Vail Resorts to acquire majority stake in Swiss resort Andermatt-Sedrun

Andermatt-Sedrun offers over 74 miles of varied terrain and a top elevation over 9,800 feet across the mountains of Andermatt, Sedrun and Gemsstock, with connected access to Disentis which is owned independently. The ski area spans over 10 miles of scenic high alpine terrain between Andermatt and Sedrun, including the iconic Oberalp Pass, and is connected by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn that operates year-round. Photo: Valentin Luthiger

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Vail Resorts announced Sunday night that it has entered into an agreement to purchase a majority stake in Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG in central Switzerland.

It’s the company’s first attempt to operate a ski resort in Europe.

Andermatt-Sedrun is located less than 90 minutes from three of the country’s major metro areas — Zurich, Lucerne and Lugano — and roughly two hours from Milan.

Vail is planning to acquire a 55-percent ownership stake. Andermatt Swiss Alps AG (ASA) is retaining a 40-percent ownership stake.

“Entering the European ski market has been a long-term strategic priority for Vail Resorts. We are excited to be partnering with ASA and investing our capital and resources to support the ongoing development of Andermatt-Sedrun into one of the premier alpine destination resorts in Europe, with integrated operations in lifts, food and ski school,” Kirsten Lynch, CEO of Vail Resorts said in a statment.

“The extensive investments that ASA and the Sawiris family have made in both the base area and the mountain have created a high-end experience with significant capacity for growth from guests from Switzerland, the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe and around the world. We plan to rely heavily on, and learn from, our partners, community members and the Andermatt-Sedrun team as we gain experience and understanding of the resort, its guests and operations.

“We are proud to add this incredible Swiss destination to our network of world-class resorts and to welcome Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass, Epic Day Pass and Epic Local pass holders to experience the resort’s charming villages, alpine terrain and extensive amenities as we look to create an even stronger offering for skiers and riders in Europe,” Lynch said.

The transaction is expected to close prior to the 2022-23 ski season.

“Vail Resorts is the ideal partner for our goal of developing Andermatt into The Prime Alpine Destination,” said Samih Sawiris, majority owner of ASA. “With Vail Resorts’ additional capital investment in the resort, deep expertise in successful operations of integrated mountain destinations, and the company’s impressive marketing capabilities and destination guest reach, Vail Resorts will provide a significant boost to the development of Andermatt-Sedrun.”

Vail Resorts plans to include unlimited and unrestricted access to Andermatt-Sedrun on the 2022-23 Epic Pass. Epic Day Pass holders with All Resorts Access will be able to use any of their days at Andermatt, and Epic Local Pass holders will receive five days of unrestricted access to the resort.

The Epic Pass also provides European access to partner resorts including five days at Verbier4Vallées in Switzerland, seven days at Les 3 Vallées in France, seven days at Skirama Dolomiti in Italy and three days at Ski Arlberg in Austria, with specific details available at www.epicpass.com.