Mountain Review: Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Switzerland

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 83

  • @franzroth2830
    @franzroth2830 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +23

    15:38 if you squint, you can see a certain adam chase hiding in that tower

  • @tomrmcf
    @tomrmcf 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +67

    American conglomerates coming to Europe is very concerning. Could be ruinous for skiing in Europe as we know it.

    • @dhowe5180
      @dhowe5180 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

      It’ll never happen. Most ski resorts in the alps are owned by the locals and organized like co-ops. Pretty much makes them impossible to buy. Andermatt was an exception as it was nearly bankrupt 20 years ago when an Egyptian businessman bought it and sunk a bunch of money into new lifts.and connected it to sedrun. I doubt if it got enough visitation to justify the massive investment and vail probably got it for pennies on the dollar.

    • @FaithandActiondotnet
      @FaithandActiondotnet 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah, not good.

    • @soavimichele9207
      @soavimichele9207 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      hopefully such big US conglomerates will not be able to spread in the Alps. That would be capitalism at its worse

    • @FaithandActiondotnet
      @FaithandActiondotnet 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@soavimichele9207 Global corporatism.

    • @mysterioanonymous3206
      @mysterioanonymous3206 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I'm a local... Before the big kick off a day pass was 58 bucks and no crowds plus great terrain. Now it's at least 90 with dynamic pricing (thanks to innovative US business practice courtesy by vail resorts) so it can get a lot higher, plus it's crowded now. As a family man going there is essentially more than im willing to spend. Having said that, the "town" definitely benefitted financially so it's a bittersweet situation.

  • @todd727300
    @todd727300 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

    Went the second year it was EPIC, what a beautiful place to ski. So fun to ski from the top of Andermatt and across to the base of Sedrun and then back. Beautiful. Took the first class train from Paris and then after the week, the first class train to Zurich. Only a few dollars more for first class and well worth it. Andermatt is beautiful and the locals all knew that the Americans and Australians were there because of EPIC. They loved the influx and what it meant for the local businesses. They treated us so well. If you can swing it, mid-week at the Chedi is outstanding!

  • @FaithandActiondotnet
    @FaithandActiondotnet 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Definitely one of my favorite places I've never been to.

  • @talariarl1235
    @talariarl1235 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Omg the jet lag castle!

  • @boboats7251
    @boboats7251 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    Please add maps so we can see where you are talking about

  • @L3uX
    @L3uX 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    I just heard 5k ft of vertical descent, lol. One can dream.

    • @RD1R
      @RD1R 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You don't have to! Whistler, Revelstoke, and Kicking Horse all have better snow and longer vert laps. Even in the US, Snowbird, Jackson Hole and Big Sky all have longer pitches worth skiing.
      I might be biased/jaded as an advanced powder loving skier, but I was extremely underwhelmed. I spent 3 days there and it really could have just been 1 at Gemsstock. France has much more long vertical ski laps.

  • @shell_jump
    @shell_jump 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Are we going to ever get a video of your run on Pipeline? Really interested to hear how that went!

    • @PeakRankings
      @PeakRankings  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      Yep, but going to put it up during a more peak time!

    • @grantmason9844
      @grantmason9844 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ⁠looking forward to it!

  • @mysterioanonymous3206
    @mysterioanonymous3206 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    As a local that's riden all over Switzerland as well as places like whistler I will say that gemstock sidecountry is really nice (for advanced riders).... If the snow is good. Big if. I don't bother anymore with average days. Frankly, that goes for all of Switzerland. We just don't get snow as we used to so lower areas are almost always bad putting more pressure on higher runs. Climate change is very real here.
    So if you're looking for a pure ski holiday, meaning you stay in the same resort and want to ride everyday, there's better locations for the money tbh.
    However... where Switzerland and in particular the central region really shines is infrastructure and proximity. Andermatt is about 1h25 from Zürich by car, and in 1h you can get to both Luzern or Zug. In the same amount of time you can hit quite a few other, although mostly smaller but very charming (and cheaper) ski areas (incl a bit further for engelberg-titlis). So if you visit several resorts AND make use of what the cities close by offer there will no location anywhere on the planet that comes remotely close. Spas, Michelin stared restaurants, ballet or opera, shopping, art museums... Anything. If you spend thousands to come to switzerland and all you do is stay in Andermatt (I say that as a local) that's all on you. A lot of these famous resorts like st. Moritz, Zermatt or Gstaad, but also many of these US resorts are so remote you get absolutely nowhere in 3h or 4h. Andermatt has got you covered though, so if you get creative you can have anything your heart desires. Just not in the same small village.

