Andermatt Sports & Outdoors

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You can start various hikes at the railway station which is only a few meters from the tourist office. Hiking to the devil’s bridge and the Suworow monument takes only 20 minutes, but you may want to make a stop at the church of St. Kolumban while you’re at it.

Equipment: Make sure you have sun and rain protection with you as well as some water and snacks and wear hiking boots if possible.

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The Luthersee T-bar lift runs between 2,025 and 2,400 m. Its slopes are classified 'red' (intermediate). They face north, so there is little sunshine in December and January. There are snow-making facilities. If there is sufficient natural snow, there should be excellent off-piste opportunities. At the bottom station there is a restaurant with a beautiful view on the valley and surrounding mountains.
The lift is pretty steep in one place, which makes it risky for non-experienced skiers. I saw a couple falling out of the lift on that steep part, after having had had difficulties with the eroded track. The couple were frightened and needed assistance to return to the piste, which is not next to the lift in that part.

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At the Gurschenalp, a T-bar lift and a chairlift run between 2,015 and 2,285 m. Both lifts are old-fashioned. I wondered why they have not yet been replaced by a new, modern chairlift. The pistes on both sides of the lifts are all classified 'blue', which means particularly suitable for beginners. There are excellent snow-making facilities, so the Gurschen lifts are usually the first to open at the start of the skiing season.
Close to the lifts are a number of bars and restaurants, as well as the middle station of the Gemsstock rop-way. In December and January, the Gurschenalp gets little sun because the slopes face north.