Skiing sensation in the Alps: The rise of Andermatt as a leading ski resort, following its journey from James Bond fame to economic prosperity
In the heart of Switzerland, a quiet village named Andermatt has undergone a remarkable transformation. This metamorphosis can be attributed to the vision and investment of Egyptian billionaire developer, Samih Sawiris.
Samih Sawiris, a prominent figure in the global hospitality and real estate industry, purchased a large chunk of land in Andermatt in 2005. His company, ODE, embarked on a mission to redevelop the mountain village and its surrounding ski areas, turning a relatively small and quiet Swiss village into a modern, upscale ski resort destination.
This development under Sawiris’s leadership has been nothing short of remarkable. High-end hotels, residences, and leisure facilities have sprung up, integrating Andermatt with nearby ski zones, improving accessibility and ski terrain. The village has been transformed into a year-round resort, offering not just skiing, but a plethora of outdoor activities.
The first luxury hotel in Andermatt, The Chedi, opened its doors in December 2013. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the hotel features one of the finest spas in the world. Its Michelin star-awarded Japanese restaurant offers panoramic views, adding to the hotel's allure.
The growth in Andermatt has been significant. Since The Chedi opened, the town's population has soared more than 30%, and property prices have doubled. Three-bedroom apartments in Andermatt Reuss village, a new development near The Chedi, reach more than £1.2 million.
However, this growth has not been without controversy. Local complaints have arisen, suggesting that the Epic Pass structure caters for wealthy international guests, reducing access for nearby residents. The cost of living in Andermatt has increased, a concern shared by many.
Despite these challenges, Andermatt's special personality has been preserved, according to Marcel Wenger, the owner of Restaurant Adler. Andermatt is set to announce a new Michelin-starred offering and a bunch of ritzy boutiques in the coming weeks, further cementing its status as a notable destination for winter tourism.
In 2022, Vail Resorts Inc acquired a majority stake in Andermatt's ski areas from Samih Sawiris's companies. As part of their investment, new smart lifts have already been installed, and they have pledged to invest £135 million into Andermatt's slopes and infrastructure.
The Epic Pass offered by Vail Resorts allows holders to ski or snowboard for the full season across the world, attracting many visitors from over the Atlantic to Andermatt. The Cotton Club, a popular après ski venue, opened last season but is unlikely to return this season due to a financial dispute with Samih Sawiris.
In 2018, Radisson Blu, a four-star hotel, opened in Andermatt. Sacha Ercolani, the owner of Fondue-Burg in Hospental, states that the town is growing but will never have 4,000 beds, remaining a boutique destination.
Lastly, Andermatt hosted the annual meeting of the Supercar Owners Circle in 2020, further showcasing its transformation into a premium destination. The future looks bright for this once quiet Swiss village, as it continues to attract visitors from around the globe.
Home-and-garden and lifestyle transformations are evident in Andermatt, where premium residences and leisure facilities have been built, catering to the taste of international travelers seeking a modern home base amidst the breathtaking Swiss mountains. sports enthusiasts visiting the revamped ski resort destination will find a wide array of winter activities beyond skiing, thanks to the increased accessibility and expanded ski terrain.
