Andermatt is located in central Switzerland, in one of the snowiest parts of the Alps. The resort is part of a string of villages spread along the valley, connected both by the lifts and by the incredible Glacier Express train, which runs throughout the winter despite reaching well over 2000m.
Andermatt itself has a stunning, high-altitude cable car giving access to steep, in-bounds terrain and incredible backcountry terrain, on a scale comparable to the Aiguille de Midi or La Grave cable cars. The rest of the valley is on a smaller scale, but has lots of quiet corners giving great freeride adventures, especially if the weather is challenging up on the top.
Our accommodation is in Sedrun, which is centrally located, giving easy access both to the big lifts in Andermatt and to the quieter lines around Disentis and Sedrun itself.
Program:
Arrive in resort and check in to hotel on Saturday 24th Jan. The course includes 5 days of guided riding. This will usually be Monday-Friday, giving you Sunday as a warm-up day to get your legs moving but if it makes sense with the weather or snow conditions, we may start right away on the Sunday and take a rest day later in the week. Check out of the chalet on Saturday 31st Jan.
Accommodation:
Hotel
Meals:
Breakfast every day and evening meals 5 nights per week are included in the course cost. The hotel has its own restaurant, where we'll eat 5 nights per week, with the option to go out on other nights or just stay local if we're knackered!
TRAVEL:
Andermatt is in central Switzerland. The easiest travel option is to fly to Zurich airport, then take a train (pretty cheap) to resort. There may be a couple of changes required, but it all runs like, well, a Swiss railway. I'll be around with a van to pick up from the train station or in case of any dramas!
Riding level:
This course is for intermediate and up level riders with some backcountry experience. You should have at least 8-10 weeks riding experience and have at least some experience of enjoying turns in off-piste conditions.
fitness level:
You should have a reasonable level of fitness as we will very likely do some hiking during the week in order to find fresh lines. Usually about 1hr or 300m maximum.
Equipment required:
Avalanche safety equipment loan is included in the course price if you don't have your own. If we need snowshoe or splitboard gear, this can be rented locally.
additional costs (not included):
Travel, Lift pass, 2 evening meals, Lunch & Apres