Apres Ski in Andermatt
Après-ski and nightlife in Andermatt do not have the same appeal as many of its rival resorts in Switzerland, but for a small resort the cuisine available is quite expansive and varied. The new village project though is fast changing things.
Apres-Ski Bars in Andermatt
Historically, après-ski in Andermatt was limited to small family-run hotel bars and restaurants for evening atmosphere with live music and entertainment in some bars only at weekends when the resort in general livens up. However, The Chedi Andermatt, built in 2013, featuring several chic lounge bars quickly became the go-to for skiers straight off the slopes and provided a change in direction. Here you can enjoy local beers and wine by the glass with live music and indoor and outdoor fireplaces, albeit quite expensively.
Just down the road from the Chedi, in the village centre is a more traditional alpine après-ski spot The De Prato Pub, with a lively pub atmosphere staying open till the early hours of the morning. Other options are the traditional Spycher Bar with a bar and terracecwith big-screen TVs for sporting events, Bar Di Alt Apotek at River House is a well-known spot for friendly hospitality and often has live music later on. A younger crowd is seen in The Wooden Sportsbar Andermatt, next to the local ice rink and this even has bands performing on the weekends.
Restaurants in Andermatt
Andermatt has over 20 restaurants, serving Swiss and Italian cuisine, many of which are highly rated for excellent dining and friendly service. The arrival of The Chedi Andermatt has brought a new element to the table. The seven restaurants and chic cafes in Chedi hotel serve everything from Japanese delicacies to classic Swiss specialities.
The Chedi Andermatt Restaurants
The Restaurant in The Chedi is located on the hotel’s ground floor, this chic restaurant serves a combination of central Swiss, European and Asian cuisine. It features ‘Theatre kitchens’ where guests can view their dish being prepared and cooked. Choose from three dining rooms and chef’s communal tables. Also in The Chedi, Japanese Restaurant by Hide Yamamoto, where the skilled Japanese chefs do their speciality show of preparing their delicacies of spectacular sushi, sashimi and tempura right in front of you. Tel: +41 (0) 41 888 79 66
Riverhouse Restaurant
The Riverhouse Restaurant has developed a menu of traditional meat and fish dishes and put their own modern twist on them. Tel: +41 (0) 41 887 00 25
Restaurant Pizzeria Chuchichäschtli
Above Andermatt towards the Oberalp Pass, The Restaurant Chuchichäschtli is predominantly an Italian menu with speciality pizzas. Guests enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains from the sun terrace. Tel. +41 (0) 78 941 19 21
La Curva
Located within the Hotel Metropol, La Curva is a little slice of Italy. It can get very busy so booking would be recommended, the traditional wood fired pizza oven, offer crispy wood-fired pizzas, along with juicy steaks from the grill and pasta in many variations included on the menu. After dinner you can enjoy a cocktail in the bar. Tel +41 (0) 41 887 1575
Baren
Specialising in authentic Ticinise cuisine and has become popular for its comfortable atmosphere, friendly service and fine cuisine with hearty portion sizes. Tel: +41 (0) 41 887 03 03
Gasthaus zum Sternen
Gasthaus zum Sterne serves both Swiss and local Ursern Valley dishes. The restaurant menu boasts a range of rösti dishes, tarte flambée, cheese fondue and raclette. Tel: +41 (0) 41 887 1130
3 Koenige & Post
The menu at the Hotel 3 Könige & Post serves regional and international specialities and is well known for its generous portion sizes. Dine in the sophisticated Goethesäli and enjoy tranquillity and fine cuisine. The Wiener-Schnitzel here is particularly favourite! Tel: +41 (0) 41 887 00 01
Bar Di Alt Apothek
Not only a popular après-ski spot, Bar Di Alt Apothek also has a thriving Spanish inspired restaurant serving a menu of delicious tapas.
The Village of Andermatt
Andermatt is the largest village of three in the impressive Ursern valley at the foot of Gotthard Pass. This old world village with narrow streets lined with traditional chalets and cobbled paving has a certain charm and history behind it. The SkiArena development project is transforming the village and ski area, but the original village centre is still in tact.
Two hours south of Zurich at 1444m, Andermatt lies in the middle of Switzerland’s alpine passes and was once a traffic hub of Europe with a golden age in the late 19th century. As you walk on the cobbles through Andermatt’s centre, you will still find charming and original buildings running from the central river bridge to the Gemsstock cable car.
