Perhaps its name does not carry the special weight that Davos, Saint Moritz, Zermatt, Gstaad and but ski resorts in the Alps. However, it is a small gem for winter sports enthusiasts and not only. Laax is one of the largest ski resorts in Switzerland with 28 lifts and 224 kilometers of slopes, 70% of which extend to an altitude of over 2000m. Which means plenty of snow throughout the winter season. For those who are initiated into the genre, the area is known as a “freestyle paradise” because of the four snow parks and the events that are organized there. Without knowing much about the place, we went after an invitation from friends and it really pleasantly surprised us! But let's see everything in detail:
The settlements
The area consists of three separate settlements, Flims, Laax and Falera, which are connected by both lifts and local transport. Flims is ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, Falera retains its traditional character and is ideal for families, while Laax is home to the nightlife and most après ski activities.
Visitors to the area will hear a strange dialect that sounds like German but isn't. It's the Romance language (Romansh) of Latin origin, which is one of the four official languages of Switzerland and is used in the canton of Graubünden.
Skiing
As much as we love skiing as a sport, what we don't like to see are ski resorts where the alteration of the landscape is obvious, with gigantic facilities and no local color. This is definitely not the case in Laax! The lifts and existing ski resort functions are scattered and structured in such a way that your eye enjoys the natural landscape and the white veil that covers the mountain.
Descending the slopes, you will come across traditional wooden chalets with restaurants and cafes, modern glass buildings (that do not bother the eye) and even luxurious Indian tents!
The highlight of the ski resort is the Vorab glacier (3018m altitude) where one can ski until late spring and the northern side of the ski resort (La Siala) with a view of the Sardona mountain range, which belongs to the UNESCO protected areas as a significant tectonic fault is evident as a result of the collision of the Eurasian and African lithospheric plates.
Also every year, around mid-January, the famous Laax Open which is the most famous snowboard competition in Europe!
Το après ski
Undoubtedly what we love about Alpine villages are the activities they offer besides skiing. Sledding, toboggan, Snowshoeing, hiking on magical trails, and even flying by plane can be done there!
At the base of the Laax cable car, the five-star Rocks Resort is undoubtedly the area's landmark! Everyone will stop by for a coffee or a drink at the Rocks lounge, while within the resort there is a beautiful indoor activity area (the Freestyle Academy) with a climbing wall, trampoline, skate track, jumping and parkour.
Of course, the area also has spas, where you can spend a relaxing afternoon and rejuvenate after skiing or when the conditions on the mountain are not good. For your well-being, try the spas at the Signinia hotel, the Schweizerhof and the Peaks Place.
In the evening, the area's skiers and snowboarders meet in the microcosm of the Riders Hotel, having fun with concerts, billiards, art exhibitions, food and parties until the morning.
Closing
During our stay in Laax we were lucky enough to have incredible fresh snow conditions and sunny days that gave us views of the beautiful landscapes of the area. Although the ski resort is not one of the most famous in the world, it impressed us with its friendliness, activities and of course the wonderful ski slopes!
Watch the video from our days in Laax here:
More information about Laax can be found at website them, but also in the very informed app .
