Industry News
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Andermatt has become a magnet for American tourists, drawn not only by its pristine beauty but also by its commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. With the resort’s combination of quaint, fairy-tale charm and progressive environmental initiatives, it’s no wonder that Andermatt is gaining popularity, especially among eco-conscious travelers.
In recent years, Andermatt has emerged as a leading destination for those seeking both adventure and sustainability. The resort has set ambitious goals to become climate neutral in its operations by 2030, addressing the challenges inherent in snow sports head on. The biggest hurdle to achieving the goals is currently presented by snow grooming. “Snow grooming is a significant challenge for us, as these vehicles have a large environmental footprint,” Carmen Carfora, Andermatt’s Head of Sustainability explains. “The hybrid machines cannot be used on the really steep terrain. They only work for flat trails or cross-country trails. However, we’re already doing very well in many other areas.”
The resort’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint is evident in several initiatives. For the past 15 years, Andermatt has powered its operations with climate-neutral electricity, sourced from local wind and water energy. Many of the resort’s buildings are heated with carbon-neutral district heating, significantly reducing emissions from energy use. Additionally, Andermatt has been investing in energy-efficient snowmaking systems, which will reduce overall energy consumption in the coming years. The resort boasts a total of 300 snow guns across the ski area.
Despite the hurdles, Andermatt is continually improving. For example, a new initiative to replace older, oil-heated buildings is underway. Some of these buildings may be entirely replaced in the next decade, ensuring that sustainability remains a core priority for the village. “Our goal is to reduce energy use each year, and we’re constantly setting new targets to make that happen,” says Carfora. “We are on track with our goals, but we still await technological advancements to help us achieve carbon neutrality across all areas, particularly with snow grooming.”
Andermatt’s environmental efforts extend beyond energy usage. The resort has adopted snow farming practices to combat the challenges posed by increasingly hot summers. During the warmer months, snow is preserved atop a glacier using a protective cover to prevent it from melting, a technique that has yielded positive results. Although economic and climate conditions have limited the use of snow farming in recent years, the resort has shifted its season opening to mid-November to better align with natural snow conditions.
The village’s appeal also lies in its accessibility and mobility solutions, which align with its sustainability goals. Andermatt has launched an Alpine Mobility initiative, offering a range of shared transportation options, including electric and non-electric bicycles for visitors to explore the village. A free shuttle bus service, in collaboration with the municipality, circulates throughout Andermatt and neighboring villages, making it easy for guests to get around without the need for a car.
For American visitors, the growing emphasis on sustainability is a key draw. “Tourists really appreciate destinations that prioritize sustainability measures. They don’t have to change their behavior because it’s all taken care of for them,” explains Carfora. Andermatt is also part of Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass network, which has helped increase the number of U.S. tourists visiting the region. In fact, one in five overnight stays by foreign tourists in 2023 were from Americans—up significantly from just one in twenty before the pandemic. This surge in visitors can be attributed in part to the attractiveness of the Epic Pass, but also the ease of reaching Andermatt by public transport. Carfora highlights, “We have had a lot of international tourists coming to Andermat, and many of these use the train to travel between the airport and the resort.”
- Related: Americans are Flocking to Swiss Alps for the Winter — Switzerland Sees Record Visitation Numbers
The recent uptick in U.S. visitors to Andermatt is part of a broader, Swiss-wide trend. According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, overnight stays from U.S. tourists increased by 13.4% during the 2023-24 winter season. Andermatt, along with other Swiss resorts, has benefited from this growth, with U.S. tourists now accounting for a significant portion of the foreign visitor market. A recent report by Maison Sport also revealed a huge boost in bookings from U.S. visitors to Europe. The online booking portal saw bookings by U.S. travelers doubling for from 2022-23 to 2023-24 and early sales data points towards the continuation of the upwards trend. Nick Robinson from Maison Sports explained, “Vail Resorts industry-leading Epic Pass products, which will be available in their EU resorts provide access to the company’s mountain resorts at an incredible value, whether they plan to ski one day or every day. This is another huge benefit for U.S. tourists skiing in Europe and when combined with our lesson model, this gives the customer ultimate flexibility.”
For many international visitors, the combination of sustainable practices, breathtaking landscapes, and the quaintness of the village itself makes Andermatt an irresistible destination. As Andermatt continues to invest in its eco-friendly initiatives and modernize its infrastructure, the resort is poised to remain a top choice for those looking to experience the Swiss Alps in a way that is both adventurous and responsible.