    • @nicknick1766
      @nicknick1766 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      as a tradition, i come here every year! my grandpa started it and we continue i'd love to call it my second home as i like it that much. quick question, how do you see the steady growing buildings there? i feel like they take away a lot of the vibe of city and there have been many changes. Still, i'm glad they didn't touch the gemsstock as much, bcs i can understand your point of not going if the snow isn't worth it & it could force more people there. Yet a good run down guspis or felsental makes up for it! just this year i had one of my best gletscher runs ever, simply incredible :)

    • @mysterioanonymous3206
      @mysterioanonymous3206 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@nicknick1766 🤷 I don't mind. In fact the development project kind of saved the place. The village was on its way out, young people left for work, there were empty houses... Now it's almost booming. At least in winter.
      The older people lament the development (change generally, they have lots of history there) while the young welcome it (since they are more future oriented and want more economic opportunity).
      When you're coming from overseas it's part of the charm I guess so I see how that's an integral part of the experience. For us Swiss it's almost like the water we swim in. There's a lot of these places incl many much nicer ones.
      I think the development is well done, architecturally. I like the vibe. It's def a plus for the village.
      Back before this all started a day pass for Gemsstock was 58 bucks and the place was half empty. No one knew about it. Riding was great and the lift company was always on the brink of bankruptcy. Now it's 90 bucks and packed. People come from everywhere. So there's that - someone's making money I reckon. Personally, id say for me it's a negative developement in that sense but honestly I'm barely riding anymore due to the crowds and cost involved anyways. Skiing used to be a family activity but it's at the point of getting prohibitively expensive for many. Some win some loose I guess. We only have about 20y to 25y of snow left anyways. Then the fun likely ends...

    • @nicknick1766
      @nicknick1766 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@mysterioanonymous3206 totally agree, it is a blessing in some kind as i remember the place getting less and less each year. now you have lots of new lifts, services and so on.
      for 99% of skiers that has to be the go to, but andermatt always stood out to me as beeing a place where people go to actually ski and not just pose and drink like in those nasty places (looking at ischgl).
      i never cared about some rich people here and there, some beginners and sometimes crowded peaktimes, but it all feels so different now. I somehow miss those old and slow 2 seater chairs, hoping you might catch the bright yellow one.
      Guess it will be like that with most modern resorts as they have to get their numbers, and andermatt holds a nostalgic value in my heart. Do you by any chance have recommendations for places like it? mostly looking for nice hikes / routes to be honest, as i dont get a lot from riding on the piste anymore.
      On the point of making money, i heard that the gemsstock is still not really profitable, as it cannot accommodate enough people and therefore there wont be as many investments (not sure if true?) but for the other parts its great and i'm glad it is like that. Now i dream about them opening the Winterhorn again and just letting it be a freeride paradise but yeah i think we all know that aint gonna happen.
      And for your last point, couldn't be sadder as seeing the glacier smaller every year breakes my heart and just thinking about not beeing able to ski is devestating. Anyways, thanks for your insightfull comment, i wish you lots of good snow and some sunny rides!

    • @mysterioanonymous3206
      @mysterioanonymous3206 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @nicknick1766 hmmm... there's def. been increasing commercialization. A lot of the places I used to ride upgraded infrastructure and raised prices, and I find crowds have gotten much, much worse. A lot of the hardcore skiers I know changed towards off piste riding/ski touring, far away from the resorts. But that requires a lot of skill, stamina, the right equipment and local know how (SAC however is a good resource, and guides are available although quite pricey).
      As to resorts I find the smaller ones better. They still have that rustic charm but they're often lower down (less need for infrastructure) and as there's less snow now they're not as safe (to have snow and good conditions) as the bigger, higher resorts. But they're better located, closer to the cities. So for snow safety the usual, famous suspects are best (States of Grisons and Valais deep in the Alps).
      But if you're not into hardcore skiing I'd go to Lucerne (stay downtown, more hotel choice). From there you can get to Engelberg-Titlis for your big resort fix. You can hit Klewenalp and Stoos (smaller, cheaper, and quite scenic near the lake). Yiu can alwo get to Andermatt. Think about 1h one way for most of these, and far easier by car although public transport is available (beware of crowds). Plus from Lucerne you have access to lots of hikes\daytrips (Rigi, Pilatus, Bürgenstock...). Lucerne is also a really beautiful town with a few museums, a lakefront, Restaurants and Zürich is a short train ride away for everything else (more restaurants, museums, art, shopping, events of all sorts... i recommend you visit "zürich thermal bath"). To me it's the full package if you don't want to ski everyday in big terrain.
      To me it's the most beautiful area in Switzerland. Within 1h you have lots and lots of choices/locations.
      Either way, I'd avoid Christmas and local school holidays. Ski during the week and do something in the city on the weekend instead.
      For proper resort holidays I'd do french alps tbh. As scenic. Much cheaper bigger resorts. It is what it is.
      Anyways... all the best.

