Vail's Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis Resort Upgrading Chairlifts

Vail Resorts Invests in Major Chairlift Upgrades at Andermatt

The Swiss Federal Office of Transport has given the green light for a significant upgrade to the Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski resort. Vail Resorts, the owner of this Swiss alpine gem, is set to replace two crucial chairlifts: Val Val – Cuolm Val and Val Val – Calmut. This move aims to enhance the resort's infrastructure and improve the overall experience for skiers and riders.

The project, slated to begin immediately after the 2024/25 winter season, will see the current 4-seater chairlifts replaced with modern 6-seater versions. This upgrade is not just about adding seats; it's a complete overhaul that will double the transport capacity to 2,400 people per hour and significantly reduce travel times.

The view from the summit of Andermatt. Credit: Andermatt / Sedrun / Disentis

The new chairlifts, designed and built by Garaventa, will operate at a higher speed of 5 m/s. This increase in speed means the journey to Cuolm Val will take just 3.18 minutes, while the ride to Calmut will be completed in 3.40 minutes. These improvements are crucial for connecting the ski areas between the Oberalp Pass and Milez/Cuolm Val, enhancing the resort's appeal to skiers and riders of all levels.

The construction schedule is tight, with work set to begin on April 6, 2025, immediately after the last day of operations for the 2024/25 season. The goal is to have the new lifts operational by early December 2025. This ambitious timeline includes dismantling the old lifts, assembling the new ones, and constructing necessary avalanche protection measures.

Vail Resorts and Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG are working closely with local authorities and regional companies to ensure the project's success. Special permits have been obtained to allow for early preparatory work, including snow clearing and access road construction. The project also requires careful coordination with other initiatives in the area, such as the Solar Sedrun alpine photovoltaic system by Energia Alpina.

A skier at Disentis ski resort. Credit: Andermatt / Sedrun / Disentis

As the resort bids farewell to the old chairlifts that have served skiers and riders for over 35 years, there's a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation for the future. Representatives from Vail Resorts and Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG will mark the occasion with a symbolic 'last chair' ride on April 6, 2025.

This significant investment by Vail Resorts underscores their commitment to enhancing the ski experience at Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis. By modernising key infrastructure and improving connectivity within the ski area, the resort is poised to offer an even more appealing destination for skiers and riders. As the project moves forward, it promises to bring new life to this beloved Swiss ski resort, ensuring its place among the top winter destinations in the Alps.