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
8m
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
8m
Annual snow
Epic Pass
Pass
The Terrain
13 runs across 60 km of piste
Disentis spreads 13 runs across 60 km of piste of terrain. It leans intermediate at 50%, with 4 beginner runs to find your feet and 2 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
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
8 m
Annual snow
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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Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is looking at a major shake-up to its title events calendar. From 2032, World Championships could run not just in odd-numbered years but in every non-Olympic winter too, effectively putting a global title event on the calendar almost every season. The FIS Council has approved the concept following a feasibility study, though an accelerated rollout as early as 2028 is also under consideration.
4 Sept 2026
Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026
Mount Buller closes out its 2026 season this Sunday, joining Falls Creek, Hotham and Charlotte Pass in a cluster of closures landing almost simultaneously and roughly a month ahead of schedule. The culprit is stark: Spencers Creek's benchmark snow depth hit 31.2cm on 3 September, just 18% of the 73-year average and an all-time low for this point in the season. Six of Victoria and NSW's best-known resorts will have shut their lifts early within a span of about two and a half weeks.
4 Sept 2026
Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season
Tremblant has confirmed a major expansion of its Quebec ski area, with a new Timber Summit sector adding 62 acres of terrain, eight trails and a high-speed quad chairlift for winter 2027/28. It's part of a CAD 42.5 million investment that also includes a new beginner learning zone at Versant Soleil opening this coming season. The project has grown considerably since it was first announced back in 2020, when it carried a far smaller budget and an opening date that never eventuated.
2 Sept 2026
Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6
We knew when the Bird Bath Pond Skim showed up on Hotham's Instagram that the season was on its way out. It's been a rough one - I only managed two days on snow all year, at Falls Creek - and now Baw Baw, Selwyn and Hotham have all called it, possibly the worst Australian season I've seen in a decade. Hotham's last day of lift operations is Sunday, 6 September, with a Retro Day, Father's Day après and closing sales before the lifts stop turning for good.
1 Sept 2026
Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028
Thredbo Alpine Resort has confirmed plans to replace its 37-year-old Gunbarrel quad chairlift with a new six-seat Doppelmayr D-Line, targeting winter 2028. The AUD 35 million project will keep travel time roughly the same but lift capacity from 2,800 to 3,000 skiers per hour. It's part of a broader investment push that also includes doubled snowmaking capacity at Friday Flat for 2027, with the ageing Kosciuszko Express now flagged as the resort's next major lift replacement after Gunbarrel.
31 Aug 2026
Aerial Tram Collides With Crane at Alpe d'Huez: 23 Injured
An aerial tram carrying around fifty passengers struck the boom of a construction crane on the route to Pic Blanc at Alpe d'Huez on Wednesday morning, injuring 23 people, three seriously. The cabin tipped on impact before the operator reversed it to right the car. Most of the injured were treated on site, with five taken to hospital in Grenoble, including a pregnant woman assessed as a precaution.
28 Aug 2026
Why Glaciers Are Collapsing - And What Happens When They Do
A deadly flood on the Nepal-China border, a decade-old tragedy on Italy's Marmolada, and an unstable glacier right now above a village near Zermatt - three very different mountain ranges, the same underlying story. Warming ice is destabilising terrain that was considered settled for generations, and the results range from catastrophic floods to slow-motion monitoring situations that could go either way.
27 Aug 2026
Pitztal Glacier Set to Reopen for the 2026/27 Ski Season on 26 September
Tyrol's highest ski area is gearing up to open a full month ahead of most of the Alps. The Pitztal Glacier is scheduled to start its 2026/27 season on Saturday 26 September, running through to 2 May 2027, with the lower-altitude Rifflsee area following in December. High-altitude terrain up to 3,440 metres gives the glacier a head start on snow, though as always, the actual opening extent will depend on how September's weather plays out. Early online ski pass bookings can save up to 30%.
26 Aug 2026
Disentis Webcams
5 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Disentis's live webcams
Check live conditions across Disentis with 5 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Cuolm da Vi2215m
- Experience commanding mid-mountain views through this Disentis webcam positioned at Cuolm da Vi aerial tram terminal at 2215 meters elevation in the Surselva region. This Disentis live cam provides excellent vantage points over the connecting route to Sedrun ski area, showcasing the resort's strategic location. Essential for monitoring conditions on the connector terrain, this live snow cam captures real-time visibility across diverse slopes, while this Disentis web cam reveals the extensive trail network that makes this Graubünden resort a hidden gem for skiers exploring Switzerland's quieter alpine destinations.
- Lai Alv2450m
- Monitor upper terrain through this Disentis webcam at the summit of Lai Alv chairlift at 2450 meters elevation. This Disentis live cam captures stunning panoramic views of the lift line below and sweeping vistas across the entire resort's terrain network. Perfect for assessing upper mountain snow quality, this live snow cam shows real-time conditions on advanced slopes, while this Disentis web cam demonstrates the impressive vertical drop and varied skiing that makes this Grisons resort appealing to intermediates and experts seeking uncrowded Swiss mountain experiences.
- Gendusas2175m
- Experience comprehensive mountain perspectives through this Disentis webcam delivering impressive 360-degree panoramas from mid-mountain at 2175 meters elevation. This Disentis live cam offers complete visibility of the surrounding alpine landscape and diverse terrain zones across the resort. Essential for comprehensive weather assessment, this live snow cam provides panoramic views for route planning, while this Disentis web cam showcases the spectacular Surselva valley scenery that makes this authentic Graubünden destination special for skiers seeking traditional Swiss mountain culture.
- Caischavedra Mountain Station1860m
- Stay connected to central operations through this Disentis webcam at the aerial tram summit station at 1860 meters elevation. This Disentis live cam overlooks the bustling heart of the resort including ski school areas and beginner zones with clear views of the uphill lift network. Perfect for monitoring base mountain operations, this live snow cam captures arrival activity and departure points, while this Disentis web cam helps families navigate this welcoming Grisons resort known for excellent learning terrain and authentic Swiss hospitality.
- Saxwiese Run1150m
- Monitor beginner terrain through this Disentis webcam in the heart of town focusing on the Saxwiese beginner area at 1150 meters elevation. This Disentis live cam shows the learning slopes and drag lift operations, perfect for novice skiers and families. Essential for checking conditions on entry-level terrain, this live snow cam captures the welcoming atmosphere of the ski school zone, while this Disentis web cam reveals the accessible learning environment that makes this Graubünden resort ideal for first-time skiers in the scenic Surselva region.
Disentis snow cams FAQ
How often do Disentis snow cams update?
All Disentis snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Disentis.
Which Disentis webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Lai Alv webcam at 2,450m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Disentis webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Disentis lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Disentis snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Disentis snow cams?
Check Disentis webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Disentis lift tickets?
Use our Disentis webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Disentis webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Disentis snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Disentis intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.