"Gleis 0", the sports outlet in the train station

The Andermatt vacation region is surrounded by 8 Alpine passes and boasts a central location, pristine nature, and an incredible variety of tourist activities. The Andermatt Swiss Alps tourism project initiated by Egyptian multi-billionaire and investor Samih Sawiris over 10 years ago has established a premium tourist infrastructure. 

Sawiris erected several 4 and 5-star hotels, 42 apartment blocks, 25 villas, a sports and recreation center with an ice rink and indoor swimming pool, a concert and congress hall, an 18-hole golf course, and a variety of stores.

In summer 2020, Andermatt Sedrun Sport AG made the decision to offer its services for winter sports enthusiasts as part of an entirely new concept in the middle of the village's train station, with direct access to the ski resort. Due to the first COVID-19 lockdown, the initiators realized soon after starting the project that requirements in the tourism sector would change dramatically in the coming years.

A unique project. 

The "Gleis 0" (Platform 0) sports outlet responded to these changing conditions by focusing on an extremely fast, well-organized ski rental process in line with hygiene and social distancing rules. At the same time, premium quality materials were also paramount, as the aim was to integrate the project seamlessly into Andermatt's impeccable tourist infrastructure. The Gleis 0 project is highly unique in that the entire planning process could be started from scratch – a great opportunity to combine a wealth of experience from the various areas of sports retail and rental. The tender for Gleis 0 made it clear that the contractor was looking for a single supplier who could cover every area of the overall concept – on pace with the digital state of the art.

This gave WINTERSTEIGER a one-of-a-kind opportunity to plan all the products and services such as the ski depot, ski rental, rental software, rental storage, and the workshop across the same area. The store was designed by the architects to have a special attraction, right down to the smallest detail, which also presented us with a very unique set of challenges. Working closely with the architects, we were able to deliver the project in record time.

Ski depot: Special design and xDry technology.

The ski depot is a real standout thanks to its unique design. The 400 storage lockers were designed with a metal look and left untreated. The depots feature the latest xDry technology that dries ski boots, gloves, and helmets using special nozzles in a way that is gentle on the material. A variety of accessories inside the locker create the finishing touch. The depot can be booked online, in the store, or using the check-in terminal on site.

Smart rental process.

The rental process is organized in its entirety by Easyrent and the Future of Rental solution. At the heart of the process is Easygate, which guides customers through the rental process after check-in. An increasing number of people are also opting to do this online. The monitors guide the flow of customers and guarantee a quick and efficient process, with online reservations being given priority via the "Express Line". Ski boots fit perfectly thanks to a quick foot scan and are adjusted to the binding in seconds using the Sizefit devices.

Transparent ski service workshop.

The ski workshop is neither in the basement nor in a separate adjoining room. The team behind Gleis 0 wanted to showcase their ski service expertise and range of services, so the Discovery spd and all manual ski service machines and washing devices are located in the ski rental store separated only by a metal fence.

Photo credit: wdfotografie.ch