History of Andermatt
A fairytale comes true

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Development

The beginning of Andermatt Swiss Alps sounds like a fairytale. It all began with a visit: In February 2005, the Egyptian investor Samih Sawiris comes to Andermatt for the first time – and immediately sees the town’s potential. Soon it is clear: Andermatt is to become a leading Swiss holiday destination.

From vision.To realisation

2005

First visit of Samih Sawiris in Andermatt

2007

Municipalities vote with 96 % "Yes"

2009

Ground-breaking The Chedi Andermatt
Ground-breaking of the basis infrastructure Andermatt Reuss

2012

Takeover of the cableways
Ground-breaking of the first apartment buildings

2013.Opening of The Chedi Andermatt

The five-star deluxe hotel The Chedi Andermatt opens. It is the new tourism project’s first hotel in Andermatt. Operations start on December 20, the first guests arrive.

2015.Gurschen Flyer and golf course opening

The start of construction of the Gurschen Flyer on Gemsstock marks the first step in the modernisation of the ski area in Andermatt.
With the opening of the Andermatt Golf Course, Andermatt starts to become a year-round destination. The Scottish-like course winds more than six kilometres through the Ursern Valley, meets international tournament standards and is certified for its sustainability.

2016.The SkiArena gets bigger

Construction starts on the gondola from Andermatt up to Nätschen and further up to Gütsch. The lift is the first stage of the ski area expansion.

2018.The second hotel

The Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen and the Gotthard Residences are opened. Piazza Gottardo next to the hotel forms a new centre in Andermatt Reuss. The linking of the Andermatt-Sedrun ski areas is celebrated with the opening of the Schneehüenerstock Express.

2019.Landmarks and milestones

  • Two gourmet restaurants at 2,340 metres above sea level open their doors.

  • In Andermatt Reuss, 10 apartment buildings are completed.

  • The Andermatt Concert Hall is opened.

Drag

2022.Vail Resorts

The world’s largest ski resort operator, Vail Resorts Inc., becomes majority shareholder of Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG. The aim is to become the Prime Alpine Destination with the Andermatt-Sedrun ski area.

Flashback.From Walser village to tourism hotspot

13th century

Walser settlers work the Ursern Valley, build the first bridge in the Schöllenen Gorge. Trading begins from north to south and from east to west. Andermatt is an important trading centre.

1830

First horse-drawn carriages cross over the Gotthard Pass.

1872

One of the first grand hotels in the Swiss Alps – the Bellevue in Andermatt – is opened.

1882

Opening of the Gotthard railway tunnel

Ab 1885

Andermatt becomes one of the Swiss Army’s most important military bases.

1920 und 1946

Plans are in place to flood the Ursern Valley to form a reservoir for electricity production.

1999

The Swiss Army largely withdraws from Andermatt. Thirty percent of the jobs in the region are lost.

Company Podcast.Our story as audio

Here is where we put our promises to the test. The podcast provides insight into the unique development of Andermatt Swiss Alps. In addition to learning interesting facts, you’ll hear from people who were closely involved with the topic being discussed.