Swiss Ski Areas Lift Connection Moves Forward

A map showing the proposed ski lift connection between the Swiss resorts of Andermatt and of neighbouring Sedrun has been published. Work is reported to have started on the slopes this summer in preparation for the huge changes required.

Seven gondola and (mostly) quad chair lifts will be needed to make the connection, with another six lifts (most of them drags) shown on the map to replace existing lifts. Some of the larger connecting lifts will also replace older structures above Andermatt although four of the lifts will be on new terrain.

A large number of new ski runs will also be created, most of them graded blue or red but one crucial section is currently shown as a black run only travelling from Andermatt to Sedrun, although it's possible to ski on blues and reds in the other direction.

The expansion is linked to the development of a large five star resort base at Andermatt over recent years which is revitalising the resort.

The connection, which should create a ski area of more than 200km, one of the largest in Switzerland, should be finished for winter 2017/18. More details and map at: http://www.skiarena.ch/infos/projekt-skiarena.html

The map and the information on that webpage were published in April 2013, so far no building work has taken pace as they only received permission to build the new lifts in July. Building work won't start until next spring, the first 5 lifts are scheduled to go into service at the start of the 2015/16 season and the rest should be finished in time for the 2017/18 season. They are also going to install snow making equipment, the total cost is budgeted at CHF 130 million. When finished the area will have a total of 24 lifts and 120km of pistes.

Skistar are not currently involved in the project, the new lifts are being built by Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG a subsidiary of Andermatt Swiss Alps AG. The project leader is Dr. Peter Furger a Swiss management consultant and restructuring expert who specializes in advising ski resorts.

They held a press conference detailing the current state of play and issued a press release http://www.andermatt-swissalps.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Englisch/2014/Medienmitteilung_SkiArena_13082013_EN.pdf on the 13th August.