The Arosa ski resort is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level in the canton of Graubünden. The writer Arthur Conan Doyle was not the first famous person who was seriously interested in mountain skiing. In March 1894, together with the Brangerami brothers, he skied from Davos to Arosa, which he described in his essay “An Alpin Pass on ski”. The famous and popular alpine resort, which lives in the best Swiss traditions, is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters in a valley protected from the wind and bathed in the sun – on average, the sun shines here for 8-12 hours a day. An ideal place for lovers of active sports recreation. Mountain air, sunny climate, wooded gentle slopes and small crystal clear lakes attract winter tourism lovers to Aroz.
Comfortable weather conditions combined with a compact but interesting skiing area and ancient traditions of alpine hospitality make the quiet and cozy Arosa extremely attractive for family vacations.
Arosa’s skiing opportunities are small – only 70 km of pistes plus 40 km of off-piste routes. The tracks, oriented mainly to the southeast, are light, wide, spacious, so it is comfortable to ride here and not crowded at all.
How to get there
The resort is located at an altitude of about 1,800 m above sea level, in the heart of the canton of Graubünden, in the wind-protected Schanfig valley.
Arosa is 168 km from Zurich International Airport.
The nearest railway stations: Arosa (with a transfer to Chur).
Tracks and lifts
60 km of trails of varying difficulty at an altitude of 1,800 to 2,650 m. A large number of blue trails (more than 50%) make the slopes around Aroz attractive for beginners and lovers of calm skiing. But even experienced skiers will not have to be bored! 13 modern lifts make moving around the single skiing area easy and convenient. You can go up to the skiing area directly from the train station or from the opposite end of the resort from the Inner-Arosa area. Go down on skis – both to the station and to Inner-Arosa, and with good snow you can approach almost any hotel along the sidewalk of the central street or one of the promenades. Both children and adults go down it on sledges without shying away – an ancient tradition.
Resort guests also have 40 km of trails for off-piste skiing.
The opening of the combined skiing area “Arosa – Lenzerheidi” took place in 2013. The two resorts connected their tracks with a lift, thanks to which 250 km of tracks will be available for vacationers. More than 40 million Swiss francs were invested in the construction of two chairlifts and a cabin, as well as the creation of the necessary infrastructure.
The new region became the second longest of trails in the canton of Graubünden (after the Flims-Laaks-Fahler region , which offers 235 km of total trails). Other regions of Graubünden, in particular, St. Moritz and Davos , can also boast of large skiing areas (350 km – in St. Moritz, 310 km – in Davos), but these resorts are not fully connected by ski lifts to move between areas you have to use a bus or train. The new Aroz and Lenzerheide ski pass includes travel from Chur, the cantonal capital, to Aroz (by RhB train) or to Lenzerheide (by bus).
Beginner skiers most often learn to ski at the peaks of Tschuggen, which is where the easy tracks are concentrated. Blue pistes are also located along the Plattenhorn lift. Skiers at an intermediate level will appreciate the long tracks leading from Hornli, and experts will appreciate the rather steep slopes of Weisshorn (2653m) and the black track from Carmennahutte. For expert skiing, the Lenzerheide tracks are much more interesting – this resort often hosts the finals of the World Cup. The most difficult descent in the region is the famous Silvano Beltrametti track: this is the steepest women’s downhill track in the world (located in the Parpan area, length 2.45 m, maximum slope – 65%).
A snow park at an altitude of 2,050 meters is open for snowboarders and novice skiers in winter in the Aroz ski area. The fact that in March 2011 the final of the Snowboard World Cup was held here can speak of its merits.
Ski schools in Aroz
Even if you have never skied before, the ski instructors in Aroz will quickly help you get used to the new sport. There are schools operating on the territory of the resort, which make learning to ski in Aroz as easy and accessible as possible. For example, there is a whole children’s club Alpine Club Mickey Mouse for kids. Therefore, even children can learn the basics of downhill skiing in Arosa.
Not so long ago, the city administration decided to hold free snowboarding and mountain skiing lessons for children and teenagers. Such an initiative was temporary, now alpine skiing lessons in Aroz for an adult for 1 day will cost 55 CHF – 70 CHF. And for 6 days: 225 CHF – 260 CHF for training in a group of up to 8 people. Children’s classes will cost less.
