The way to Plan the Good Ski Journey 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 Resort. Simply because the identify 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 superb day.

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

Within the morning, we have been whisked away on the resort’s non-public gondola to the highest of the mountain, the place we have been greeted with a festive environment 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 might take extensive turns and benefit from the views at their very own tempo earlier than heading into the mountain’s social gathering tram for an après-ski occasion, full with a DJ, dancing, and loads of drinks. 

One of the best half is that anybody can e-book the non-public mountain expertise by 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 in the future devoted totally to solely Tschuggen Grand Resort company, together with bites on the resort’s La Brezza restaurant from Chef Marco Campanella, named this 12 months’s “Chef of the 12 months” by the Swiss version of the Gault Millau gastronomy information e-book.

“Arosa presents a singular mixture of snow reliability and solar publicity early within the season, making it an excellent vacation spot for winter sports activities fanatics,” Silvana Schlösser, the final supervisor on the Tschuggen Grand Resort, shared. “It’s the proper 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 presents one thing particular, too. “Mid-January and late February are implausible occasions to expertise Arosa,” Schlösser famous. “The slopes are in glorious situation, the après-ski scene is vibrant, and the crowds are lighter than throughout peak vacation intervals. 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 stage, so there’s nonetheless a variety of powder throughout these occasions.”

This is easy methods to expertise Arosa this ski season.

When to Go

The ski season in Arosa sometimes 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, your entire season is spectacular, as those that are available in December or late March shall be rewarded with fewer crowds — and maybe a number of spring snowboarding days the place all you want is a light-weight sweater. November and December are particular occasions to go to, too as the world is exceptionally festive for the vacation season. 

The place to Keep

Tschuggen Grand Resort

These looking for an expensive retreat needn’t look additional than the Tschuggen Grand Resort. The five-star property has ski-in, ski-out entry because of its non-public gondola (which comes with ultra-plush bucket seats and floor-to-ceiling home windows for a stunning 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 embody in-room saunas for the last word in rest. 

Valsana Resort Arosa

The Valsana Resort is a sustainability-focused resort that does not skimp on type. The lodging overlooks Lake Obersee and presents 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 proper match for anybody touring with a four-legged buddy. 

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 journey away from the mountains, with its personal spa and scrumptious eating as well. 

The place to Eat

Weisshorngipfel

Make your method to the summit of the Weisshorn to seek out Weisshorngipfel, a mountaintop restaurant with breathtaking views and engaging Swiss fare. The restaurant, solely accessible through cable automobile, is good for a noon ski break so you’ll be able to fill your stomach with rösti and fondue earlier than cruising down the mountain once more.

Guterschuppen

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

The Basement

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

The place to Après-ski

Kuhbar

Ski straight 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 attractive views of the mountains, too. 

Strumpfbar

Discover a extra low-key après setting on the Strumpfbar on the Arosa Vetter Resort. Right here, you’ll be able to order basically any drink you would like from its intensive wine and cocktail menu, although actually, you’ll be able to by no means go mistaken 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 truly could not ski a second day as a consequence of security issues. However that was high-quality with us, as we have been in a position to discover Arosa’s community of toboggan runs, together with the famed Prätschli run. 

Go for a winter hike.

There are almost 20 miles of winter mountaineering 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’ll be able to choose from straightforward lakeside walks or difficult alpine hikes. 

Take an ice bathtub.

Have the last 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.

The way to Experience

Tickets

Arosa Lenzerheide has a variety of ticket choices, together with single-day passes, multi-day passes, discounted household passes, and afternoon passes, which begin at simply $24. Ticket costs range relying on the time of 12 months, so verify the ticket workplace earlier than you e-book. 

Leases

There are many rental corporations in Arosa with high-quality gear, so you’ll be able to pack calmly and take advantage of 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 can assist you entry all that terrain. The mountain is made up of 49 % newbie runs, 39 % superior/intermediate runs, and 12 % skilled runs. The mountain additionally presents night time snowboarding down choose trails for anybody hoping so as to add a further adrenaline rush. And whereas its trails could be difficult, it is nonetheless an ideal place to convey youngsters, because of the ABC Snow Sports activities College, which presents classes and actions designed for teenagers underneath 17.