Central Switzerland's largest ski resort is becoming an exclusive Alpine destination
Once a Swiss army base, Andermatt is now the only ski resort in Switzerland with exemptions from the strict Koller/Weber property ownership and development laws. It is undergoing considerable expansion and investment in infrastructure as it challenges its more established and expensive Swiss peers. A small and charming historical village with cobbled streets and a river running through its centre, Andermatt has a traditional appeal. The largest ski resort in central Switzerland, skiers and snowboarders are attracted by its reliable snow record and extensive on and off-piste terrain. For the 2019/20 season the ski area has been further expanded by a link from Sedrun to neighbouring Disentis which means a total of 180km of pistes and 30 lifts. Summer attractions include all the usual mountain activities as well as a championship golf course. A variety of high-end hotels, restaurants, bars and shops vie for attention in a relatively small space.
Property in Andermatt
Andermatt is unique in Switzerland, any nationality can buy property here. It is striking how Andermatt has transformed itself into an exclusive international destination. According to figures from UBS, this has supported a 6.9% increase in prices over the past 5 years. Average prices per sqm of the latest releases of property are now around CHF 18,800. The ski resort will ultimately comprise 42 apartment buildings (7 completed as at 2018), six high-end hotels and residences and 28 chalets blending traditional alpine architecture with a contemporary twist.
A Guide to Andermatt
Andermatt in the Canton of Uri is central Switzerland’s largest ski area, with excellent road and rail transport links. Zurich is just 90 minutes by car, Milan 2 hours. The Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn railway provides connections East & West across the Alps via Valais and Graubünden.
There are two parts to the resort of Andermatt. The traditional village with its river bridge and historic buildings is a car-free zone. Growing up around this is the new Andermatt Swiss Alps project of hotels and residences, the only development exempt from Switzerland’s stringent laws on new property and foreign ownership. For further information read our blog: What’s so special about Andermatt?
Andermatt’s ski area
SkiArena Andermatt Sedrun has three ski areas, Nätschen-Sedrun, Gemsstock and Disentis with 180km of ski pistes in total served by 30 ski lifts. The lifts are on opposite sides of the town and are connected by a free shuttle bus.
The Gemsstock side is north-facing and predominantly for expert and intermediate skiers with long pistes and off-piste bowls. The sunnier Nätschen side of the valley has some nice reds, as does the Sedrun section. Beginners will find that there is not much available for them, so Andermatt is not the place to learn how to ski. Snowboarders enjoy the extensive freeride terrain and Andermatt’s snow record is excellent so cross-country skiers and snowshoe walkers can take advantage of the flat valley floor from Andermatt towards Realp and the Furka pass.
Also, check out our blog - The Uniqueness of Skiing : Downhill race pistes you can ski..
Après ski in Andermatt
What better way to enjoy “après” than sitting back and enjoying the scenery on the famous Après ski train. The carriages have been redesigned with glass walls and roof to fully appreciate the panorama as its one-hour journey takes you from the Disentis side of the ski area over the Oberalp pass and back to Andermatt.
More traditional après ski can be found on the mountain at the Himalaya Bar, the ideal spot for sunset drinks. Otherwise there are some trendy wine and cocktail bars in the resort such as Bar Die Alt Apothek, in a former pharmacy as well as Vinothek 1620 with tasty food and a roaring fire. The stylish Chedi Andermatt hotel has a popular bar for those looking to indulge.
Eating out in Andermatt
Plenty of choices are available from rösti at Gasthaus Tell to traditional cheese dishes sucha as fondue and raclette at Restaurant Ochsen. The pizzas are excellent at Spycher and for an Asian experience with a buzzing atmosphere try the Restaurant at the Chedi Andermatt.
Summer in Andermatt
Andermatt is an extensive summer playground with numerous hiking and mountain bike trails as well as an award-winning 18-hole golf course, voted Switzerland’s best for two consecutive years. The area’s pristine rivers and lakes provide great fishing, rafting and canyoning opportunities.
Other Destinations in the Swiss Alps:
Champéry Crans-Montana Grimentz Flims Laax Falera Grindelwald Gstaad La Tzoumaz Nendaz Saas Fee Verbier Veysonnaz Villars