  • @ChrissyDee3
    @ChrissyDee3 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Dear lord. So I was planning to go to vail this year yet again bc it’s my absolute fav but mapped out that with my epic pass I can fly to Zurich. Get train to andermatt. And stay in a 5 star chalet for total of + +2.5 hours travel time but $1400 cheaper than flying to and staying in vail. But watching this video I’m like 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

  • @ericlane3256
    @ericlane3256 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    17:10 Military pass is also unlimited.

  • @Gary-np7hl
    @Gary-np7hl 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    i appreciate the European reviews! while i got to eventually experience snowboarding in the alps, with the culture and views are nothing short of amazing, it seems like the snow quality and terrain might be a bit overrated, almost kinda like mineral basin when it hasn't snowed in a few days.

  • @bentomat8889
    @bentomat8889 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    can you review the Zillertal Arena in Austria :) Love your videos.

    • @apsis963
      @apsis963 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @bentomatt8889 - they do respond to fans, just check other videos comment sections, but they’re US-based, so rarely come across the Atlantic. Which is a shame for us.

    • @PeakRankings
      @PeakRankings  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      We probably won’t get there within the next couple of seasons (we’re focusing on mountains that are on the Epic and Ikon Passes first), but once we build out our Europe organization, we’ll try to prioritize it!

  • @danpenagos9371
    @danpenagos9371 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    i think you guys should review the ischgl/samnaun area in austria/switzerland

  • @christopherknight7390
    @christopherknight7390 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Part of epic pass? That’s crazy

  • @adrienguinebertiere
    @adrienguinebertiere 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    where can we find the written reviews of the european ski areas

    • @PeakRankings
      @PeakRankings  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      They're not up yet. We're waiting until we have a good group to compare!

  • @kosycat1
    @kosycat1 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    freakin trams everywhere man! lol thats so sick

  • @roadracer517
    @roadracer517 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    This is bad for skiers. Vail means extreme prices.

    • @JeanPaulMueller
      @JeanPaulMueller 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Hopefully not. If the prices get too high, there are plenty of other ski resorts in Switzerland.

    • @MyUtubeScott
      @MyUtubeScott 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Can you expend on that statement? I do not own Vail stock but isn't every ski area is gouging the skiers? Hell even Walmart is gouging its shoppers and blaming inflation even though they help fuel inflation. All you have to do is exercise some self control and don't pay the outrageous prices! Stay home and prices will go down. But you won't

    • @davidriddiford7385
      @davidriddiford7385 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      @@MyUtubeScottwell given the drop in the Vail stock price over the last 12 months you should be pleased you don’t own their stock
      Yes all ski resorts fleece their customers to some degree but Vail go one step further and skin their customers who are taking your advice and starting to stay home thus the drop in the stock price!

  • @naterob2222
    @naterob2222 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Finding an affordable ski resort is hard. I saw your video from a year ago on the top 10 best values and Whitefish was #1, but you have no dedicated video for that resort. I would love to see one because I am highly considering going there, but still have questions because review content for Whitefish is basically nonexistent on TH-cam

  • @JaredG_WV
    @JaredG_WV 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A / B thumbnails got me thinkin you uploaded a new video 😂😂

  • @privatename123
    @privatename123 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Why did Vail buy this resort? Perhaps it was their way to test the Alps mkt, because if this it, bad decision.

  • @ieism1
    @ieism1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I've been snowboarding here for 25 years, I even lived close by for 2 years. In my opnion they completely destroyed the vibe of the village and made it for rich douchebags. Prices are insane. People have been saying for ages that the locals were happy with the new plans, but that is not at all the feeling I got from people there. I guess this serves as a good example for Swiss people to beware of selling to parties that do not understand Swiss ski culture. Ruined.

  • @rmgw226
    @rmgw226 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am stuck on where to go for a ski trip, as I would like good skiing for a reasonable price, probably best in italy for the price, but cervinia is rated quite low, so should I even consider it, or go to someplace such as Val Gardena, or a different country, any help would be appreciated!

    • @mysterioanonymous3206
      @mysterioanonymous3206 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Snow in Italy is often bad... Austria or France, depending on your vibe. Same for cheaper.

  • @mathtime9203
    @mathtime9203 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    when did you rank other European ski resorts? I can't find any European ranking post, other than comparing to american.

    • @PeakRankings
      @PeakRankings  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      We have not “officially” ranked other Euro resorts yet, but you can expect more videos in the coming months 😉

  • @yanni2737
    @yanni2737 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Vail wont be able to charge US prices as there is fierce competition from neighrouring resorts, especially if you consider the low/mid overall level of Andermatt compared to places like Lenzerhaide or Flumsemberg (less than 30min away).