APRES-SKI and nightlife
Arosa is a resort with a healing climate and its own little joys for guests looking for a special atmosphere, interesting activities and adventures. Various festivals, concerts and sports competitions are held in the city every week. We recommend watching the stunning Laser Show at the Mittelstation. Also at the disposal of resort guests: shops, restaurants, bars, casino, nightclub, bowling center, billiards and the main entertainment – dog sledding along a 10-kilometer route.
In Aroz , it is forbidden to use private cars between midnight and six in the morning. And this place is also known for the fact that the world’s first railway arch bridge, 62 meters high, was built here. In the village itself: a charming church of the 15th century and a museum of local history, the interiors of which reproduce the atmosphere of the 16th century.
In addition to massages, swimming pool, sauna and solarium, the Alpinspa SPA center at the Arosa Kulm & Alpin SPA Hotel offers group pilates classes and cardio training.
Arosa is considered one of the sunniest resorts in Switzerland: the town is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters in a valley protected from the cold wind. Beautiful hotels with SPA centers and everything necessary for recovery, hiking routes and various sports activities – not only skiers and snowboarders come to Arosa. Romantic walks around the picturesque Obersee lake, good shopping, a large selection of hotels – it is not by chance that Arosa is considered an excellent family resort. Every week, the resort hosts many events and entertainment, primarily for families with children (free for all vacationers). Arosa traditionally offers many opportunities for interesting vacations – in addition to comfortable and fairly simple tracks, there are swimming pools, equipped playgrounds, a special children’s club and much more.
Recreation
In the vicinity of Aroz, 26 km of cross-country skiing tracks are constantly maintained in excellent condition: in the Pratschalp area (8 km), in the Ochsenalp (3 km), in the Isel (7.5 km), on the Obersee (1 km) and in other zones, a detailed diagram of which can be obtained from the tourism office or your hotel. About 60 km of scenic routes for winter walks have been prepared for those who like to walk. So, for example, you can reach any mountain restaurant on foot, admiring the surrounding beauty. Arosa is a resort for family vacations, so there are always many children here. Restless little athletes arrange real races on toboggan tracks: The resort has two ice rinks. In the renovated Ice Palace, there is a training base for hockey and curling players. Curling is very popular in Switzerland. Classes for beginners are held every week in Aroz on an open ice rink.
Summer vacation in Arosa
The mountain resort of Arosa is good not only in winter, but also in summer. A comfortable Swiss vacation can be diversified by hiking and horseback riding in the mountains – there are only about 200 km of roads for walking. Guests of each hotel in Arosa are issued an Arosa Card for free use of the lifts, which also operate in the summer and take tourists to the ski heights, where you can have a picnic and from where, if desired, you can descend on foot. Children’s club hotels also operate in the summer. Adults will appreciate the calm atmosphere, the opportunity to have several rejuvenating procedures at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel spa hotel, and a wide selection of excellent restaurants with Swiss cuisine.
Hotels in Aroz
There are many hotels in the resort for every taste. Wealthy tourists can choose one of the 4-star hotels – almost all of them are located in the immediate vicinity of the ski slopes. There are also quite a few 2- and 3-star hotels in the city of Arosa . Finally, if you wish, you can book private apartments with several bedrooms and a kitchen. For those vacationing with small children, companies can recommend one of the hotels that are part of the Alpen Club Micky Maus chain, where children’s vacations are treated with particular respect, and where you can easily leave children for a few hours in the afternoon when parents want to ride in the mountains or go for a walk. However, if financial well-being allows you to make your vacation perfect, you should choose the best hotel in the Arosa resort – Tschuggen Grand Hotel.
Tschuggen Grand Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World 5-star hotel
The exquisite Tschuggen Grand Hotel is surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery, close to the center of Aroz, one of Switzerland’s most peaceful ski resorts. You can take a course of restorative procedures in a unique SPA center built according to the project of the famous architect Mario Botte. A special system of artificial lighting creates a truly magical atmosphere in the SPA center at night.
