Adventure Advanced, Andermatt

Switzerland

Adventure Advanced

Switzerland

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Off-piste
Half Board
Suitable for adventurous advanced off-piste skiers.
First class mountain guiding
Great off-piste area

Overview

Andermatt is a charming 800 year old Swiss village in the Gotthard Massif. It is renowned for its excellent snow record thanks to its geographical location.

Description

Off the mountain, the village is quiet with limited nightlife. But it's the skiing you've come for and you won't be disappointed!!

It is also renowned for its superb off-piste and the main mountain, the Gemstock has been likened to the Grand Montets in Argentiere, but with the distinct advantage that the off-piste here in Andermatt is rarely crowded.

Itinerary

5 full days off-piste guiding plus 1 'freeskiing' day when no guiding is provided.

The principal aims of the off-piste adventure courses are:
• To provide first class guiding from leading international Mountain Guides to improve off piste skiing technique.
• To give practical mountain awareness training on the hazards and risks associated with skiing off-piste particularly for avalanches.
• To provide the opportunity to ski the best off piste in the Andermatt ski region.

Itineraries vary depending on the composition of the group and the weather and snow conditions.

Ski area

Andermatt village is at 1450m. The top of the Gemsstock is at almost 3000m. This mountain has been likened to Argentiere's Grand Montets and its here that some of the best off-piste runs can be found in the bowls and gulleys of the Felsental, Unteralp and Guspi valleys and all accessed from the top of the lift station. Away from the Gemsstock there are a number of other separate skiing areas all accessible on the same lift pass including Winterhorn and the villages of Sedrun, Disentis and Oberalp. Because Andermatt receives a lot of snow and the slopes are quite steep, the area is prone to avalanches.

Skill: ******

Our off-piste adventure advanced level courses are for strong all-round skiers with plenty of off-piste experience (5 weeks plus). To join courses at this level you must be able to cope with most conditions confidently, competently and with minimum faff! You are willing to try it all: steeps, breakable crud, speed, ice, spring snow, deep powder.

Stamina: ****

For the off-piste adventure courses you need to have good physical fitness in order to enjoy full days on the hill. On these courses you will mostly use the lift systems to gain altitude but you can expect some walking/climbing in order to access some runs.

Accommodation and meals
You will stay in one of Andermatt's many hotels on half-board basis (twin-rooms). Our preferred hotel is the Hotel Sonne. All rooms are ensuite. The hotel is a traditional Swiss hotel, family run with friendly staff. The hotel restaurant serves continental breakfast and a 2 or 3 course evening meal. Portions are plentiful!