Oberalp Pass

Oberalp Pass
Oberalp Pass
Elevation	2,044 m (6,706 ft)
Traversed by	Road
Location
	Oberalp Pass Location of Oberalp Pass
Location	Switzerland
Range	Alps
Coordinates	46°39.54′N 08°40.26′E / 46.659°N 8.671°ECoordinates: 46°39.54′N 08°40.26′E / 46.659°N 8.671°E

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Oberalp Pass (Romansh: Alpsu or Cuolm d'Ursera, German: Oberalppass) (el. 2044 m.) is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps connecting the cantons of Graubünden and Uri between Disentis and Andermatt.

[edit] Winter closure

The public road that crosses the pass is being closed in winter, whereas the railway line of former Furka-Oberalp Bahn, now called Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn runs year round and provides a limited shuttle for cars in winter as well (reservation required). The closure depends on snowfall and differs therefore between end of October to beginning of December. Its opening in spring can be expected by the end of April but may also be happen by mid May.^[1]

In Winter a ski area is stretching to the Graubünden side, connecting the pass well into the Tujetsch territory to Dieni, near Rueras.^[2]

[edit] Source of the Rhine river

The Rhine springs from a source nearby (Tomasee), which is marked by a working lighthouse. A multiday trekking route is signposted across Oberalp pass and along the young Rhine called Senda Sursilvana.^[3]

Oberalpsee is located 20 m below, in the direction of Andermatt.

[edit] Railway Station

The Oberalppass railway station is located just below the Oberalp ski area. It has 3 platforms, and is owned and run by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.

[edit] Ski Area

Main article: Gotthard Oberalp Arena

The Oberalppass passes the Oberalp ski area, which is part of the Gotthard Oberalp Arena.

There are currently plans for the ski area to be linked up with Naetschen, the neighbouring mountain, which is also part of the Gotthard Oberalp Arena.