Experience ...
… Around 200 construction workers, 40 heavy construction machines, 10 construction cranes, 3 helicopters, 8 construction sites: there was a flurry of activity on the slopes above Andermatt and Sedrun this summer. A new gondola lift and a new chairlift opened this season, meaning that the majority of the link between the Andermatt and Sedrun ski areas is now operational. This has created the largest and most modern ski resort in Central Switzerland on the Gotthard.
… The«MATTI KidsArena»at the Nätschen midway station has also opened this season. As well as practice slopes, there are indoor and outdoor play areas, a family restaurant with a MATTI bear's den, and play facilities for children. The Valtgeva Snow Park near Sedrun railway station is also ideal for families. It features an easily navigable beginners’ slope and a 200-metre-long snow tubing run where you can whizz down on large rubber rings. Two ski lifts also take more advanced skiers to suitable terrain.
www.skiarena.ch
… So far, so good, but three horses steal the show: the Freiberger horses Miki and Volero and the Trakehner gelding Amaretto, owned by organic farmer Edi Hess. For the past two seasons, they have been pulling children on skis up the toboggan run at Rueras – who then race back down as fast as they can, only to be pulled back up again: for once, the ski lift is the attraction, not the run itself. And, of course, it's completely eco-friendly; after all, the energy comes from organic hay rather than nuclear or other power stations. To
enjoy«Edi's Organic Horse-Drawn Ski Lift», you'll need to start your weekend as early as Thursday.
«Edi's Organic Horse-Drawn Ski Lift» in Rueras, every Thursday from 2 pm to 5 pm, free for holders of a Winter Guest Card. disentis-sedrun.ch, www.biohof-edihess.ch
… And for those who, despite everything, prefer to ride up and down the slopes whilst seated, the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun offers no fewer than three toboggan runs, one of which includes gondola lift transport. The most beautiful, fastest and longest descent down the Furka Pass road
, though you'll have to earn it first with a two-hour hike.
- Schlittelpiste Nätschen-Andermatt: 5,5 Kilometer, Schlittenmiete an der Talstation Nätschen und am Bahnhof Andermatt.
- Schlittelpiste Milez-Dieni: 3,5 Kilometer, Schlittenmiete an der Talstation Dieni.
- Schlittelerlebnis Furkapassstrasse von Tiefenbach bis Realp: 7 Kilometer, Schlittenmiete im Hotel Tiefenbach, Wanderung hoch ca. zwei Stunden auf einem Winterwanderweg.
Enjoy …
… Another unique feature of Sedrun is the‘Stalla Libra’: this art exhibition space, known as the «Freier Stall», was opened seven years ago by two Sedrun natives who had moved to London, in a historic stable. Two years ago, two young designers from the Royal College of Art in London built a «playhouse» there, where children of all ages can test their dexterity, creativity and stamina on artistically designed installations.
Open Wednesday to Saturday, afternoons from 12 noon to 6 pm, free entry.
www.stalla-libra.ch
… If the kids (or their parents) have got cold feet from sledgeing and skiing, we recommend the Bogn Sedrun, a bathing spot at the source of the Rhine. For action, there are
waterfalls, a lazy river and a white-water channel, as well as a 25-metre pool for swimmers; for relaxation, there is a modern wellness area with saunas, Roman
steam baths and a large panoramic terrace.
www.bognsedrun.ch
… And of course, skiing and pottering about in the stables don't just make you tired, they make you hungry too. You can fill hungry bellies in a special setting at Nätschen:
There you'll find kotas – Scandinavian barbecue huts for six to ten people, a sort of sauna where sausages are grilled instead of people being made to sweat.
www.skiarena.ch
Accommodation ...
… there isn't (yet) a children's hotel in Andermatt or Sedrun, but there is a children's playroom and a lounge for reading, watching TV and children's films at the
cosy Hotel La Cruna in Sedrun. The centrally located Casa Popolo in Andermatt is also ideal for groups and families: it exudes a warehouse-style atmosphere and offers good
value for money. Guests can cook for themselves in a communal kitchen, whilst meals are served in a large dining room. Modern holiday apartments catering to more discerning tastes
in the ever-expanding holiday village of Andermatt Reuss at the entrance to historic Andermatt and within walking distance of the station, shops and ski area.
Hotel La Cruna, Via Alpsu 65, Sedrun, double rooms from 90 Swiss francs, children under 5 free, 50% off for those up to 12, 30% off for those up to 15.
Casa Popolo, Gotthardstrasse 31, Andermatt, accommodation from 40 Swiss francs per person; enquire directly for current family offers: casa.popolo@bluewin.ch.
www.hotelcruna.ch, www.casapopolo.ch, www.andermatt-swissalps.ch