Laax Ski Resort

The towns of Flims, Laax and Falera are linked by 100 square kilometers (10,000 ha) of lift-accessible terrain and are therefore the largest connected ski resort in Graubünden. Laax, located between Vorab glacier and Cassonsgrat, boasts 235 kilometer (146 miles) of well-tracked trails and off-pistes. With about 70 percent of the trails featuring at least 2000 meters (6,561 ft) vertical rise it guarantees best snow conditions during the entire season. The holiday spot par excellence opens up as early as mid-November every year. The ski resort is especially well-known among freestylers and freeriders.

All three towns give you access into the skiing pleasure. Plus, there is a ski bus that brings you right to the lifts (free of charge). Laax-Murschetg and Films are the main entrances. The small Falera, a traffic-free farming village, features a chairlift that brings you right to the trails. This area is considered to be ideal for beginners. There are tons of blues around Alp Dado (1,948 m=6,391 ft) so ski novices don't have to stay close to the base to find perfect practice areas. Even where the Vorab rises up to 2,570 meters (8,431 ft) you will find dedicated learning areas. Little ones feel at home at the three snow wonderlands where wizard Ami Sabi welcomes with stories about the forest, mountains and local animals. A great way to give kids an understanding of winter sports and everything related to it! All of these parks are at the base stations and at the observatory in Falera.

Laax has many runs that fit the description of long, consistent intermediate runs. The slope that takes you 17 kilometer (10.5 miles) down the Vorab glacier to an altitude of 3,018 meter (9,901 ft) to Flims is definitely an enjoyable run for most intermediates. It is also worth trying both of the sunny slopes in Nagens and Mutta Rodunda as you progress to strong intermediate runs in form of red descends. The mountain offers slopes that take you through the forest, glacier runs and wide carving slopes to challenge yourself and ski outside of your comfort level. Hit the former FIS-run Fatschas (No.65) or ski down the back of the Vorab glacier to Alp Ruschein (No.35) if you are looking for some serious expert terrain.

Laax is one of Europe's hot spots for freestylers. The ski resort Graubünden boasts four terrain parks, a superpipe, a minipipe, an off-piste and an own academy all serviced by Curnius lift. Experienced freestylers who want to improve particular aspects of their skills are happy to find the terrain park Ils Plauns that includes five kickers and 15 obstacles. You can actually enjoy the biggest halfpipe in Europe in the terrain park NoName. Curnius park features the widest variety with a total length of 1000 meters (3.280 ft) and 25 obstacles. This park challenges skiers of every ability and level. The trail brings you right back to the base of the lifts so you can conquer the mountain all over again. The Freestyle Academy impresses with Europe's first indoor practice area. 1000 m² (10,758 square ft) full of trampolines, foam pit and an air track. It doesn´t matter what level or ability you are at. A modern playground for all freestylers and a kids room are extras to assure that you get your money's worth.
There are countless marked trails in the valley that amount to a total of 40 kilometers (24 miles) and are pretty safe from avalanches. Enjoy the two much frequented runs from Vorab glacier (No.77) and the untouched slopes of Cassons. Get to the summit by riding the gondola and find two reds. After a successful day in the resort you can take one of the five snow-sure trails back into the valley.

Refreshment needed? There are 19 mid-mountain restaurants across the mountain where delicious food and drinks are served to make your day perfect. If you don't have that much time on your hand and want to be back on the trails as soon as possible, give the huts Nagen and Vorab Gletscher a shot. They have a daily changing menu and a great antipasti buffet to choose from. The mid-mountain restaurants Stella or Station Plaun are as cozy as they come with a fireplace and hot beverages to warm up on cold days. Spalegna Veglia and Runcahöhe spoil their guests with local specialties. Gourmets have the option to sit back at the fine restaurants Capalari and Alpenrose and enjoy the food they have always longed for. Tegia Larnags even has 14 Gault Millau points. Most nights reservations are required for dinner.

If you're not up for hopping between lifts and prefer long runs, head to Vorab glacier. From there you have a 17 kilometer (10.5 miles) long run to Flims where you have to overcome a height difference of almost 2,000 meters (6,561 ft). A true challenge: the FIS-run Fatschas (No.65) with its length of five kilometers.

Between the towns Flims, Falera, Sagogn and Trin you will find 100 kilometers (62 miles) of winter and hiking trails. Those are easily identifiable by pink markings and are regularly groomed. They are located in the valley and on the mountain. However, it is possible to access the starting points of the hiking trails by certain lifts and gondolas. Pedestrian tickets at a reasonable price are also available.

If you prefer action-packed non-skiing activities you can rent a toboggan and check out one of the two runs in the region. Falera and Flims have runs of 3 kilometer (1.8 miles) and 5 kilometer (3.1 miles). For night owls, the night-tobogganing on Tuesdays and Saturdays is a great offer.

The Apres-ski ambiance is overwhelming, and answers to everyone's taste with eight snow bars on the mountain or one of the many bars at the base stations. Gustis Jagdhütte and NoName fill to the brim with people of all ages, jumping in their boots to the latest hits. DJs on the sun deck of the Crapbar get the party crowd to dance. And of course you must try The Iglu and Legna Bar. With their special events and motto parties it's an apres-ski addict's paradise here. Falera features La Punt and Casa Seeli as apres-ski insider tips. At night the party keeps going in the Caprilounge or River Palace Club in Laax.

At this resort, gourmets have some heavy decisions ahead. There are countless restaurants that combine amazing gourmet food and a wonderful environment. Like the French restaurant Barga whose fare already won 15 Gault Millau points and the soft piano music makes it to a great dinner experience. You have the choice between many local specialties on star level. Vinothek Grandis definitely reflects what its name promises and offers more than 1000 wines. This is also a great place to come for mixed drinks and cocktails. The food is directly prepared at an open fire and doesn´t need to hide away either.

By car
Coming by car, take freeway A3 or A13 to Chur. The ski resort is just a mere 20 minutes drive via the main roads 13 and 19.

By Public Transportation
Book your train tickets to Chur or Illanz. Buses take about 30 minutes to bring you right into the resort.

By plane
Next airports are Zürich, Friedrichshafen and Basel. Now either hop on the train or bus and airport shuttles to Laax are available as well.