Vail Resorts is expanding its ski empire into Europe. The Colorado-based company is acquiring a majority ownership in Swiss resort Andermatt-Sedrun.
European Expansion
Vail Resorts is describing the transaction as a major investment into European expansion. In the deal, Vail will take over 55 percent of Andermatt-Sedrun AG — the company that operates the ski lifts, ski school, and a majority of the resort’s restaurants. The current owner will retain 40 percent ownership, while stakeholders will hold the remaining 5% of the resort. The deal is expected to close before the upcoming 2022-2023 ski season.
Vail Resorts has big plans for the ski resort, dumping about $160 million into the resort. About $118 million will pay for upgrades, including ski lifts and snow-making capabilities, plus adding more restaurants. The remaining $42 million will go toward real estate investments at the resort’s base.
Once the deal closes, Vail Resorts plans to add the Swiss ski area to its Epic Pass. The regular Epic Pass will be valid on any day at the resort, whereas Local Epic Pass holders will only get 5 days at the resort. Andermatt-Sedrun is the latest European skiing destination covered by the Epic Pass. It joins Verbier 4 Vallees in Switzerland, Les 3 Vallees in France, Skirama Dolomiti in Italy, and Ski Arlberg in Austria.
About Andermatt-Sedrun
Andermatt-Sedrun is located in central Switzerland. The closest major airport is Zurich International, which is about 90 minutes away. The resort is about 2 hours from Milan, Italy. The resort itself has 33 lifts covering about 75 miles of terrain, with the highest peak at 9,800 feet above sea level.
Lodging at the base varies from luxury condos and apartments to 5-star hotels, like the Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen, and award-winning restaurants. It also houses a concert hall and a golf course.
After a full day of skiing, rest your tired muscles at one of our favorite spas — the Chedi Andermatt — and fuel up by eating some of our favorite foods in Switzerland. Be sure to spend at least a day in Zurich so you can check out our favorite things to do there in the winter.