A Fashion-Person’s Guide to Andermatt, Switzerland
I truly define any place that I travel to by the people that I observe when I’m there. Near the end of my trip to Andermatt, Switzerland, after taking in the visitors who seemed right at home amongst snow-covered mountain caps and cozy restaurants lit-up by wood-burning fireplaces, I started to think to myself, “is it too late to use the term quiet luxury? Because this place might just be the definition of it.” We’ve heard the buzzworthy term so many times that it seems like the fashion crowd is over it but it still lives in my mind rent-free. Noticing the other visitors in this quaint town that is truly a “if you know you know” sort of place made my mind immediately go to quiet luxury.
Wearing clothing that Loro Piana and Ralph Lauren themselves would approve of, I was taking styling notes from everyone around me. If you couldn’t tell by now, I was clearly enamored by the people I discovered along this journey but my itinerary is also one that can’t be missed. Below you’ll discover what I wore, did, and ate in Andermatt, that I will definitely be coming back around for during my next visit.
I asked a Swiss friend before I embarked on this adventure what I should wear in the Alps and she told me that my usual obsessive outfit planning, just might not be a fit for this space. She let me know that it’s a place to be comfortable during the day as most people are dressed for exploring nature. This led me to purchase a new cashmere sweater for my adventures.
When I realized I wouldn’t be heading out to Switzerland until April, I thought the snow would be long gone but Andermatt has powder for nearly half the year. From December to April, deep snow covers every inch of the Ursern Valley and as someone who’s never really skied before, I knew this was my opportunity to finally give it a try. Perfect Moment has been on my radar for years in the skiwear department and I ended up picking out a look from them for this adventure.
Everyone who knows Switzerland well, knows about The Chedi. It might just be the most fabulous resort I’ve ever stayed at while still remaining quite understated. Ahem, quiet luxury vibes. This black dress with gold details is one of the pieces I’m drawn to when I’m emulating the old money aesthetic that is all over my Pinterest board. When I dressed up for dinner in the hotel, a place so fabulous that many visitors never even leave the property when they visit, I knew a dress like this would be right for the location.
Spa Day at The Chedi:
One of the highlights of staying at The Chedi was the incredible spa experience the property boasts. My first visit to the spa included an incredible deep tissue massage that held nothing back. I returned for the hydrotherapy cycle that took me from sauna to cold plunge to hot plunge and back around. After an amazing workout or morning spent skiing, I truly can’t imagine a better escape. If you visit Andermatt and are unable to stay at The Chedi, I highly recommend booking at least a day pass at their spa.
Ski on Natschen:
As someone who is new to skiing, I can’t think of a more perfect place to do it. If you already have an Ikon pass, you’ll be on a gondola in no time. I was pretty nervous to go all out and shred the slopes for the first time but there were plenty of people around, including children as young as 3 years old on the same slope as me and that gave me the much needed confidence I needed to carry-on and go on my first run.
Glacier Express:
Something that truly amazed me about Switzerland was their train system. Polished, technologically advanced, and clean—as a New Yorker this was steps above the daily commute I take at home. On this trip, I had the opportunity to experience the Glacier Express and I felt transported to a different time. The first class train experience that includes a decadent meal included large windows revealing the snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes that make up the many towns that it runs through from Zermatt to St Moritz. It’s an image that will truly never leave my mind.
GÜTSCH by Markus Neff:
Whether or not you’re a fan of skiing, you’ll have an excuse to head to the top of a mountain when you visit Andermatt because GUTSCH is the singular michelin star restaurant I insist that you must see. Every bite I had tasted just as good as the views and ambiance that came along with it.
Fondueburg Hospental:
There’s something about fondue that’s perfect for a special occasion. It brings people together through shared plates that are definitely worth passing around. I’m someone who only indulges in fondue on rare occasions and doing it in Switzerland was a must. Locals swear by Fondueburg Hospental so it’s one you simply can’t miss.
The Chedi Restaurant:
Have you ever been to a restaurant that has a room just for cheese? I’m very happy to report that I can now tell you I have. And I won’t be forgetting it any time soon. The restaurant at The Chedi is a juxtaposition of Asian and European cuisine with four kitchens that allow you to watch the chefs prepare your food. The menu was incredibly extensive and I will be thinking about it for some time.