Swiss Resorts Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Announce 2024/25 Opening Dates

Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis & Crans-Montana Announce Opening Dates for the 2024/25 Winter Season Vail Resorts’ two iconic Swiss ski resorts, Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis and Crans-Montana, have confirmed their opening dates for the 2024/25 winter season, with slopes expected to open as early as November 16, 2024, depending on snow conditions. While it might feel like winter is still far off, this is actually the best time to plan your ski vacation, especially if you want to take advantage of the early-bird savings available with the Epic Pass.Crans-Montana Joins the Epic Pass for the First TimeA major highlight this year is the inclusion of Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in the Epic Pass, marking its first season as part of this global network. This means skiers and riders can now enjoy unrestricted access to Crans-Montana, alongside other premier European ski resorts like Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Verbier 4 Vallées in Switzerland, Les 3 Vallées in France, Ski Arlberg in Austria, and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy. Epic Pass holders can visit any of these resorts without needing additional lift tickets, although the total number of days varies depending on the resort.

A view from the summit of Andermatt Ski Resort. Credit: Andermatt Worldwide Access with the Epic PassIn addition to the expanded European offerings, the Epic Pass also grants unlimited access to 37 top ski resorts across North America, including Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Vail Mountain and Breckenridge in Colorado, and Park City Mountain in Utah. For those looking for an even broader adventure, the Epic Pass also covers international destinations like Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu in Japan, making it one of the most comprehensive ski passes available, offering access to more than 80 resorts globally.Andermatt-Sedrun: A Growing Swiss DestinationAndermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, located less than 90 minutes from Zurich, Lucerne, and Lugano, and about two hours from Milan, is the largest ski area in Central Switzerland. With more than 180 kilometers of pistes and connections between Andermatt, Sedrun, and Disentis via the Cuolm da Vi gondola and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, the resort has quickly become a favorite among skiers and riders. It’s known not only for its expansive terrain but also for its luxury accommodations, such as The Chedi Andermatt, and its increasingly renowned culinary scene, which now includes three Michelin-starred restaurants.This season, Andermatt is making further improvements by expanding its snowmaking capabilities to ensure optimal skiing conditions throughout the winter. Additionally, the village will welcome new high-end retail and dining outlets, solidifying its reputation as one of Europe’s premier ski destinations. Whether you're after world-class skiing or luxurious après-ski experiences, Andermatt-Sedrun is set to impress.

Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis trail map which shows how wide this resort really is. Credit: Andermatt Resort Crans-Montana: Iconic Ski Resort with a Long HistoryLocated around two and a half hours from Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Crans-Montana is another top-tier resort on the Epic Pass. Spanning over 1,400 meters of vertical terrain and 140 kilometers of trails, this resort offers something for everyone, from advanced skiers seeking challenging runs to families looking for well-groomed slopes. The resort is easy to reach from major cities like Geneva, Milan, and Zurich, and is known for its luxury accommodations, including the Six Senses hotel that opened last year.Crans-Montana is also famous for its uninterrupted mountain views, and the resort’s glacier ensures excellent snow conditions well into the spring. This year, Crans-Montana is investing heavily in its infrastructure, adding 43 new snow guns to improve the snowmaking network and upgrading key restaurants like the Plaine Morte, located nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. The Signal Restaurant at the base of the Arnouva Gondola will also reopen this season after extensive renovations.In addition to its top-notch skiing and dining options, Crans-Montana is gearing up for major sporting events, including the 2025 Men’s Alpine Ski World Cup in February. The resort is also preparing for future World Cup events in 2026 and the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2027, cementing its status as a world-class venue for winter sports.Save Big with the Epic PassFor skiers and riders eager to explore these Swiss resorts, the Epic Pass offers unbeatable value. Priced at $1,004 USD for the 2024/25 season, the pass provides unlimited, unrestricted access to both Crans-Montana and Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, along with many other partner resorts. Passholders also get exclusive access to other legendary destinations like:Skirama Dolomiti, Italy: Skiers can enjoy seven consecutive days across eight different resorts, including Madonna di Campiglio and Folgarida-Marilleva.Les 3 Vallées, France: Access seven consecutive days at the world’s largest ski area, which combines famous French resorts like Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens.Verbier 4 Vallées, Switzerland: Spend five consecutive days skiing in Switzerland’s largest ski area, which includes Verbier, Bruson, and La Tzoumaz.Ski Arlberg, Austria: Ski for three consecutive days at Austria’s largest connected resort area, featuring destinations like St. Anton and Lech.Please note that some resorts, like Verbier 4 Vallées and Ski Arlberg, require an overnight stay at on-resort lodging to access the slopes with the Epic Pass.