Disentis
60km of piste, 1,606m vertical, Epic Pass included. Uncrowded Swiss skiing in Graubünden's Surselva valley.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
28 Nov 2026
Closes
4 Apr 2027
Days open
127
Annual snow
3.2m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Disentis operates across 1,606 metres of vertical drop from 1,227 to 2,833 metres elevation, with 60 kilometres of piste served by 12 lifts accessing terrain that spans two alpine valleys and a ridge descent to the base. The resort forms part of the Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis network covering 180 kilometres across central Switzerland. Epic Pass holders ski free with unlimited access, whilst 3-day passes or longer unlock the broader ASD system via the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train connection included in lift tickets.
Terrain splits 33 per cent beginner, 50 per cent intermediate and 17 per cent advanced across 13 marked runs, with intermediates particularly well served by long cruising pistes stretching over 8 kilometres from summit to base. The black-graded valley descent from Caischavedra to S.Catrina drops 636 metres over 5 kilometres and remains the resort's most technically demanding on-piste option. Advanced riders gravitate toward the Parlets triple chair for tree skiing and couloirs around Péz Ault, where surface lifts access the highest terrain at 2,833 metres.
Disentis maintains a quiet mid-week atmosphere with minimal lift queues and uncrowded slopes that contrast sharply with busier Swiss destinations. Three mountain restaurants including the panorama facility at Caischavedra provide on-mountain dining, whilst the separate base villages of S.Catrina and Disentis township sit 1.5 kilometres apart. Southeast-facing terrain captures morning sun but can soften quickly in spring, and the predominantly Romansh-speaking community adds cultural distinction to the alpine setting.
The 2025-26 season runs 20 December to 5 April with Epic Pass inclusion representing exceptional value for North American passholders seeking European terrain. Multi-day regional passes grant Sedrun access and train travel between all ASD sectors, making Disentis an ideal base for intermediates, families seeking space and freeriders chasing backcountry accessed from the upper lifts. Adult day tickets range 58-72 Swiss francs depending on period, with a 69-franc half-price season pass offering 50 per cent discounts year-round.
1606m
Vertical
13
Runs
60 km
Piste
3.2m
Annual snow
Epic Pass
Pass
The Terrain
13 runs across 60 km of piste
Disentis has 13 marked runs and 60 kilometres of piste over a 1,606-metre vertical, from the 2,833-metre high point to the valley base at 1,227 metres. Intermediate runs cover 50% of the area, backed by 33% beginner, 15% advanced and 2% expert, which makes the mountain friendlier than the vertical suggests. The uphill network is two aerial trams, two quad chairs, a triple chair, five T-bars and two surface lifts, and 8 metres of annual snowfall keeps the upper bowls well covered through winter. The mountain also forms part of the wider Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis network.
The route to the top runs from S. Catrina on the Caischavedra cable car, then the Gendusas and Lai Alv chairs and the Péz Ault drag lift. Skiers chase the long descent of more than 1,600 vertical metres from the Lai Alv top T-bar back to the valley station. Freeriders exit right from the top drag lift into the side valleys of Val Gronda, Val Pintga, Val Acletta and Val Strem, where avalanche gear and local knowledge matter. It suits intermediates who like length and freeriders chasing space.
Terrain split
13
runs
13 runs across 4 grades
Beginner4 runs · 33%
Intermediate7 runs · 50%
Advanced2 runs · 15%
Expert0 runs · 2%
Time it right
When to visit Disentis
The 2025-26 winter season operates 20 December 2025 through 5 April 2026, delivering a 107-day operating window typical of Swiss resorts at this elevation band. Disentis historically opens in mid-December with reliable early-season coverage, occasionally running pre-season weekend packages in late November when conditions allow. The resort targets an April closure aligned with Easter holidays and spring snowpack depletion at lower elevations.
Snowfall averages 8 metres annually at upper elevations, with the Surselva's position near the Rhine headwaters and exposure to northern storm tracks delivering consistent accumulation from December through March. January and February represent peak powder months averaging 96cm and 58cm respectively, whilst December contributes 60cm and March adds 71cm according to long-term data. Summit elevations above 2,500 metres maintain coverage well into April, though southeast aspects can deteriorate rapidly during sunny periods.
