The Rise of Andermatt: Switzerland’s New Luxury Mountain Destination

Move over, Verbier, St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Gstaad. Switzerland’s best-kept secret is stepping into the spotlight. Up-and-coming Andermatt is a breath of fresh air, redefining the luxury ski scene and proving it’s here to stay.

With the opening of the five-star deluxe hotel The Chedi, the small Swiss mountain village of Andermatt has transformed into an international luxury ski resort during the last decade. What began as the vision of Egyptian entrepreneur Samih Sawiris has now evolved into one of Switzerland’s premier holiday destinations.

In February 2005, billionaire Samih Sawiris flew over the Swiss mountains in his helicopter and spotted Andermatt from above. He immediately recognized its enormous potential and created a redevelopment plan for the small Swiss village – which had less than 1300 residents at the time. Just two years later, the Swiss municipalities approved Sawiris’ plans with overwhelming support, knowing that his vision could revolutionize the local tourism industry, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate economic growth. By 2010, he had launched his ambitious CHF 1.3 billion redevelopment project, setting the stage for Andermatt’s rise as an ultra-luxurious ski destination.

The opening of The Chedi in 2013 marked a pivotal moment for Andermatt. As the first hotel in Sawiris’ redevelopment project, it played a crucial role in the flourishing of Andermatt. The hotel boasts a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Switzerland’s largest indoor pool, a world-class spa, and 119 lavish suites, quickly earning its place among the country’s top hotels.

From the outside, the hotel blends in easily with the surrounding Alpine architecture, thanks to its sloping roof that is like the traditional style of local houses, though on a much grander scale. The grandeur, however, is revealed only upon entering the hotel. From the moment you step inside, you realize The Chedi Andermatt is unlike any other.

Swarovski-embedded chandeliers hang above the 30-meter marble reception desk, welcoming guests into this extraordinary deluxe ski lodge. Despite its scale, the hotel maintains an intimate feel, with an open-concept lobby filled with cozy corners, velvet lounges covered in fur throws, and gas fireplaces (of which are 200 throughout the hotel). The dark, glossy wood, warm lights, and contemporary Asian artworks are part of the Kuala-Lumpur-based architect Jean Michel’s signature style, giving the Chedi Andermatt an Asian look and feel. Compared to European architecture, which is usually way more structured with one room leading to the next, the Chedi feels like one big open space, divided by different layers of light.

In the rooms too, you see how the best of West meets East. Ranging from 55 square meter deluxe rooms to the 350 square meter Gotthard Suite, (which you can book from a starting rate of 15.000 swiss Francs per night), all the rooms are infused with Alpine Asian elegance, including warm dark colours, fireplaces and soft lighting. Depending on the size of the room, the suites come with their own living rooms, walk-in closets and balcony’s overlooking the Swiss Alps. Unlike some luxury hotels where room categories vary significantly in quality, The Chedi ensures that every suite is unapologetically decadent.

For those who prefer wellness over winter sports, The Chedi offers one of the largest spa retreats in Switzerland. Spanning 2,400 square meters, the wellness facilities include a 35-meter indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an outdoor steam pool, whirlpools, and multiple saunas—including a 60°C bio sauna and a 90°C Finnish sauna. Additional amenities include a hammam, cold plunge pool, and an extensive treatment menu for ultimate relaxation. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the fully equipped gym, personal training sessions, or Pilates classes.

With such a diverse range of experiences, The Chedi attracts not only ski aficionados but also wellness seekers, further broadening Andermatt’s appeal as a year-round destination

Following The Chedi’s success, Andermatt attracted a new wave of elite travelers. In 2015, the tourism redevelopment project continued with the opening of a world-class golf course, further enhancing its appeal beyond the winter season. A significant milestone came in 2018 with the launch of another hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen and the Gotthard Residences, as well as the completion of Piazza Gottardo, a new central hub in Andermatt Reuss.

Ski infrastructure improvements were also a priority. The construction of a new gondola from Andermatt up to Nätschen and further to Gütsch made the region more accessible. In 2018, the Schneehüenerstock Express completed the connection between Andermatt, Sedrun, and Disentis, creating one of Switzerland’s most extensive ski areas.

In 2019, Andermatt further cemented its status as a culinary hotspot with the opening of two restaurants at 2,340 meters above sea level. The Gütsch mountain restaurant, designed by London architect Christina Seilern, features two Michelin-starred dining venues: Gütsch by Markus Neff, a Swiss gourmet restaurant, and The Japanese by Gütsch, offering an exquisite Omakase menu with stunning mountain views. Back at The Chedi, The Japanese Restaurant—with its two Michelin stars—continues to provide an intimate fine dining experience, solidifying Andermatt as a destination for gastronomes worldwide.

In recent years, Andermatt has experienced a real estate boom, with new apartment buildings selling out within weeks of release. In fact, Andermatt Swiss Alps (ASA) is the only place where foreigners can buy any property without any restrictions.

According to a UBS report, Andermatt has earned a place among Switzerland’s top five most expensive ski towns, experiencing the fastest property appreciation in the Alps over the past decade. While Verbier leads with property prices around CHF 21,318 per square meter, Andermatt has surged to CHF 18,641 per square meter, reflecting its meteoric rise in desirability.

Andermatt’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable. What was once a modest mountain village is now a premier international luxury destination, offering world-class skiing, five-star hospitality, award-winning gastronomy, and a booming real estate market. With its central location—just 90 minutes from Zurich, an hour from Lugano, and two hours from Milan Malpensa—it continues attracting travelers and investors from Switzerland, Italy and beyond.

As the village continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Andermatt has firmly established itself as Switzerland’s most exciting new, luxury alpine resort.