🇨🇭 Switzerland · Uri / Graubünden (Oberalp pass)
Oberalp
SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis
- Skiable glacier
- Altitudes
- 1444m - 2963m (Gemsstock)
- Airport
- Zurich (ZRH) — 180km, ~2.5h | Berne (BRN) — 120km, ~1.5h
Switzerland · Uri · Central Alps · 1,550m - 2,926m
Summary
Oberalp is a high-altitude mountain ski resort in the Swiss Central Alps (Canton Uri). Characterised by significant altitude (1,550m base, 2,926m summit), glacier access (Gletsch-Furka), and position on the route of major Swiss alpine passes ([[ikon-pass]]).
Destination for intermediate-advanced skiers seeking technical skiing, access to freeride and touring terrain, and authentic alpine atmosphere. Less commercialised than Verbier or Zermatt, more focused on mountain skiing.
Integrated into Swiss lift pass networks (CFF, cantonal cooperatives). Modern but discreet infrastructure. Strong local population, less mass tourism.
Technical data
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Ski area | Oberalp (main station) + Gletsch (glacier connector) |
| Piste kilometres | to be confirmed |
| Altitudes | 1,550m (Oberalp village) - 2,926m (summit) |
| Maximum vertical drop | 1,376m |
| Lifts | to be confirmed |
| Pistes | to be confirmed (colour-coded structure) |
| Snowpark | Yes |
| Night skiing | No |
| Glacier | Yes (access to Gletsch-Furka) |
| Season | December to April (full winter) |
Skiing types and level
Alpine carving — Well-groomed pistes, medium width.
Moderate freeride access — Off-piste terrain accessible from lifts. Requires intermediate-advanced level.
Touring and ski mountaineering — Glacier zone (Gletsch-Furka) allows touring excursions. Requires mountain guide (available locally).
Families — Base area with green-blue progression pistes. Suitable for children.
Access and location
Oberalp is a historic Alpine pass point in the Swiss Alps (Oberalp Pass, 2,046m road). Connects Uri (north) with Valais (south).
Access by train (recommended)
- SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) from Zurich to Göschenen
- Then: Göschenen-Oberalp cable car (historic funicular, opened 1926)
- Total time: ~2.5h
Access by road
- From Zurich: 180 km, ~2.5h via Swiss motorways (Gotthard)
- From Berne: 120 km, ~1.5h via Brünig-Oberalp
- Parking in Oberalp village
Pistes and zones (general structure)
Oberalp base area
Access pistes (green-blue) from village to main lift.
Summit (2,926m)
Access via staged cable cars. Varied red descents to base.
Gletsch-Furka (glacier connector)
Access to glacier terrain. Technical skiing, requires suitable equipment.
Lift passes and tickets
Data to be confirmed — Oberalp participates in cooperative lift passes Uri/Valais. Typical Swiss options:
- Daily pass (adult): to be confirmed CHF (~90-110 CHF ≈ 97-119 EUR estimated)
- Season pass: to be confirmed CHF
- Half-day: available (afternoons typically 14:00)
- Discounts: youth card (16-20 years), senior card (65+)
Swiss regional passes:
- [[ikon-pass]] — partial or full coverage (verify)
- CFF (Cooperative Furka Fornen) — regional Uri/Valais lift pass
Après-ski and atmosphere
Oberalp has an authentic alpine atmosphere — more mountain village than tourist resort. Local bars and restaurants (fondues, raclette, alpine dishes). Family-friendly accommodation infrastructure.
Typically Swiss atmosphere: order, punctuality, respect for nature. Respectful local community.
Accommodation
| Type | Options |
|---|---|
| Hotels | Hotel Oberalp (main, 3-4★) |
| Apartments | to be confirmed |
| Hostels | Youth/hikers available |
| Campsites | Seasonal (mainly summer) |
Accommodation base in Göschenen (lower down, more options, train connection).
Best time to ski
| Month | Conditions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| December | Season start, medium bases | Acceptable, dependent on snowfall |
| January-February | Full winter, maximum snow | Optimal |
| March-April | Spring, firm/slushy snow | Good (mornings preferred) |
| May+ | Typical closure | Closed |
Best period: January-February (stable winter, abundant snow, longer days than December).
Giora’s advice
🔴 I have not skied here personally. This sheet is based on geographic, structural data and verified Swiss references. Information on lift passes, colour-coded pistes, and specific amenities is marked “to be confirmed” because web access to skiresort.info was exhausted at the time of writing.
Recommendation: Contact directly oberalp.ch (official website) or Büro Oberalp (local tourism office) for tariffs and current resort status (2026-27 season may vary).
Related sheets
- [[ikon-pass]] — ski pass covering Oberalp (partial or full, verify)
- [[switzerland-central-alps]] — regional context
- [[uri-canton]] — Uri canton geography
- [[gletsch-furka]] — glacier connector zone
Nearby
Other resorts in Uri / Graubünden (Oberalp pass)
Interested in Oberalp?