Andermatt

Andermatt is currently trasnsforming itself from a sleepy trational Swiss Alpine village into a modern resort with new accommodation of the highest standards being contructed. The ski area is also changing with new lifts which now link the ski area to the resort of Sedrun up the valley (adding 50km of piste). This has made the ski area more child and intermediate friendly.

Historically, Andermatt has been a resort attacting off-piste aficionados as the impressive Gemsstock Mountain (offering North facing slopes) has always been a mecca for good skiers searching for wonderful off-piste terrain, however this is now in the throws of changing as the new developers want to attract a new market to the resort. The very impressive 5 star hotel Chedi and the brand new Radisson Blu are the start of the process which will see Andermatt attracting a new affluent clientele.

The old part of the resort thankfully remains untouched; traditional, with cobbled streets and lovely little stube and tea rooms dotted around. The majority of new hotels and apartments are in a different area so we are hoping the charm of Andermatt will remain.

Andermatt is not a party resort like Ischgl or St. Anton but then not everyone likes thumping German "Schlager" music! The Spycher is the place most people meet up after a day on the mountain. They also do great pizza there! You can enjoy a beer in the sun outside the Aurora (opposite the Gemstock lift) or on the terrace of the 3 Konige hotel. If you fancy a hand-picked herbal tea and home-made cake, visit Kevin and Sarah at the Alte Apotheke. The restaurant at the Schweizerhof does great steaks and meat fondue and zum Sternen and the Ochsen do a good cheese fondue.

In the evening, the Spycher is still popular until around 11pm, afterwards head to the Pinte (downstairs at the Picadilly) where there is an open fire and often live music on Saturdays. If you really want a late night or Pinte is closed (Thursdays we think), the Gotthard bar is open late. So you can party in Andermatt if you want to!

Although in the heart of the Alps it is only an easy 2 hour drive away from Zurich making it very possible for a weekend ski holiday destination.