Gemsstock

Gemsstock is a 2,961 m summit rising directly above Andermatt in the canton of Uri, central Switzerland. It belongs to the Lepontine Alps and is a subpeak of the taller Chastelhorn, about a kilometre to the south-west. The Gurschenfirn glacier lies on its northern flank. Skiers know it as one of the Alps' signature freeride peaks, and everyone who rides up gets a huge panorama.

Where is the Gemsstock?

The mountain stands over Andermatt in the Urseren valley, where roads over the Gotthard, Furka and Oberalp passes meet. Its coordinates are roughly 46.60° N, 8.61° E. Andermatt has a railway station, so you can arrive by train and reach the valley station of the lift on foot.

How do you get to the top?

The Gemsstockbahn cable car climbs in two sections, changing at the mid-station of Gurschenalp. Reversible cabins carry passengers to almost 3,000 m in a few minutes per stage. The lift runs in the winter season, so check dates and operating hours with the operator, Andermatt-Sedrun Sport, before you go.

What can you see from the summit?

The Gemsstock is regarded as one of the best viewpoints in central Switzerland. On a clear day the horizon holds hundreds of peaks across the Uri and Bernese Alps. Below you lie the Urseren valley and the rooftops of Andermatt, and to the north the tongue of the Gurschenfirn.

Why do freeriders come here?

The slopes are steep and demanding, which earns the mountain a black-diamond reputation. Well-known off-piste descents include Felsental, Giraffe, Guspis and Geissberg. Felsental runs about 6 km and drops well over a thousand vertical metres, often in good snow. Off-piste terrain demands a careful avalanche assessment, and an avalanche training centre at Gurschen lets you practise with transceiver, probe and shovel.

What pistes are there?

The Gemsstock area offers about 31 km of runs: roughly 17 km difficult and 14 km intermediate, plus around 6 km of marked ski routes. The Russi run leads from the summit down to Gurschenalp. This is terrain for confident skiers; beginners will find gentler slopes in the neighbouring Andermatt–Sedrun area.

When should you visit?

Aim for the heart of the ski season, typically December to April, when the lift is running and snow cover supports the descents. Choose days with stable weather: visibility depends on cloud, and the upper mountain can be very windy. Dress in layers, since temperatures near 3,000 m sit far below those in the valley.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Gemsstock? Most sources give 2,961 m above sea level; the lift operator quotes 2,962 m.

Can I ride up in summer? The Gemsstockbahn operates in the winter season. Outside it, check the operator's current timetable before travelling.

Is it suitable for beginners? No. Runs are mostly intermediate and difficult, and freeride lines call for experience, avalanche knowledge and ideally a guide.

How do I reach Andermatt? By train: the town sits on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn line with connections to Göschenen and Disentis. By car, use the pass roads or the route from Göschenen.