Andermatt is no longer an insider tip, on the contrary. This has the disadvantage that after just one day the fresh snow is already so chopped up that another day in the ski resort is often not worthwhile. But luckily there is this small, fine red cogwheel railway that takes freeriders and ski tourers from Andermatt to the Oberalp Pass in a short time.
The trip is surprisingly inexpensive and you can make the first 500 metres without breaking a sweat. And best of all: from the Oberalp Pass you have a whole range of fine ski mountains to choose from and plenty of excellent descents to Andermatt or towards Tschamut (Surselva). Two tours from a huge selection are described here: Easy or spicy: Pazolastock 2740 m or Rossbodenstock 2836 m.
Pazolastock - 700 metres from Oberalp Pass
9.00 a.m. and everything is easy: take the Gotthard-Matterhorn railway to the Oberalp Pass. Costs a mere 7.50 francs from Andermatt to the pass. From there it takes two hours to reach the summit in bright sunshine. The ascent is easy and can even be done with snowshoes. From the railway station, cross the slopes of Puozas dil Lai (see map section, there is usually a track). Then in a south-westerly direction to the ridge, which you cross at approx. 2520 m altitude (can be tricky with a lot or little snow), then continue through the large eastern slope and finally on the south ridge to the summit, where there is a military barrack. Take a leisurely break at the summit and then descent almost 1400 metres to Andermatt.
Rossbodenstock - additional 200 vertical metres from Pazolastock
Ski down a little from the Pazolastock, then put your skis on your back and continue up, strap your skis back on here and ski down to the Martschallücke. Strap your skis to your backpack again and climb steeply up towards Rossbodenstock, then enjoy the last 100 metres on skins. The summit cross is almost oversized. Time required: one to two hours
The descent
After a steep start in a rocky gully, then a wide powder field with fantastic conditions. Further down, we skied down the blown cornices, which quickly turned into powder snow. Conclusion: super day, beautiful views, great descent. Rating: Highly recommended as a one-day trip...
