There is a distinct blue colour that hits a mountain simply earlier than the solar comes over the height. It is a hue skiers and snowboarders know properly, because it’s notably 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 Lodge. Simply because the identify suggests, the occasion permits resort visitors 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 anxious 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 had been whisked away on the resort’s non-public gondola to the highest of the mountain, the place we had been greeted with a festive environment that included loads of scorching cocoa, heat fondue, and jovial spirits. Sure, the paths had 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 get together tram for an après-ski occasion, full with a DJ, dancing, and loads of drinks.
The perfect half is that anybody can guide the non-public mountain expertise via the resort for stays between Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, 2024. As a part of the keep, visitors will take pleasure in that unique entry, with in the future devoted solely to solely Tschuggen Grand Lodge visitors, 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 guide.
“Arosa gives a singular mixture of snow reliability and solar publicity early within the season, making it a super vacation spot for winter sports activities fanatics,” Silvana Schlösser, the final supervisor on the Tschuggen Grand Lodge, shared. “It’s the proper spot for each seasoned skiers and people simply discovering their ardour for the mountains.”
And whereas opening weekend is definitely one thing to expertise, Schlösser added that the remainder of the winter season gives one thing particular, too. “Mid-January and late February are improbable instances 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 on the lookout for a quieter, extra unique winter escape, March can be a good time with still-perfect circumstances as we’re greater than 1,800 meters above sea stage, so there may be nonetheless a whole lot of powder throughout these instances.”
This is the way to expertise Arosa this ski season.
- In depth terrain: Arosa Lenzerheide gives greater than 139 miles of skiable terrain, break up throughout issue ranges.
- Household-friendly environment: Arosa is right for households, because it has loads of kid-friendly snowboarding choices via ABC Snow Sports activities Faculty and many off-piste actions, too.
- Snow reliability: Due to its excessive elevation and north-facing slopes, Arosa usually has excellent snow circumstances all through the ski season.
- Picturesque village: Discover a scenic spot stuffed with Swiss structure, cafes, eating places, and purchasing in the midst of Arosa.
When to Go
The ski season in Arosa usually runs from late November to late April. For prime snow circumstances, 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 December or late March can 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 instances to go to, too as the world is exceptionally festive for the vacation season.
The place to Keep
Tschuggen Grand Lodge
These searching for an expensive retreat needn’t look additional than the Tschuggen Grand Lodge. The five-star property has ski-in, ski-out entry due to its non-public 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 out of doors swimming pools, saunas, and steam baths. And, its up to date suites embody in-room saunas for the final word in rest.
Valsana Lodge Arosa
The Valsana Lodge 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 heart with a state-of-the-art health club, yoga studio, and an indoor pool. And the resort is dog-friendly, making it the proper match for anybody touring with a four-legged good friend.
Waldhotel Arosa
Discover a bit extra rustic attraction on the four-star Waldhotel Arosa. Its modern-meets-minimalist inside contains loads of pinewood and oakwood, mirroring the scene out of the large image home windows. And it is only a fast experience 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 seek out Weisshorngipfel, a mountaintop restaurant with breathtaking views and attractive Swiss fare. The restaurant, solely accessible by way of cable automobile, is right 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 comfortable environment, guide a desk at Guterschuppen. The restaurant, positioned on the town, has a menu stuffed with Swiss and globally impressed bites, together with the whole lot from shakshuka to kürbissuppe, a German pumpkin soup that may heat your soul.
The Basement
Get yet another style of Swiss life at The Basement contained in the Tschuggen Grand Lodge. The low-key spot options “grandma’s recipes” made out of domestically sourced components, 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 Lodge. Right here, you’ll be able to order primarily any drink you want from its in depth wine and cocktail menu, although actually, you’ll be able to 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 truly could not ski a second day resulting from security considerations. However that was effective with us, as we had been capable of 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 mountain climbing trails sprinkled round Arosa that are perfect for non-skiers or these on the lookout for an off day. It is a true choose-your-own-adventure exercise, as you’ll be able to 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.
How you can Trip
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 12 months, so examine the ticket workplace earlier than you guide.
Leases
There are many rental corporations in Arosa with high-quality gear, so you’ll be able to pack flippantly and take advantage of your time on the mountain. There are a number of Intersport places round city that may 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 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 a further adrenaline rush. And whereas its trails could be difficult, it is nonetheless an ideal place to carry youngsters, due to the ABC Snow Sports activities Faculty, which gives classes and actions designed for teenagers underneath 17.