Hotels in Amden
Amden is a terrace village at about 910 m above the north shore of the Walensee, and for skiing I would sleep in the village, not up at Arvenbüel. The reason is the Mattstock chairlift: it leaves from the village and climbs to Walau at 1,292 m, where the Bärenfall drag lift continues to 1,624 m, the steeper side of the resort. Arvenbüel, the other area, has four lifts: the Stock pony lift, where lessons are held, the Arven chairlift over gentle terrain, and the Sell and Leistkamm drag lifts, Sell serving the area's red runs. The two areas share 20 km of pistes and six lifts but no lift link: an hourly shuttle bus joins them, free with a day or season pass. Both hotels on this site are in the village. Hotel Sonne, on Dorfstrasse, is a few steps from the Mattstock chair and scores 8.2 from 201 reviews; Schäfli, at Dorfstrasse 49, is about 400 m away, at 7.7 from 689 reviews, with an outdoor pool listed on Booking. I would pick Sonne for the walk to the lift. Parking in Amden is limited, so drivers often leave the car in Weesen, near exit 45 of the A3. Between 910 and 1,684 m this is a low resort: in December and March, read the snow report before you commit.
Amden suits families with young children and relaxed intermediates who want short lift queues, a view of the Walensee from the piste and Zurich about an hour away. It does not suit skiers who need a big linked domain: its two small areas, Mattstock and Arvenbüel, are joined by bus, not by lift, and the village has two hotels on this site, both within walking distance of the Mattstock chairlift. For more terrain, look across the lake at Flumserberg.
Amden in numbers
Hotel Sonne
Ski-to-door, family rooms, and lake views in Amden
Why guests love itHotel Sonne in Amden let us ski right to the door, and our family room had a view over the lake that took our breath away each morning. The restaurant was a hit with the kids thanks to its pizzas, while we enjoyed the seafood and local dishes. The minimarket on site saved trips for snacks, and we charged our electric car at the station outside. Free WiFi and a sunny terrace completed a relaxed, family-friendly stay.
Schäfli
Mountain views, outdoor pool, and ski-to-door access in Amden
Why guests love itSchäfli in Amden was a simple, friendly base with one big advantage: we skied right to the door. Ski hire on site meant we could kit out the kids without a trip into town, and the ski storage kept the room tidy. Our room had mountain views, and the shared lounge was a nice place to play cards in the evening. The restaurant kept dinners easy. In summer there's an outdoor pool and free bikes. Unpretentious and handy.
What to expect
- The Mattstock chairlift leaves from the village (910 m) and climbs to Walau (1,292 m).
- The Bärenfall drag lift reaches 1,624 m and serves the steeper runs.
- Arvenbüel has four lifts: the Stock pony lift, where lessons are held, the Arven chairlift over gentle terrain, and the Sell and Leistkamm drag lifts, Sell serving the red runs.
- An hourly shuttle bus links the two areas, free with a day or season pass.
- Arvenbüel also has a snow park, two cross-country loops and short toboggan runs.
Local tips
- ✓Leave the car in Weesen, near exit 45 of the A3, and take the bus up: parking in Amden itself is limited.
- ✓From Ziegelbrücke station, the AWA bus up to Arvenbüel is included with the ski and snowboard tickets, so buy your pass before you board.
- ✓Take your sledge on the Arven chairlift: it carries sledges, and the faster toboggan runs start at its top station.
- ✓With small children, start at Fürlegi near Café Leistkamm, where the sledging slopes are almost flat.
- ✓Book first lessons on the Stock pony lift slope at Arvenbüel and keep beginners on the Arven chairlift runs; the Sell drag lift at Arvenbüel and the Bärenfall on the Mattstock are for confident skiers.
- ✓From Hotel Sonne the Mattstock chair is a few steps away; from Schäfli, allow about 400 m on foot in ski boots.
- ✓On a rest day or when the snow is thin, the public Hallenbad Amden on Kirchstrasse has a 20 m pool of local spring water heated to about 31 °C, a panorama whirlpool, a sauna and a steam bath.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Is Amden good for beginners?
Yes, as long as you stay on the right lifts at Arvenbüel. Lessons are held on the Stock pony lift slope, the Arven chairlift serves gentle terrain, and the snow park and toboggan runs are on the same side. The Sell drag lift serves Arvenbüel's red runs, and the Mattstock with the Bärenfall drag lift is the steeper part of the resort: both are for confident skiers.
Are the Mattstock and Arvenbüel ski areas connected?
No. There is no lift or piste between them. An hourly shuttle bus runs between the two areas, and it is free for day and season pass holders, so plan your day around its timetable rather than switching areas several times.
Where should I stay in Amden for skiing?
In the village. Hotel Sonne on Dorfstrasse is a few steps from the Mattstock chairlift and is rated 8.2 from 201 reviews; Schäfli is about 400 m from the chair and rated 7.7 from 689 reviews. Families who will spend their days at Arvenbüel ride the bus up from the village.
How do I get to Amden by public transport?
Take the train to Ziegelbrücke, then the AWA bus up the hill; the ride to Arvenbüel is included with the ski tickets. Zurich Tourism gives about 69 minutes from Zurich main station to the Mattstock area. Drivers can park in Weesen, near exit 45 of the A3, and take the bus.
Is the snow reliable in Amden?
Not always. The lifts run between 910 and 1,684 m, which is low for the Alps. Mid-winter is the safest window; in December and March, check the Amden snow report before booking, and expect the lower runs to suffer first in a mild spell.