Andermatt: Pros & Cons and Epic Pass

Vail Resorts purchased Andermatt, a Swiss ski and snowboard resort. So if you have the Epic Pass, it's now a European destination that you can visit. But should you? Here are some Pros and Cons:
1) Pro: Convenient To Get To - Andermatt is an easy drive from Milan. Depending on traffic, you may even be able to get there in under two hours.
2) Con: Disjointed Layout - Unfortunately, the Gemsstock mountain peak is not connected to the rest of the resort. You either have to walk, drive or take a shuttle between the two. Further, Andermatt has three bases: Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis. To connect between Andermatt and Sedrun, you have to ski or snowboard a series of small slopes and chairlifts at the top of the mountain. You can find slopes this short on the east coast of the U.S. and Canada, so you may ask yourself why you traveled all the way to the Alps.
3) Pro/Con: Andermatt's Understated Energy - Andermatt is not a party town. That's a bad thing if you like to party, but a great thing if you like a subdued atmosphere.
4) Con: Lack of Ski-in, Ski-Out Accommodations - Most of the accommodations in Andermatt require a walk or drive to the slopes. If you like to stay at the base of the mountain, your options will be more limited than some other resorts in Europe.
5) Pro: Unlimited Days on Epic Pass - If you have the Epic Pass, you can ski or snowboard Andermatt for an unlimited number of days. That is awesome!
6) Pro: Manageable Chairlift Lines - With the exception of a few chairlifts on the weekends, Andermatt seems to have short or no lines. However, that may change as more and more Epic Pass holders begin to discover Andermatt.
7) Pro: Great Mountain Restaurant Options - Andermatt has so many options for lunch between the different bases and peaks. If you're visiting Andermatt from the U.S. or Canada, be prepared to choose!
8) Pro: Variety of Terrain - Andermatt has an incredible variety of terrain, particularly off the groomed slopes if you are a more advanced skier or snowboarder.

[@susieasado6675]

Thank you for another fantastic video! This is so useful for those of us looking to get the most from the Epic Pass. What sets you apart from other KZbin ski channels is how you show the ambiance of the town and on-mountain experience while sharing many helpful tips. Looking forward to the upcoming season to see where you ski next.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment! So happy you enjoyed the video. Hopefully you'll like this season's too!

[@skirunsofswitzerland]

Train from Zurich is really convenient. From Geneva wouldn’t make sense

[@savannahtufts5971]

Very helpful for my upcoming trip!! Thank you.

[@skirunsofswitzerland]

Thanks for this, one of our favourite resorts. 3 points: - there are plenty of decent runs between Andermatt and Sedrun, the connections and run layout have been massively improved in recent years - getting to the Disentis area needs use of the train but it’s remarkable for a great range of off-piste/freeride off a small number of lifts - Andermatt has long been a cult off-piste/freeride destination, mainly off the Gemsstock, which has a great snow record - get a guide in the first instance

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks for the great comment. Totally agree that there are so many off-piste/freeride opportunities there. I found a bunch without even looking for them. Definitely a reason to go back.

[@fv1291]

Beautiful, thank you!

[@markushugi5588]

Great Video, well explained, you really showed what the Andermatt region is like. i loved it.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks so much!

[@goodridevibes]

The shots you got in this one 🤩

[@ericlane3256]

Going in a week. You’re right about Andermatt, but you honestly can’t beat the Swiss Alps and culture which is a big selling point for me. Also, fantastic video, you showed the slopes I wanted to ride on before I got there to see if I can handle them. Much appreciated.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks! Totally agree that Switzerland is such a great place to ski. I'm sure you'll love Andermatt. I was so impressed by how much variety in terrain that you can find there.

