Disentis

Are you sick of over-crowded ski resorts, long lift queues and dull slopes? What would you say to a ski field where new snow lies untouched for days and the off-piste skiing is unbelievably awesome? Such a place does exist, and it's called Disentis. Hidden in a valley between the Oberalp Pass and Chur, Disentis has still not been exploited by mass tourism. Instead, you can expect great snow conditions and superb off-piste skiing.

For those who prefer comfortable skiing, there are long and wide red pistes. If you are into fierce off-piste skiing then it’s best to bring climbing skins. You reach the best runs after a 30-minute walk. There is easy touring from the T-bar lift (Lai Alv – Péz Ault) up to Péz Ault, from which point there is a long run down through Val Gronda, or you can continue touring across to Brunnifirnglaciären and Oberalpstock. There are numerous different ways to do these runs. A completely different option is to take the train from Disentis to Andermatt and get off at Oberalppass, located at an altitude of 2,000 meters. There are runs both towards Andermatt and towards the Sedrun lift systems.

Swedish-owned Nangijala offers accommodation, home-made burgers and “Swedish fika” (coffee with something sweet) or beer. Sax Lodge is also operated by Swedes. The latter is more of a hotel, while accommodation at the former is more basic.

Disentis in Switzerland is no "Alpine capital", but quite known among most serious skiers. Still, visitors aren't coming in droves (yet). Powder skiing, massive amounts of snow, amazing views and great restaurants are waiting for you. You can even visit the little factory of the luxurious ski brand Zai at the train station in Disentis, if you so wish.