Andermatt, Switzerland

Andermatt (the spiritual home of Stockli Skis) is a lovely traditional ski resort set in the very heart of the Swiss Alps. It is a resort that has changed very little over the last 40 years and the hotels (mostly 2 and 3 star) remain as they were when first built; unfussy, unpretentious, friendly and serve good, wholesome food. However, in December 2013 the luxury 5 star Chedi Hotel opened its doors which has brought a different dimension to the resort.

Andermatt with the towering Gemsstock Mountain (offering North facing slopes) has always been a mecca for good skiers searching for wonderful off-piste terrain and it's not hard to see why. Although there are only 74km of piste skiing there is almost limitless off-piste potential offering the highest quality expert terrain - cliff bands, chutes, wide open powder fields of perfect pitch, high altitude touring - it has it all. For a traditional alpine ski holiday Andermatt is a must.

Andermatt is not a party resort like Ischgl or St Anton but then not everyone likes thumping German "Schlager" music! The Spycher is the place most people meet up after a day on the mountain. They also do great pizza there! You can enjoy a beer in the sun outside the Aurora (opposite the Gemstock lift) or on the terrace of the 3 star Konige hotel.

Although in the heart of the Alps it is only an easy 2 hour drive away from Zurich making it very possible for a weekend ski holiday destination. If you spend most of your skiing time off-piste then Andermatt, like Alagna and La Grave, is the right ski resort for you. And when you do visit the chances are that you'll be back again very soon.