[@andyharman7581]

Great and very helpful video. I'm going to Andermatt the last week of March, because it was a real headache trying to find easy ways to get to Trois Vallées or Madonna di Campiglio by train or bus. I will probably split my stay between Sedrun and Andermatt for six or seven nights. Are there frequent buses between them and how does the Bergbahn train work? I only found a Postbus that runs once an hour between them. Some people have mentioned paying 50 francs to use the Bergbahn for a week. When I was in Austria (Zell am See), the local buses were free with a ski pass. I have the full Epic pass and live in Berlin, so I'd like to use the pass more in Europe. I was going to Utah and Heavenly twice a season.

[@Ice_Coast_Ski]

Thanks bro! I’m hitting Chamonix, Zermatt and Andermatt this Feb. so stoked!

[@SkiBoyNY.]

That'll be an awesome trip! Incredible slopes and such different towns!

[@Ice_Coast_Ski]

What do you recommend for traveling from Geneva airport to Chamonix to Zermatt to Andermatt to Zurich? Is train easiest or should I look into bus? (Trying to avoid renting a car). Thanks again for all your vids! Incredibly valuable info!

[@SkiBoyNY.]

@@Ice_Coast_Ski Chamonix is the issue by train. It is a bit inconvenient with multiple transfers. The bus from Geneva's airport to Chamonix may be more convenient. But Zermatt to Andermatt and Andermatt to Zurich by train is very simple and easy.

[@Ice_Coast_Ski]

Thanks bro. Yea, I’ve heard the same for the Geneva to chamonix transfer. Really appreciate the advice. You da man! Thanks!

[@Ice_Coast_Ski]

Looking forward to a Chamonix vid (sorry if I missed it) 😎🤙

[@otepfi]

Thanks for this video! Going there on January. from NYC :D coz Hunter Mountain aint cutting it anymore lol

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Andermatt is sooooo much better than Hunter, haha!

[@RHagans]

Was just at Hunter this past weekend 😅

[@user-nightmared]

I was there in March 2024. Super expensive and terrible weather. All the areas had the best part of their mountain closed due to wind or avalanche danger. No lift lines for a reason. À better option is Engleberg.

[@michaellillo1890]

What model is that northface orange jacket?

[@RHagans]

Just to clarify, under Epic Pass can you ski the entire resort including the mountains in between?

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Yes, Epic Pass lets you ski Andermatt, Sedrun and Desentis. You have to go to a ticket office and show your Epic Pass to receive a pass that works on their lift system. They'll confirm everything for you there. You do have to give them a refundable deposit for the pass, though.

[@RHagans]

Thank you so much for the quick reply. Great video also!

[@gr8s8tn]

Wouldn’t it make more sense to fly out to Zurich and then hop on a train? How did you get from Malpensa to Andermatt? Quite a lot of useful info, by the way. Thanks!

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Totally, the train from Zurich or Geneva makes a lot of sense. I was also going to ski in Austria and Italy, so the train was less practical. I drove from Malpensa to Andermatt, then to Tasch for Zermatt, and then to St. Anton in Austria and to Italy.

[@urknall1218]

Perfectly convenient with train from both Malpensa and Zurich to Andermatt!!!!😊

[@ericmurphy3970]

yeah! the global pass option.... ha ha. That looks like some cheese to shred! Good food, good lodging, good times are ahead! Thanks for the boots on the ground intelligence of the resort! outstanding report!

[@hopeenquiries3638]

wow you really are developing your video skills, I will be in Zermatt 19 - 27 Dec, give us a shout if you are there then

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks so much! Wish I could be in Zermatt then, but I'll be stuck in the U.S. Great time to be there, though!

[@simonmott3028]

ok no worries man, but after seeing your vid on "how to work whilst travelling from ski resort to ski resort I have 5 trips booked this season. Zermatt in Dec, then Japan Hakuba in Jan, back to Zermatt in Feb, next Norway Trysil in March, and again back to Zermatt in April. - I live in Thailand@@SkiBoyNY.

[@rainmaker3700]

Andermatt, Verbier or Engelberg??

[@user-nightmared]

Engelberg for you