PlanetSKI Visits the Swiss Resort of Arosa
30th March 2025 | Simon Miller, Arosa.
Tucked up at the end of the Schanfigg valley in the southeastern canton of Graubünden, Switzerland is the resort of Arosa. Not heard of it? No surprise, given that over 90% of the visitors are Swiss.
So, what has kept the Swiss coming back year-after-year and the rest of us in the dark?
It can’t be the access keeping us Brits away.
A flight to Zurich followed by either a 2 hour 15 minute drive, or much better, a relaxing 3-hour train journey that ends with a beautiful, one-hour meander up the valley on one of Swtizerland’s classic rail journeys.
Arosa, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
By the time you pull into Arosa at 1,775m and have enjoyed ever more dramatic views there is a real sense of escapism.
If your timing is good you could walk the 10m from the station to the ski lift and get some runs in on arrival.
Taking a more leisurely approach, I check into the Faern Altein Hotel.
This large 4* hotel was formerly a sanitarium, but is now a wonderful modern alpine hotel.
Think luxury spa with multiple pools including a lazy river; think nature inspired design – wood, sheepskin, elegant marble.
To cap it all a spectacular grand dining room with a classical theme.
The type of place where many of the guests have been coming for years.
But ultimately what keeps the Swiss coming back is the skiing.
Arosa, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
There are 225km of pistes spread between Arosa and the linked resort of Lenzerheide.
Image c/o Arosa-Lenzerheide.
Arosa itself is smaller with just 90kms with the balance across the Urdenbahn gondola to Lenzerheide.
Both areas have a good mix of runs but the eastern part of Lenzerheide is distinctly red, so definitely a challenge for beginners.
I am in Arosa for a few quiet days in late March with pistes conditions good, but off piste a bit thin.
Arosa, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
There is plenty to keep good skiers interested and because of the extensive terrain between the runs even more when the off piste has a thicker coating.
My favourite runs were from the top of the Brüggerhorn lift where you have a choice of three colours to suit your mood with the “Black Diamond” posing some challenging pitches through rocky outcrops.
The highest point in the resort is the Rothorngipfel 2,865m.
A great place to stop for coffee before enjoying the “Galerie” – a long rolling red run tucked underneath a ridge.
Arosa’s clientele like a decent meal and a drink or two judging by the number of mountain restaurants & bars.
Book the “window” table at the Alp Arosa for a blowout romantic meal with a knockout view; alternatively enjoy the simple, but delicious classic cooking at the Tschuggenhütte.
Local advice guided us towards the Carmena Hütte and a drink that we are told by our guide translates as Monk’s Poo or Munggapfupf– my German/English dictionary tells me otherwise, but it was certainly potent.
Arosa, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Ending the day at the KuhBar – DJ playing Germanic sing-along bangers and, a massive wooden cow’s head snorting dry ice suspended from the ceiling and buckets of beer will make you want to retreat to back to the sanitarium for a lie down.
Arosa, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
I will certainly be back to explore more of the 68 bars/restaurants across Arosa & Lenzerheide.
Arosa, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
That’s one every 3.3km of slopes so perhaps what keeps the Swiss returning year after year are the vast range of eating and drinking options on the mountain.
Arosa, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Arosa should perhaps be on your list of resorts to visit.
The skiing is extensive and full of variety with some wonderful long runs.
Either for a long weekend break or a family holiday Arosa is well worth a look in my opinion.
Arosa, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
What You Need to Know
Fly to Zurich and take the train 3-hours or drive 2 and a quarter hours
Faern Altein Hotel – (faernresorts.com/arosa)
Tourist Office – https://arosalenzerheide.swiss/en/Arosa/Discover/Arosa
Ski Pass – 6 days in March, CHF 409
Arosa, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Here at PlanetSKI we love visiting ski areas that are slightly off the radar and informing our readers about what they offer.
Our editor, James Cove, was in Les Sybelles in the French Alps last week.
It claims to be the fourth largest linked ski area in France, but is largely unheard of by us Brits.
James is now in Val d’Arly, another French area little-known to the British, and will be posting a full report shortly.
Val d’Arly, France. Image © PlanetSKI.
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