Andermatt
Winter Resort Report
ABOVE: Andermatt's Gemsstock mountain and
cablecar.
Andermatt may not have the glitz of St. Moritz,
the massive lift network of Davos, or the hip modernity of Crans-Montana, but this resort
in Central Switzerland is popular with hardcore skiers who prefer alpine excitement to
disco action.
The town lies only 67 km (41 miles) southeast of Lucerne and 140 km (87 miles) from
Zürich near the junction of four alpine passes: the St. Gotthard, Grimsel, Susten, and
Oberalp. The plateau setting isn't very spectacular, but the surrounding mountains
are--and the Andermatt Tourist Office boasts of "guaranteed snow from November to
May."
Skiing is geared toward intermediate and expert skiers, with 56 km (34 miles) of alpine
runs and 40 km (24 miles) of groomed cross-country trails that run along the valley floor
toward the beginners' alpine lift at Realp. Off-piste skiing is available for advanced or
suicidal downhillers. Non-skiers won't find much to do in Andermatt during winter, except
for sledding and ice skating on an outdoor rink.
Accommodations
Andermatt
isn't a large resort, but it has a reasonable selection of two- and three-star hotels
along with a few guesthouses and pensions. The Hotel Drei Könige & Post is
worth investigating if your budget runs to 150 francs or more for a double room (including
breakfast). This traditional hotel is on a square in the center of the village.
Hotel Drei Könige & Post
Familie A. + H. Renner
Tel. 041-887 00 01
Fax 041-887 16 66
Several of Andermatt's other hotels, most notably the Hotel Aurora (***) and the
Hotel
Monopol-Metropol (***), are glaringly modern and may not appeal to tourists who are
looking for alpine charm.
For cheaper accommodations, see the Web links on page
2 or consult the Verkehrbüro (Tourist Office) next to the
PTT bus depot after your arrival.
Transportation, Web links
Continued on page 2
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