Andermatt
Traditional Swiss ski resort with excellent off piste skiing on the mighty Gemstock Mountain
Andermatt resort guide - a general overview
Andermatt is currently transforming itself from a sleepy traditional Swiss alpine village into a modern resort with new accommodation of the highest standards being constructed. 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 attracting 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, the type of visitors staying in Andermatt is now changing as the property developers 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.
Although Andermatt lies in the heart of the Alps it is only an easy 2-hour drive from Zurich (or a train ride) making it very possible for a weekend ski holiday destination.
Resort stats
120km
1,445m - 2,965m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Zurich
- 2hrs
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very attractive and traditional Swiss mountain village
- Excellent snow record
- Fabulous off-piste and ski touring terrain. Especially for experts
- Easy access from Zurich airport
- Great resort for weekend ski holidays
Cons
- Can get busy at weekends
- fairly limited skiing for beginners and intermiates although now linked to Sedrun
- limited nightlife although again this is changing
Restaurants
Andermatt Resort Restaurants
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 and they also do great pizzas here! 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.
Andermatt Mountain Restaurants
There are a couple of restaurants on the mountain but it is probably easiest to ski back down to the resort for lunch and try any number of good, local style restaurants in the high street. The main lift seldom has any queues during the day and as it is a large cable car you'll be back up the mountain skiing again with a minimum of wasted time. Alternatively you will need to pack some food in your rucksack coz where you're going there are no restaurants within miles and miles.
Andermatt Apres Ski
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!
Andermatt Nightlife
Revolves around the Pinte, the Spycher or the Gotthard bar.
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Property
