Andermatt Unwraps Glacier Ahead of Season

Switzerland’s Andermatt ski area has taken protective covers off its glacier as temperatures are expected to start cooling in the Alps now that meteorological autumn is here.

The resort is more than a dozen in the Alps that now laboriously covers parts of its glacier each spring with the attention of protecting it against the warmest summer sunshine and slowing its melting.

The centre's Gurschen Glacier, which has shrunk to about a hectare in size, has been covered in protective fleece for the past 20 summers now.

Andermatt has a team of 15 who worked to remove, collect up and store the huge amounts of fabric required ready for spring 2025.

“All fleece panels are removed by hand and folded by hand. A strenuous task, even if the view is of course magnificent,” an Andermatt spokesperson said, adding, “The glacier is now officially ready for the first snow. May it come on time and by mid-November at the latest, because on November 15, 2024 we will ring in the winter season on the Gemsstock.”

The first ski day will be for members of the Gotthard Club only then from November 16th it will be open for everyone again.