The rooms are decorated in a modern style by the famous designer Carlo Rampazzi. Stunning panoramic views of the mountains and picturesque landscapes open from the windows.
Excellent restaurants offer a wide selection of international and traditional Swiss cuisine. A wonderful kids’ club and a wide range of children’s entertainment programs make the Tschuggen Grand Hotel an ideal place for family holidays.
Tschuggen Grand Hotel is included in the list of 450 most luxurious hotels in the world. In different years, the hotel received many prestigious awards, including for the best SPA center and first-class service. Several times it was recognized as one of the best winter resorts.
The hotel is open from July to the beginning of April.
Arosa Kulm Hotel & Alpin Spa 5-star hotel
The elegant 5-star Hotel Arosa Kulm offers panoramic views of the Graubünden Alps and is located at an altitude of 1,835 meters above sea level, in the immediate vicinity of the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski resort. It offers free Wi-Fi, a bowling alley, a tennis court, and a 1,200-square-meter Alpin Spa. m.
The rooms are decorated in an Alpine style and have satellite TV, a hospitality corner and a minibar. The bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer, bathrobes and scales.
The Arosa Kulm & Alpin Spa Hotel has 6 restaurants and 2 bars serving international and traditional Swiss cuisine. The sun terrace offers a view of the mountains. A smoking lounge is available for guests. All of the hotel’s restaurants were awarded 28 points by the restaurant guide Go Millot.
The Arosa Kulm Hotel has a club for children and teenagers, where various artistic events are held. In addition, a hairdresser, a gym and a mini-golf course are at guests’ disposal. Guests can attend yoga, tai chi and Nordic walking classes.
Ski runs and hiking trails pass right in front of the Kulm & Alpin Spa Hotel. In summer, guests can use the cable cars for free. Chairlifts and cable cars are right next to the hotel.
In the summer, the price of accommodation includes the Arosa card, which gives its holders discounts on the cable car and local buses, free boat rental, free access to the Untersee beach and the rope course.
Valsana Hotel & Appartements 4-star hotel
The four-star Hotel Valsana & Appartements, newly opened on December 7, 2017, is located in a quiet location in the heart of the commune of Arosa at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The hotel offers a panoramic view of the lake and the Ober mountains. Guests are provided with numerous facilities for sports and wellness services, as well as free Wi-Fi.
3 hotel buildings are built of wood and stone in a modern style, with the highest environmental and energy standards.
You can ski directly to the door of the Valsana Hotel & Appartements from the mountain slope. A local bus will take guests to the ski lifts.
There is a supermarket, a sports shop and a doctor’s office on the 1st floor of the hotel.
It features a sun terrace with views of the surrounding mountains, a restaurant with a terrace and numerous health and spa facilities.
Sorell Hotel Asora 3-star hotel
Hotel Sorell Asora is located in the center of Aroz, a 3-minute walk from the cable cars, ski lifts and train station. The Orelli Cocktail Bar serves vintage wines, cocktails and snacks.
The spacious and bright rooms of the Asora Sorell Hotel are equipped with a TV and a telephone. Some rooms have a balcony with views of the surrounding mountains.
The elegant restaurant with a panoramic view of the city serves a variety of traditional Swiss dishes in a modern interpretation.
In the summer, the price of accommodation includes the Arosa card, which gives holders discounts on cable cars and local buses. In addition, the card gives the right to rent a boat for free, visit the rope course and the beach on the shore of Lake Unter.
Hof Arosa
Hotel Hof Arosa is centrally located in a quiet location in the Schönfigg valley at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level, a 5-minute drive from the Arosa cable car stop. The hotel offers an elevator, an indoor pool and a sauna on the premises.
The apartments are decorated in a strict style and furnished with wooden furniture. Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen and a living area with a TV. The private bathroom has a shower.
Fresh pastries can be ordered in the apartments in the morning. The hotel has a playground and a game room. Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee.
The nearby Kurzaal entertainment and congress center can be reached by free public transport. Shops and restaurants are 200 meters from the hotel. The public natural swimming pool is 500 meters away.
