Performance Plus
- Off-piste
- Half Board
- Unspoilt village
- Un-crowded off-piste
- First class instruction
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
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 of off-piste skiing & instruction. There is also 1 'freeskiing' day when no instruction is provided.
The principal aims of this week are:
- To provide first class instruction from top Ski Instructors to radically improve off piste skiing technique and style.
- To give practical mountain awareness training particularly for avalanches.
- To provide the opportunity to ski the best off piste in the Andermatt Ski Region.
Skill: *****
A new level for 2008-2009. These courses are aimed at skiers with some off-piste experience (e.g. completed a Performance Foundation course or similar) and who are looking for further intensive off-piste instruction. These weeks will be run by Ski Instructors and the focus will be on selecting terrain that will really challenge you and take your skiing to the next level.
Stamina: ***
For these courses you need good fitness and stamina so that you can ski all day for 6 consecutive days
About Andermatt
Andermatt used to be a favourite of the British, but has since fallen on harder times. Now it is more known as a mountain troop base, although many skiers still take the train up to enjoy excellent snow, a reasonable range of slopes (56km) and some top off-piste.
Andermatt deserves to get more coverage, particularly for experts who want to get off marked trails up on the Gemsstock. Because it's a little run-down, the lifts aren't exactly the most high-tech and efficient, but Andermatt still maintains its picturesque charm. And because it has slipped behind other resorts, it remains delightfully uncrowded. There are no buses and you have to use the train to get around. You can also take the train to Davos, St Moritz and Zermatt.
The village has plenty of slope-side accommodation but there's a limit to après-ski, nightlife and other non-skiing stuff. And the barracks don't really maximise the views! Overall, Andermatt is a slightly old-fashioned resort that deserves a return to its former glory. If you want good snow and quite tough terrain, this is the place.