Arosa Lenzerheide: the Hidden Gem of Graubünden

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland’s largest canton, Arosa Lenzerheide stands as a hidden gem. Following a transformative cable car connection in the winter of 2013/14, the Arosa and Lenzerheide ski areas combined forces, creating one of Switzerland’s largest ski areas with pistes stretching for 225km. Whilst there are steep blacks and challenging off-piste, the ski region is perfect for beginners and intermediates due to the wide, gentle pistes that make up the majority of the skiing.

This winter wonderland has largely gone unnoticed by the British, at least in comparison to its more famous neighbours, St. Moritz and Davos Klosters. However, for those seeking the rare blend of family-friendly resort and authentic Swiss village, Arosa Lenzerheide is the answer.

Arosa, with its picturesque setting and charming atmosphere, is a haven for families seeking a winter retreat. Arosa, situated at 1,800m, began life as a mountain spa resort due to its sunny climate and clean mountain air. The village, centred around a frozen lake and surrounded by snow-laden trees, exudes a fairy-tale charm and really is the perfect family destination.

Aside from the fantastic skiing, you can find a fantastic range of activities to keep the whole family entertained. The Arosa Bear Sanctuary provides a heartwarming and informative experience for all ages, although bear in mind (if you’ll pardon the pun) that the bears are very likely to be sleeping during the winter. There are also various playgrounds dotted around, as well as the Eichhörnliweg, a themed wildlife trail through the woods. The fluffy squirrels that get up close and eat right out of your hand delight locals and tourists alike.

Families with young kids should look no further than the Sunstar Hotel Arosa. The 4-star hotel is run with families in mind, with well-equipped rooms, lovely views and a truly impressive indoor funpark, including bowling lanes, trampolines and bouncy castles. Best of all, for every nights stay at the hotel, under-17s can enjoy a half-day group lesson from the local ski school - completely free of charge!

For a more luxurious experience, Hotel Faern Arosa Altein offers stylish rooms, a breathtaking top-floor restaurant and one of the largest wellness facilities in the area, all set in a historic building in the heart of Arosa. After a stunning renovation, the hotel is the perfect choice for a sophisticated escape in the Swiss Alps.

On the other side of the slopes is Lenzerheide. Boasting the majority of the ski region’s pistes (with about 150km of skiing compared to Arosa’s 75km), Lenzerheide is a paradise for those looking to make the most of their skiing. The World Cup slope is the most challenging and exhilarating run in the ski area, with a maximum gradient of around 66%.  The two sides of the valley that Lenzerheide sits in receive sun either in the morning or in the afternoon, meaning skiers can ski in the sunshine from first to last lift. The valley also enjoys a more central position in the region than Arosa, and therefore offers a number of access points to the slopes, whether it be from Lenzerheide or the quieter, neighbouring villages of Valbella and Churwalden.

One thing that sets Lenzerheide apart is its commitment to winter sports as a whole. Cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking are both very popular and a standout feature of the area is the Biathlon Arena. Here, visitors can try their hand at Biathlon, a challenging winter sport combining cross-country skiing and shooting. The area is also home to the longest toboggan run in Switzerland, as well as the Light Ride, a Mario Kart-esque sledding experience that will be sure to get pulses racing.

After so much action in the day, it’s important to return to comfortable surroundings and enjoy some quality R&R, and fortunately Lenzerheide has plenty on offer for that. In terms of location, you can’t beat the Lenzerhorn Hotel, conveniently positioned on the main road with cosy rooms and luxurious apartments. Further afield, the newly renovated Hotel Krone offers an elegant yet affordable solution in the centre of Churwalden, quieter than the main resort of Lenzerheide but still with excellent access to the slopes. Our pick, though, is the Sunstar Hotel Lenzerheide. Also newly renovated, the hotel provides the perfect, no-nonsense base from which to explore all the active offerings of the region.

Arosa Lenzerheide, despite being relatively unknown amongst the British, has recently emerged as a top destination in the Swiss Alps. Whether you're taking your young family on their first ski holiday to Arosa or carving through the pistes of Lenzerheide with your friends, the region offers something for every winter enthusiast. Arosa Lenzerheide awaits discovery, promising an unforgettable winter holiday yet to be experienced by the masses. If you would like to visit the region, you can find discounted lift passes right here on our site (up to 30% off!) or head over to otp.co.uk for the full package.