Speedriding and Speedflying in Andermatt
Andermatt is a great spot for speedriding in the Swiss Alps. Many skiresorts have banned speedflying or made restrictions where you can fly. Check this video for locationAt the Gemsstock you have a detailled Map where the flying is allowed. Basically you can take off at the top of Gemsstock and have to stay clear of the Russi-run and Sonnenpiste. The rest is open playfield for great flights. From the top you have several options to choose from.
1. Glacier Run
Takeoff just below the gondola. There is a windsock at the top of the gondola and at the first mast. Beware of strong south winds, wich generate a rotor next to the ridge line. Sometimes its better to take off a little further down, where the leeward side of the Gemsstock blocks the wind. Landing is east of the Piste / Avalanche Training center in a big open flat field. 720m Vertical flying. This run suits good for North, Northeasterly and Northwesterly winds. even slight southwind is possible to fly. Beware of strong south or westwinds. Bothgenerate strong turbulence next to the top and ridgeline left of the slopes where the gondola masts are. STAY CLEAR OF THE RUSSI SKIPISTE!
2. Felsental Valley
Takeoff is left of the Skipiste, just before the first sektion of the Sonnenpiste skirun starts. Just little below left of the piste is a weatherstation, where you can see a windmeter with propeller as actual windindicator. Another easy takeoff point is way further down, traversing left of the sonnenpiste underneath the rope and sign that you are leaving the controlled slopes. You can fly along the Felsental valley all the way down to the gondola station. Landing is south of the road and MGB Traintracks, even close to the gondola. At landingsite next to the gondola parking are several flags and banners indicating winddirektion. Total vertical from the top is about 1500m. Beware of alternating winds down at the bottom part. Right hand side of ridgeline is a nature reservate where overflying is prohibited. check the Map at gondola station for restrictions. Wildlife keepers are watching at the bottom often and you will pay 150 CHF for crossing over the marked ropeline in flight.
3. Unteralptal Valley
From the top of Gemsstock you can also fly southbound towards the Vermigel hut. This is a easy mellow flight and good especially on south winds. Takeoff is just little below the top, you can also walk down the metal stairs little right of the gondola station. Windsock is on the top of the gondola station. Depending of the strenght of wind you can cross over the Gefallengrat ridline towards east or fly straight south down the valley. Landing is at the bottom of the vally. Beware of the changing winds when you fly into the Unteralp Valley compared to the top. You have to push back with skis and poles about 20min from the unteralp Valley back to the village.
4. Guspis Valley
It is possible to fly the famous Guspis offpiste run with speedflyer. You exit the gondola from the top and ski southwest on backside towards the saddle where you have to bootback up about 60m. Here is the takeoff point. This flight is only suitable with northwesterly winds. You can fly along the valley all the way down to the Gotthard pass road. There is a big flat valley to land, but beware of changing winds at the Gotthard pass. From here ski down the road and you end up in Hospental. There is a Train leaving every our at 14 past the hour to Andermatt. The ticket is included in the skipass
Have fun and be safe