Apres Ski in Andermatt
Andermatt apres-ski and nightlife do not have the same appeal as many of its rival resorts in Switzerland, but for a small resort, the available cuisine is quite expansive and varied. The new village project, though, is changing things fast.
The Town of Andermatt
The small town of Andermatt features narrow streets lined with traditional chalets and cobbled streets, and it has a certain charm and a military history.
Andermatt_town © Andermatt Tourism
Two hours south of Zurich, at 1437m, Andermatt lies in the middle of Switzerland’s alpine passes, with the towering peaks of Gemsstock mountain above. Andermatt was once a European traffic hub, with a golden age in the late 19th century, and then a Swiss Army garrison for decades during the Cold War. When the army left town in 2003, there were fewer than 1,300 residents.
The surrounding aesthetics of nature and architecture document the area’s thriving and turbulent history. 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.
The SkiArena development project is transforming both the original town centre and the ski area. 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.
The looming Gotthard Massif includes the sources of the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone rivers. The bridge and a picturesque hike to the Rhine’s source are just two of the interesting attractions around Uri Canyon.
Apres-Ski Bars in Andermatt
Historically, après-ski in Andermatt was limited to small, family-run hotel bars and restaurants, with an evening atmosphere and live music in some bars only at weekends, when the resort in general livens up. However, The Chedi Andermatt, built in 2013 and featuring several chic lounge bars, quickly became the go-to for skiers straight off the slopes and provided a change of direction. Here you can enjoy local beers and wine by the glass with live music and indoor and outdoor fireplaces.
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 atmosphere that stays open till the early hours of the morning. Other options include Spycher Bar, a traditional bar with a terrace and big-screen TVs for sporting events, and Bar Di Alt Apotek at River House, a well-known spot for friendly hospitality that often has live music later on. A younger crowd is seen in The Wooden Sportsbar Andermatt, next to the local ice rink, with live music at weekends.
Andermatt_apres-ski_Alte_Apoteke © Andermatt Tourism
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 the Chedi hotel serve everything from Japanese delicacies to classic Swiss specialities.
The Chedi Andermatt Restaurants
The Restaurant at 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 offers predominantly Italian cuisine, 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 and is often busy, so booking is recommended. The menu features crispy pizzas from the traditional wood-fired oven, juicy steaks from the grill, and pasta in many variations. After dinner, you can enjoy a cocktail in the bar. Tel +41 (0) 41 887 1575
Baren
Specialising in authentic Ticinese cuisine, it 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 dishes from the Ursern Valley. 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.
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
Andermatt offers ideal conditions for cross-country skiing, with 28 km of trails in the Ursern Valley. The cross-country ski pass (day and weekly) even includes travel on the trains from Andermatt to Realp, so skiers can use all stops without the hassle of buying a new ticket each time. There is also a night trail in Realp available every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm. Phone: +41 (0) 41 888 71 00.
Snowshoeing in Andermatt
Andermatt has approximately 10 well-signposted snowshoe trails, graded by 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 knowledge of snow conditions, based 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. Phone: +41 (0) 41 888 71 00.
Tobogganing in Andermatt / Gotthard
Andermatt and the Gotthard region offer three tobogganing options. The nearest to Andermatt is the Oberalp Pass road in Natschen, which is closed to traffic in winter but has a gentle gradient, making it great for tobogganing and very child-friendly. Another is the 3.5km-long run from Milez to Rueras on the other side of the 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. Phone: +41 41 887 14 45.
Andermatt_tobogganing_on_blue_runs © Andermatt Tourism
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 10 am to 8 pm, and for between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Enjoy views of surrounding villages, landscapes and glorious snow-laden mountain peaks. Please book at least 3 hours in advance to ensure a sleigh ride. Phone: +41 (0) 79 294 18 41.
Ice Climbing in Andermatt
During the coldest months of January and February, there is ice climbing in Göschenen and the surrounding area. Safety equipment, guiding, and instruction can be arranged locally. Local mountain guides will find the best route for you and your ability, and ensure suitable ice-climbing conditions.
Ice Skating in Andermatt
Enjoy a day at the natural outdoor ice rink, Icepark Andermatt, which also features a bar and café where skate rentals are available. Phone: +41 79 133 62 33.
Museums in Andermatt / Gotthard
In the Andermatt and Gotthard areas, there are several unique museums. Visit the Ursern Valley Museum (phone +41 41 887 06 24), which explores the history and culture of the Ursern Valley, the St. Gotthard Museum (phone +41 91 869 18 11), located on a mountain pass, or take a day trip to the Museo Sasso San Gottardo (phone: +41 844 116 600), A former top-secret fortress, hidden deep in the heart of the Gotthard mountain, the Sasso San Gottardo museum is a hidden network of army artillery fortifications. This dynamic world of steel and stone is home to the longest train tunnel in the world and to the largest group of crystals in the Alpine region.
Spa and Wellness at The Chedi Andermatt
A 2400-square-metre spa and wellness centre is located on the ground and mezzanine floors at The Chedi Andermatt (phone: +41 41 888 74 88), offering a host of activities and treatments. The Spa boasts 10 deluxe treatment rooms, with highly trained therapists offering a range of massages and beauty treatments. Manicures, pedicures, and a hair stylist are available. If that’s not enough, there are bio and Finnish saunas, an organic steam bath and a 35-metre indoor pool, with panoramic windows offering views of the mountain landscape. A fitness centre with expansive state-of-the-art equipment and certified instructors offering personal training sessions, and Yoga classes are also available. Open from 7 am to 9 pm.