Andermatt: Pros & Cons and Epic Pass

Vail Resorts purchased Andermatt, a Swiss ski and snowboard resort. So if you have the Epic Pass, it's now a European destination that you can visit. But should you? Here are some Pros and Cons:

1) Pro: Convenient To Get To - Andermatt is an easy drive from Milan. Depending on traffic, you may even be able to get there in under two hours.

2) Con: Disjointed Layout - Unfortunately, the Gemsstock mountain peak is not connected to the rest of the resort. You either have to walk, drive or take a shuttle between the two. Further, Andermatt has three bases: Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis. To connect between Andermatt and Sedrun, you have to ski or snowboard a series of small slopes and chairlifts at the top of the mountain. You can find slopes this short on the east coast of the U.S. and Canada, so you may ask yourself why you traveled all the way to the Alps.

3) Pro/Con: Andermatt's Understated Energy - Andermatt is not a party town. That's a bad thing if you like to party, but a great thing if you like a subdued atmosphere.

4) Con: Lack of Ski-in, Ski-Out Accommodations - Most of the accommodations in Andermatt require a walk or drive to the slopes. If you like to stay at the base of the mountain, your options will be more limited than some other resorts in Europe.

5) Pro: Unlimited Days on Epic Pass - If you have the Epic Pass, you can ski or snowboard Andermatt for an unlimited number of days. That is awesome!

6) Pro: Manageable Chairlift Lines - With the exception of a few chairlifts on the weekends, Andermatt seems to have short or no lines. However, that may change as more and more Epic Pass holders begin to discover Andermatt.

7) Pro: Great Mountain Restaurant Options - Andermatt has so many options for lunch between the different bases and peaks. If you're visiting Andermatt from the U.S. or Canada, be prepared to choose!

8) Pro: Variety of Terrain - Andermatt has an incredible variety of terrain, particularly off the groomed slopes if you are a more advanced skier or snowboarder.