However, Sawiris has long held the view that Andermatt needed a strategic ski operator to take it to the next level. Enter Vail Resorts, who are now in the driving seat. So what does this mean for European skiing? 

For years Vail Resorts has set the gold standard for skiing in North America, becoming renowned for outstanding customer service, impeccable grooming, well-organised lift lines, and excellent ski schools. But this season has been one of discontent among Vail employees on the ground, with widespread complaints about pay and conditions.

As for skiers, prices for tuition in Vail’s ski schools are three times higher than in top European resorts, with a one-day private lesson costing $1,222 (£930) compared to 420CHF (£320) in Andermatt – a cost that is hard to justify when the instructors are paid on a par with their European counterparts. There are concerns that Vail’s expansion into Europe will see charges go up in both Andermatt and beyond. 

Whether Vail’s arrival will impact the Swiss resort’s dining and entertainment facilities also remains to be seen. North American mountain villages are not renowned for their gastronomy, with a preference for large self-service refectory-style dining, in stark contrast to Europe’s characterful family-run mountain restaurants.