How to Plan the Perfect Ski Trip to Arosa, Switzerland

There is a distinct blue coloration that hits a mountain simply earlier than the solar comes over the height. It is a hue skiers and snowboarders know nicely, because it’s significantly vibrant within the winter. And on a chilly November day in Arosa, Switzerland, the blue was pure magic. 

In 2023, I visited the quaint little ski city nestled excessive within the Schanfigg Valley within the Swiss canton of Graubünden for an annual ski occasion like no different: Personal Mountain Day with Tschuggen Grand Hotel. Simply because the title suggests, the occasion permits resort company to have unique entry to the Arosa Lenzerheide ski area earlier than it opens to the general public for one wonderful day.

As we took the practice from Zurich, the snow started to fall, rapidly blanketing the panorama in a thick, fluffy layer — a lot in order that we anxious we would not really make it to the mountain. However make it we did, and upon arrival, the stoke degree was at an all-time excessive.

Within the morning, we have been whisked away on the resort’s personal gondola to the highest of the mountain, the place we have been greeted with a festive ambiance that included loads of sizzling cocoa, heat fondue, and jovial spirits. Sure, the paths have been open too, and with only a handful of individuals there, everybody may take vast turns and benefit from the views at their very own tempo earlier than heading into the mountain’s get together tram for an après-ski occasion, full with a DJ, dancing, and loads of drinks. 

The perfect half is that anybody can e-book the personal mountain expertise by way of the resort for stays between Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, 2024. As a part of the keep, company will get pleasure from that unique entry, with someday devoted totally to solely Tschuggen Grand Resort company, together with bites on the resort’s La Brezza restaurant from Chef Marco Campanella, named this yr’s “Chef of the Year” by the Swiss version of the Gault Millau gastronomy information e-book.

“Arosa gives a novel mixture of snow reliability and solar publicity early within the season, making it a really perfect vacation spot for winter sports activities lovers,” Silvana Schlösser, the overall supervisor on the Tschuggen Grand Resort, shared. “It’s the right spot for each seasoned skiers and people simply discovering their ardour for the mountains.”

And whereas opening weekend is actually one thing to expertise, Schlösser added that the remainder of the winter season gives one thing particular, too. “Mid-January and late February are incredible occasions to expertise Arosa,” Schlösser famous. “The slopes are in wonderful situation, the après-ski scene is vibrant, and the crowds are lighter than throughout peak vacation durations. For these searching for a quieter, extra unique winter escape, March can also be a good time with still-perfect situations as we’re greater than 1,800 meters above sea degree, so there may be nonetheless lots of powder throughout these occasions.”

This is the way to expertise Arosa this ski season.

When to Go

The ski season in Arosa usually runs from late November to late April. For prime snow situations, skiers and riders ought to plot out a visit for mid-January to early March when the resort experiences peak snowfall. However actually, the whole season is spectacular, as those that are available in December or late March will likely be rewarded with fewer crowds — and maybe a number of spring snowboarding days the place all you want is a lightweight sweater. November and December are particular occasions to go to, too as the realm is exceptionally festive for the vacation season. 

The place to Keep

Tschuggen Grand Resort

These looking for an opulent retreat needn’t look additional than the Tschuggen Grand Hotel. The five-star property has ski-in, ski-out entry due to its personal gondola (which comes with ultra-plush bucket seats and floor-to-ceiling home windows for a beautiful view all the way in which), together with a famed 5,000-square-foot spa, full with indoor and outside swimming pools, saunas, and steam baths. And, its up to date suites embrace in-room saunas for the final word in leisure. 

Valsana Resort Arosa

The Valsana Hotel is a sustainability-focused resort that does not skimp on model. The lodging overlooks Lake Obersee and gives quick access to each the slopes and the city. It additionally boasts its personal wellness middle with a state-of-the-art gymnasium, yoga studio, and an indoor pool. And the resort is dog-friendly, making it the right match for anybody touring with a four-legged pal. 

Waldhotel Arosa

Discover a bit extra rustic appeal on the four-star Waldhotel Arosa. Its modern-meets-minimalist inside consists of loads of pinewood and oakwood, mirroring the scene out of the huge image home windows. And it is only a fast trip away from the mountains, with its personal spa and scrumptious eating as well. 

The place to Eat

Weisshorngipfel

Make your solution to the summit of the Weisshorn to search out Weisshorngipfel, a mountaintop restaurant with breathtaking views and engaging Swiss fare. The restaurant, solely accessible by way of cable automobile, is right for a noon ski break so you may fill your stomach with rösti and fondue earlier than cruising down the mountain once more.

Guterschuppen

For a pleasant brunch in a comfy ambiance, e-book a desk at Guterschuppen. The restaurant, positioned on the town, has a menu crammed with Swiss and globally impressed bites, together with every thing from shakshuka to kürbissuppe, a German pumpkin soup that can heat your soul. 

The Basement

Get another style of Swiss life at The Basement contained in the Tschuggen Grand Resort. The low-key spot options “grandma’s recipes” comprised of domestically sourced components, together with a raclette burger, rösti, and fondue. 

The place to Après-ski

Kuhbar

Ski immediately into Kuhbar for an après drink. The bar, positioned proper on the slopes, is well-known as being one of many liveliest dives in Arosa. Not solely are you able to get a pint (or two), however you get to do it with beautiful views of the mountains, too. 

Strumpfbar

Discover a extra low-key après setting on the Strumpfbar on the Arosa Vetter Resort. Right here, you may order primarily any drink you would like from its in depth wine and cocktail menu, although actually, you may by no means go improper with a mulled wine after snowboarding. 

Off-mountain Actions

Shred the toboggan trails.

On our journey to Arosa, the snow was so heavy that we really could not ski a second day resulting from security considerations. However that was effective with us, as we have been capable of discover Arosa’s community of toboggan runs, together with the famed Prätschli run. 

Go for a winter hike.

There are practically 20 miles of winter hiking trails sprinkled round Arosa that are perfect for non-skiers or these searching for an off day. It is a true choose-your-own-adventure exercise, as you may decide from straightforward lakeside walks or difficult alpine hikes. 

Take an ice bathtub.

Have the final word refreshing expertise by taking the plunge with an ice bathtub in Arosa. Vacationers can participate in a full ice bathtub session with Eisbadi, the place the aim is to remain within the water for a full minute.

Find out how to Journey

Tickets

Arosa Lenzerheide has a spread of ticket choices, together with single-day passes, multi-day passes, discounted household passes, and afternoon passes, which begin at simply $24. Ticket costs fluctuate relying on the time of yr, so examine the ticket office earlier than you e-book. 

Leases

There are many rental corporations in Arosa with high-quality gear, so you may pack frivolously and benefit from your time on the mountain. There are a number of Intersport places round city that can hook you up with precisely what you want. 

Snowboarding and Snowboarding

As On the Snow explains, there are 139 miles of trails to discover and 43 lifts that will help you entry all that terrain. The mountain is made up of 49 p.c newbie runs, 39 p.c superior/intermediate runs, and 12 p.c skilled runs. The mountain additionally gives night time snowboarding down choose trails for anybody hoping so as to add an extra adrenaline rush. And whereas its trails may be difficult, it is nonetheless an ideal place to deliver youngsters, due to the ABC Snow Sports School, which gives classes and actions designed for teenagers beneath 17.