    • @michelecapiotti
      @michelecapiotti หลายเดือนก่อน

      @yani2737, do you live in the region? Are these places less expensive than Andermatt? I'm looking for a family-friendly ski resort near Zurich or Basel airports to visit with my 5-year-old son, who doesn't know how to ski yet. We're not experts, so we plan to spend most of our time with him. That's why we're looking for a place to enjoy the snow, the town, and beginner/intermediate slopes rather than advanced experiences. Two years ago, we went to Engelberg and loved the beginner area, especially a charming small hotel with a shared kitchen. Now I'm looking for something similar.

    • @yanni2737
      @yanni2737 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@michelecapiottiI would recommend Flumserberg, it is close to Zurich and quite beginner friendly. Also Andermatt has an offer at the moment where you pay 65chf until the 22nd of December and you get 50% on all daily passes if you book them the day before. (45chf).

    • @rebekahmercer5509
      @rebekahmercer5509 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@michelecapiotti For near Zurich, the local general place to go is hoch ybrig. flims/laax also cool. Andermatt used to be totally military and has only recently opened up to tourists so is kind of interesting, it's a small village. If you're not from Switzerland, I'd highly recommend to go to France or Austria as they're much cheaper, and obviously France has much better food :)

    • @rebekahmercer5509
      @rebekahmercer5509 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      And for the comment you're replying to, maybe it's confusing as they're trying to say Flumserberg and Lenzerheide. also both near to zurich and fine

  • @NeutronScience878
    @NeutronScience878 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I find it fascinating that the geography alpine of Europe allows for treeless skiing. I wish we had a similar thing in North America.

    • @sambrikawara
      @sambrikawara 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      some of us actually enjoy skiing in trees though!

    • @spookyshark632
      @spookyshark632 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      There's a lot of North American resorts with above treeline skiing.

    • @sntslilhlpr6601
      @sntslilhlpr6601 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@spookyshark632 Not for a 5000ft drop though! But I'd still prefer to have both. It's fun to mix it up, especially depending on the weather.

    • @spookyshark632
      @spookyshark632 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@sntslilhlpr6601 Maybe if you go volcano skiing.

    • @tubatimkenny1337
      @tubatimkenny1337 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The alps are a newer mountain range so trees haven't had a chance to creep up the hill. The rockies are like 3 times as old so more trees have been able to evolve to exist there.

  • @josephrosner905
    @josephrosner905 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    next can u pls do review of chamonix

    • @PeakRankings
      @PeakRankings  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      We’ll have it up in the fall!

  • @scottvanvuren7950
    @scottvanvuren7950 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Vail bought my local mountain so i have an epic pass out of necessity. Heading over to switzerland for some skiing this winter. Ill be going out of my way to NOT ski here BECAUSE its on the pass.

  • @alansevents1691
    @alansevents1691 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Your Videos summarizes the cons of Andermatt well. Additionally, the old part of Andermatt isn’t very appealing either, and like you said, has no apre-ski or other lively parts. For this reason, there were historically not any fancy hotels. However, they are now building a new part of town, where the Raddison is, and are selling two room vacation apartments as investments for 2M$+. For most Swiss, this makes no sense for the exact reasons you mentioned in the video.
    The pros of Andermatt are that it is easily reachable from Zurich for a day trip and is big enough to entertain for a day as well. The mix of difficulty levels means you can go with your friends and there is something for everyone. The hidden gem in Andermatt is really the ski touring and mountaineering options that are not available to your standard skier. In this respect, Andermatt has some amazing experiences that will keep you entertained.
    It is thrilling to see americans discover the beauty of European skiing. I just wish we could leave a better first impression than the terrible Andermatt experience

    • @todd727300
      @todd727300 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I think you are being a little harsh. We were thrilled to go there and enjoyed walking around the old town and found plenty of places to eat and drink. Sure, it might not have been rowdy, party Apres, but after a full day of skiing, we wanted to relax and enjoy some local flavor. I feel that Andermatt is an excellent intro to Europe and very easy to navigate.

    • @FaithandActiondotnet
      @FaithandActiondotnet 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I would be blown away by it all after a lifetime in North America!

    • @todd727300
      @todd727300 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@FaithandActiondotnet It is so beautiful and so different with all of the above tree line skiing.

    • @FaithandActiondotnet
      @FaithandActiondotnet 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@todd727300 It's epic alpine & the infrastructure is second to none!

    • @mysterioanonymous3206
      @mysterioanonymous3206 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      😂 Apres ski is anti-culture, I'm absolutely allergic, just embarassing, if you like that go to ischgl or another one of those plastic fantastic locations, there's plenty of those already.

  • @philkeeve6577
    @philkeeve6577 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    All the negativity means more to enjoy for me in the future!

  • @cobroin1
    @cobroin1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    "Test trial" is redundant

  • @C_Fisherman
    @C_Fisherman 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great. Now Vail can ruin Europe too