres away on Lake Lucerne's southern shore. Hospental sits 3 kilometres east, and Realp 8 kilometres up-valley. Disentis in Graubünden lies 25 minutes east by train, now lift-linked via Sedrun since 2019. The Glacier Express scenic railway stops at Andermatt connecting Zermatt to St Moritz, whilst the historic Gotthard route passes directly beneath via the 15-kilometre rail tunnel opened 1882.
Road access follows the A2 motorway from Zurich through the Gotthard tunnel, with the Andermatt exit requiring 90 minutes' drive covering 120 kilometres. Munich lies 4 hours north via A2 and German motorways, Milan 2 hours south through the Gotthard or San Bernardino tunnels covering 185-195 kilometres. The Oberalp, Furka and St Gotthard passes close November through May, leaving tunnel routes as winter access. Parking at Gemsstock base costs CHF 30 per night for hotel guests.
Zurich Airport sits 117 kilometres north with train connections requiring 2 hours 17 minutes minimum via Zurich Hauptbahnhof and Göschenen, though typical journey time reaches 2.5-3 hours with transfers. Milan Malpensa Airport lies 195 kilometres south with 2-hour drive times or train connections via Bellinzona. Basel Airport serves as an alternative 2.5 hours northwest. The private airfield at Buochs sits 45 minutes north with a 2,000-metre runway. SBB operates hourly trains from Göschenen with 10-minute journey times, whilst the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn provides direct service from Brig, Visp and Disentis.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Andermatt, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Andermatt's ski season?
Andermatt's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from November 14 through April 18. That window is roughly 155 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Switzerland, Europe often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Andermatt have?
Andermatt lists about 101 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 43 named runs. That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Andermatt?
Trail grading at Andermatt breaks down roughly as 26% beginner, 50% intermediate, 17% advanced, 7% expert. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Blue/Red) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Andermatt have?
Andermatt operates 21 lifts across 7 lift types. The fleet includes 6 6-person chairs, 4 surface lifts, 3 gondolas, 3 quad chairs, 2 aerial trams, 2 t-bars, and 1 train.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Andermatt?
Base elevation at Andermatt is about 1,444 m (4,738 ft), with the summit around 2,961 m (9,715 ft), giving roughly 1,517 m (4,977 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Andermatt get each season?
Andermatt averages about 647 cm (255 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Does Andermatt accept the Epic Pass?
Andermatt is affiliated with the Epic Pass. Pass holders should confirm current season benefits, blackout dates, and reservation rules on the pass issuer's site. Policies change year to year and can differ between international and domestic products.
If you are not on Epic Pass, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Andermatt lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans CHF 45 to CHF 99, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Andermatt before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 4 live mountain webcams, an interactive live trail map and a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Andermatt so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Andermatt have a trail map?
Yes. A live interactive map embeds current lift and run status when the provider supplies it, which is useful on-morning for seeing what is actually spinning. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Andermatt. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Andermatt located?
Andermatt sits in Switzerland, Europe. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
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