During the summer season, the following activities are included in the price of accommodation: ice skating, climbing the mountains by cable car, visiting local museums, a train ride to the town of Langwis, free use of the beach, free use of water bikes and free entrance to the park for climbing activities.
Aroz restaurants
You can save time and at the same time enjoy local delicacies by finding the best restaurants in Aroz . There are plenty of them at the resort. You can rely on your own intuition, but it is better to study the rating of the most popular institutions in advance.
So, if you find reviews about the best restaurants in Aroz, the first thing you will come across is Aifach, where tourists praise “simply divine meat.” Here, the concept of the institution itself is quite unusual in principle. Every day, only a certain list of dishes and drinks is served here (4 dishes), but the menu changes every day. It is worth coming here not only for delicious food, but also for curiosity. Average check 19-54 EUR, or 20-50 CHF.
Restaurants in Arosa
For those on a budget and looking for inexpensive restaurants in Arosa, we recommend checking out Cosimo Ristorante Italiano. The prices here are very affordable. For example, for two lunches you will give 20 CHF. Try tiramisu and homemade ravioli with truffles here, they are especially delicious here. Dinner will cost from 13 EUR. Up to 51 EUR, which equates to 15-55 CHF.
Connoisseurs of meat dishes should definitely visit Lamm & Leu, where they prepare amazing steaks and burgers. If you are interested in the prices in restaurants in Aroz, then using the example of this establishment, we will be able to orient you in the financial part of the issue. Yes, dinner for two will cost from 28 EUR to 56 EUR, or 30-61 CHF. Some tourists claim that it is not that cheap, but the amazing service and amazing cuisine are clearly worth every cent.
Cafe in Arosa
If you want to drink a cup of coffee and treat yourself to sweets, then go to the best cafes of Aroz. One of them is the Mountain Cafe, where you can sit and look at the stunning views from the window. If you are interested in the prices of Cafe Arosa, then do not worry, you will definitely find a few small things for aromatic coffee and croissants.
Spa services in Arosa
If there is time for a ride, it means that you need to find time to relax and improve your health.
If you can enjoy skiing only at a certain time, then you can soak in the excellent spa complexes at the resort all the time. It all depends on the time of year, the Aroz spa center, or rather one of many, will be at the service of tourists. Most hotels provide the opportunity to visit such complexes free of charge for their guests.
Yes, you can soak in a Finnish sauna or bath in the 4-star Waldhotel National Superior, or in the Arosa Kulm Hotel & Alpin Spa, which is a 5-star apartment.
Aroz spa services can be found without much effort. It is enough just to pay attention to the name of the hotel, and it immediately becomes clear whether there are procedures that interest you. For example, the Golf- & Sport hotel Hof Maran will delight its guests not only with a chic sauna, but also with a steam bath and a whole mini-health center.
Robinson Club Arosa, The Excelsior and Waldhotel National Superior boast a luxurious pool with an incredible view of the snow-capped Alps. There, guests can immediately order cosmetology and massage procedures.
Sights of Aroz
A cozy resort in the mountains of Switzerland impresses not only with its pristine nature. There is a lot to see here, although you will hardly need a map of Aroz with attractions.
Take at least the world’s first railway bridge in the form of an arch, the height of which is 62 meters. Experienced guides, when describing the sights of Aroz, immediately call this place the symbol of the resort and its main highlight. Therefore, it is definitely worth visiting here.
If you want to familiarize yourself with the city in advance, and already now you are interested in the Aroz section of the photo attractions, you will also see a beautiful church. Built in the 15th century, it attracts the attention of tourists and serves as an excellent place for bright photos.
Churches in Arosa
The map of Aroz with sights will tell you how to quickly find the local history museum, which has preserved many interiors from the 15th – 16th centuries.
Museums of Aroz
But first of all, every vacationer wants to see the sights of Aroz with mountain names. One of them will be a pendulum cable car that stretches for 1.7 km. It is located directly above the Urdenthal valley and its main feature is that it is made without a single support. Just imagine all the power and grandeur of this building.
Tourists who have been to the Arosa resort embellish the description of the sights with the brightest epithets. The main beauty here lies in unparalleled landscapes, snowy peaks and frosty air.