The famous Devil’s Bridge was once a gateway from north to south over the vast Gotthard. From the looming Gotthard Massif, spring four water sources named the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone. The bridge and a picturesque hike to the source of the Rhine are just two of the interesting attractions around Uri Canyon.
The surrounding aesthetics of nature and architecture all document the thriving and turbulent history of the area. With stunning mountain lakes, glaciers and valleys surrounding this village, it creates a natural playground to explore and embrace. The unusual mountain passes and tunnels with whistling trains further remind you of its engineering heritage.
Other Activities in Andermatt
Other than skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of other activities available in and around Andermatt. Whether you enjoy action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled activities or relaxing and romantic rides on a horse sleigh, you will find them here.
Cross-Country skiing in Andermatt
The Andermatt holiday region has ideal conditions for cross-country skiers, hence the 28 kilometres of trails in Ursern Valley. The cross-country ski pass (day and weekly) even includes travel on the trains from Andermatt to Realp, meaning skiers can use all the stops without the hassle of buying a new ticket every time. There is also a night trail in Realp available every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm-9pm. Tel: +41 (0) 41 888 71 00.
Snowshoeing in Andermatt
In the Andermatt region there are approximately ten well signposted snowshoe trails, graded on difficulty like ski runs (blue-black). However although these trails are signposted, they are NOT patrolled or protected, therefore precautionary measures are strongly recommended; appropriate safety equipment and clued up knowledge on snow conditions judging on the daily avalanche bulletins. One nearby trail is the Andermatt-Mettlen-Mariahilf Chapel, this Blue 3km long trail takes you up the Unteralp Valley towards Mettlen. Enjoy glorious views throughout the trip and at the highest point, a view of the Gurschenbach icefall. Tel:+41 (0) 41 888 71 00.
Tobogganing in Andermatt / Gotthard
In the Gotthard region there are three tobogganing options. The nearest to Andermatt is on Oberalp Pass road in Natschen, this very child friendly route has a gentle gradient and yes don’t worry the road is closed for traffic in winter. Another is the 3.5km long run from Milez to Rueras on the other side of Oberalp Pass. And finally on the Furka Pass, on a winter hike trail to get to Tiefenbach, then from there toboggan all the way down to Realp. Passes and hire are available at lift stations or sports shops. Tel: +41 (0 )41 887 14 45.
Horse sleigh rides around Andermatt
What better way to explore around Andermatt in its winter glory than on a horse sleigh ride. Rides are available from 10am to 8pm, lasting from anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours long. Enjoy views of surrounding villages, landscapes and glorious snow-laden mountain peaks. Booking available at least 3 hours beforehand and is recommended to ensure you get your ride. Tel: +41 (0) 79 294 18 41.
Ice climbing in Andermatt
During the cold months of January and February there are many areas to ice climb in Göschenen and nearby areas. Although precautions must be taken, full safety equipment necessary and taking a mountain guide. will allow you to find the best route for you and your ability, as well as suitable conditions to climb.
Ice skating in Andermatt
Enjoy a day at the local outdoor ice rink, this natural rink named Icepark Andermatt also features a bar and café where skate rentals are available. Tel: +41 (0) 79 133 62 33; Web: www.icepark-andermatt.ch
Museums in Andermatt / Gotthard
In the Andermatt and Gotthard areas, there are several unique museums. Ursern Valley Museum with the history and culture of Ursern valley, St. Gotthard Museum located on a mountain pass, or take a day trip to Sasso San Gottardo. A museum, secret until a few years ago, located deep in the heart of the Gotthard mountain is a hidden network of army artillery fortifications. This dynamic world of steel and stone is the longest train tunnel in the world and contains the biggest group of crystals in the alpine region. Tel: +41 (0) 41 887 06 24. Web: www.museum-ursern.ch
Spa and Wellness at The Chedi Andermatt
This 2400 square metre spa and wellness centre is located on the ground floor and mezzanine floors at
The Chedi Andermatt, offering a host of activities and treatments. The Spa boasts ten deluxe treatments rooms with highly trained therapists performing a range of massages and beauty treatments. Manicures, pedicures and even a hair stylist is available. And if that’s not enough the bio and Finnish saunas and organic steam bath will drain your strains away. In addition the 35 metre indoor pool with panoramic windows and views of the mountain landscape is open from 7am-9pm. Along with a fitness centre with expansive state-of-the-art equipment and certified instructors offering personal training sessions. Yoga classes are also available. Tel: +41 (41) 888 74 88.