In eastern Switzerland, above the town of Andermatt, a new resort expansion is in the beginning stages of development. Swiss Info is reporting that Ski Arena Andermatt will offer a view into the underutilized central region of Switzerland and local officials are hoping the new expansion will boost a lagging regional economy that has seen a surge in unemployment as of late. The resort will connect the towns of Andermatt in canton Uri and Sedrun in canton Graubünden.
The plan includes 7 new lifts, 7 updated lifts, and over 120km of ski trails.
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The project, which is being financed by Egyptian entrepreneur Samih Sawiris, initially encountered resistance from environmental groups at its onset but now the resort is breaking ground and officials plan to be fully operational for the 2020/2021 ski season.
“It’s not just about developing a ski area but about the development of a whole region, a tourism destination”– Uri Politician Heidi Z’Graggen
However, detractors portray the expansion as a risky move, which must overcome serious obstacles including competition with established resorts.
According to professor of tourism at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Jürg Stettler stated “in principle it could be a success,” adding “it depends on how Sawiris resort develops. That is the prerequisite for success”
Resort Stats:
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120 km of groomed and varied ski runs
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2 cable cars, 7 chair lifts, and 11 ski lifts
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2 terrain parks including 1 halfpipe
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Avalanche Training Center
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21,200 person capacity per hour
Read the entire article from Swiss Info here: Will Andermatt’s new ski resort be a boost or mistake?