Andermatt

Yes, Andermatt is one of the most exciting mountain destinations in Switzerland. Its unique position at the crossroads of four Alpine passes, combined with the Sawiris resort investment, has created a destination that blends traditional Alpine village charm with world-class facilities. It appeals equally to skiers (the Gemsstock is legendary), hikers, and travelers on the Glacier Express route.

Two to three days is ideal. In Winter: two full days of skiing (one on Gemsstock, one on Natschen-Sedrun side). In Summer: day one for the Schollenen Gorge and village; day two for a hike to Tomasee (source of the Rhine) or a pass drive. A third day allows for the Glacier Express ride or additional hiking.

Take the IR train from Zurich HB to Goschenen (approximately 1h 40min), then change to the MGB Schollenen railway to Andermatt (10 min). Total journey approximately 1h 50min, with trains departing hourly. A second-class ticket costs CHF 46 (free with Swiss Travel Pass). Important: take the Gotthard mountain line, not the Gotthard Base Tunnel express, which does not stop at Goschenen.

For skiing: December to April, with the best snow conditions on the Gemsstock typically January through March. For hiking and pass drives: July to September, when all four Alpine passes are open and wildflower meadows are in bloom. June and October are shoulder months with variable conditions.

Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains to Andermatt (SBB and MGB), including the Glacier Express route using regular trains (the panoramic train requires a CHF 49 supplement). In Summer, it covers the Gemsstock gondola and PostBus services over all four passes. In Winter, it provides a 50% discount on SkiArena lift passes.

The Glacier Express is a panoramic train running between Zermatt and St. Moritz via Andermatt, covering 291 km in approximately 8 hours. It crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels. Andermatt is a key stop. A seat reservation (CHF 49) is mandatory on the panoramic service. However, regular MGB/RhB trains cover the same route without supplement and are free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Yes. From Zurich (1h 50min) or Lucerne (1h 30min), a day trip to Andermatt is feasible. You can explore the village, walk to the Devil's Bridge in the Schollenen Gorge, and ride the Gemsstock gondola (Summer) in a full day. However, to experience a pass drive or hike to Tomasee, ch.tours recommends staying overnight.

Yes, Andermatt's SkiArena offers over 180 km of slopes with excellent variety. The Gemsstock (2,961 m) is famous for steep, off-piste freeride terrain and reliable snow. The Natschen-Gutsch-Sedrun side offers groomed intermediate runs. A day pass costs CHF 79 (2026 prices). The area is less crowded than Verbier, Zermatt, or St. Moritz, offering a more authentic experience.

Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris invested over CHF 1.8 billion starting in 2009 to transform Andermatt into a year-round mountain resort. The project includes The Chedi Andermatt hotel (opened 2013), the Radisson Blu Reussen (2018), luxury apartments, a golf course, a concert hall, and the expanded SkiArena lift system connecting to Sedrun and Disentis. The development has revitalized the village while preserving its Alpine character.

Andermatt is the only village in Switzerland at the junction of four major Alpine passes: the Gotthard Pass (2,106 m, south to Ticino), the Oberalp Pass (2,044 m, east to Graubunden), the Furka Pass (2,429 m, west to Valais), and the Susten Pass (2,224 m, north to Bern). All four are open approximately mid-June to mid-October and can be driven as a single loop in 5--6 hours.