Optimal visits target January through early March for cold temperatures and frequent snowfall, with powder accessible days after storms given light crowds and extensive off-piste terrain. March offers longer daylight and spring conditions suited to intermediates preferring softer snow, whilst the resort's quietest periods fall mid-January and early February outside school holidays. The black valley descent requires adequate base depth and typically opens after Christmas once lower-elevation snowpack builds sufficiently.
Snownight Sedrun operates Thursday evenings on illuminated pistes between Dieni and Milez when conditions permit. Pre-season Catrina ski weekends ran 29-30 November, 6-8 December and 13-14 December 2025 offering discounted packages. New Year's Eve celebrations occur on-mountain at Caischavedra mid-station, whilst the resort's modest scale means programming centres on skiing rather than extensive events calendars.
Season 2026 - 2027
28 Nov 2026
Opens
4 Apr 2027
Closes
127
Days open
3.2 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Disentis
Daily snow reports at Disentis go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
78 cm
Snowiest day
14 Jan 2019
46 cm
This winter · 2026-27
so far
316 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Disentis, and where to stay
Disentis sits at 1,130 metres elevation in the Surselva district of Graubünden canton, high in the upper Anterior Rhine valley where the Oberalp Pass route from Uri and the Lukmanier Pass from Ticino converge. The predominantly Romansh-speaking municipality of Disentis/Mustér spreads across the valley floor with the ski base at S.Catrina positioned 1.5 kilometres from the historic town centre and its 8th-century Benedictine abbey. Snow-covered peaks encircle the valley, which marks one of the headwater regions of Europe's Rhine River.
Chur, the Graubünden cantonal capital, lies 60 kilometres east down the Rhine valley with regular Rhaetian Railway connections taking 76 minutes. Andermatt in Uri canton sits 25 kilometres west across the Oberalp Pass, though the pass road closes in winter making the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn the primary link between resorts. Sedrun village with its own ski area access sits just 5 minutes west by rail or 9 kilometres by road, whilst the Glacier Express panoramic train threads through Disentis connecting Zermatt to St Moritz.
Road access from the north follows the A13 autobahn from Zurich via Chur, exiting at Reichenau/Disentis for the valley road through Ilanz to Disentis - total driving distance approximately 185 kilometres. From the south, the Lukmanier Pass provides summer access from Ticino and remains sporadically open in winter unlike the Oberalp. Milan lies 2.5 hours south when the pass is clear, though the route suits summer more than winter access. Free parking at S.Catrina base accommodates day visitors arriving by car.
Zurich Airport serves as the primary international gateway 185 kilometres northeast, with driving transfers taking 2 hours 25 minutes via Chur. Train connections require changing at Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Chur, then onwards to Disentis/Mustér station for a total journey under 4 hours. Lugano Airport in Ticino sits closer at 102 kilometres but requires crossing the Lukmanier Pass. Smaller regional airports at St Gallen-Altenrhein and Bern lie within 2-3 hours driving distance. The Rhaetian Railway from Chur and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Andermatt meet at Disentis station with hourly services, with local buses shuttling between station and slopes.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Disentis, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Disentis's ski season?
Disentis's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from November 28 through April 4. That window is roughly 127 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 Disentis have?
Disentis lists about 60 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 13 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 Disentis?
Trail grading at Disentis breaks down roughly as 33% beginner, 50% intermediate, 15% advanced, 2% expert. With a strong beginner share, Disentis suits families and first-time visitors who want forgiving warm-up terrain before exploring further upslope.
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 Disentis have?
Disentis operates 12 lifts across 5 lift types. The fleet includes 5 t-bars, 2 aerial trams, 2 quad chairs, 2 surface lifts, and 1 triple chair.
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 Disentis?
Base elevation at Disentis is about 1,227 m (4,026 ft), with the summit around 2,833 m (9,295 ft), giving roughly 1,606 m (5,269 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 Disentis get each season?
Disentis averages about 316 cm (124 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 Disentis accept the Epic Pass?
Disentis 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 Disentis lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans CHF 25 to CHF 72, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (multi-day passes, 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 Disentis before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 5 live mountain webcams, an interactive live trail map and a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Disentis 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 Disentis 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 Disentis. 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 Disentis located?
Disentis 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.
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From the SnowStash desk
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