An Introduction to Laax
The interconnected ski area of Laax, Flims, and Falera forms one of Switzerland’s largest and most modern winter sports destinations. Located in the canton of Graubünden, this expansive resort combines three distinct villages, each with its own character, into a single, seamless skiing experience. Flims offers a traditional and charming resort atmosphere, Laax is known for its vibrant, youthful energy and world-class freestyle scene, while Falera provides a tranquil, car-free escape perfect for families. Together, they offer a vast and varied terrain that caters to every type of skier and snowboarder.
The Skiing and Terrain
With a vast network of slopes and a highly efficient lift system, the ski area is both extensive and easy to navigate. The terrain spans an impressive vertical drop of 1918 metres, rising from the valley floor at 1100 metres to the snow-sure heights of the Vorab Glacier at 3018 metres. This high altitude ensures excellent snow conditions throughout a long season.
The resort offers a fantastic mix of pistes suitable for all levels, connected by 30 modern lifts. The statistics for the ski area are:
- Total Pistes: 176 km
- Blue Pistes (Easy): 85 km
- Red Pistes (Intermediate): 76 km
- Black Pistes (Difficult): 15 km
- Highest Point: 3018 m
- Base Elevation: 1100 m
Who is Laax Best For?
The sheer variety of terrain makes this resort a superb all-rounder, with particular strengths for certain groups.
Beginners
With nearly half of the pistes marked as blue (85 km), the area is exceptionally well-suited to beginners. Extensive nursery slopes are found near all three villages, allowing new skiers to build confidence before progressing to the long, gentle runs higher up the mountain.
Intermediates
Intermediate skiers will find a paradise of possibilities. The 76 km of red runs provide endless opportunities for cruising, including magnificent long descents from the glacier all the way down to the mid-stations. The scale of the resort means there is always a new area to explore.
Advanced & Expert Skiers
While the 15 km of black pistes may seem limited, the resort’s real appeal for experts lies in its extensive off-piste opportunities. There are numerous marked but ungroomed freeride routes and vast powder fields to discover, particularly around the Vorab Glacier. The area is also a global epicentre for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, boasting multiple snow parks and the world’s largest halfpipe.
Season and Snow Reliability
Thanks to its high altitude and the presence of the Vorab Glacier, Laax enjoys a long and reliable ski season. It typically opens in late November or early December and runs through to mid-April. The upper slopes maintain excellent snow cover for the duration, while comprehensive snowmaking facilities ensure the lower runs back to the villages remain in good condition, even late in the season. The best powder conditions are generally found between January and March.
Practical Information
Getting There
The most convenient international airport is Zurich (ZRH), located about a two-hour drive away. From the airport, visitors can reach the resort by rental car, airport shuttle, or by taking a train to Chur and then a connecting bus service.
Choosing Your Base
Your choice of village can shape your holiday experience. Flims is a great all-round base with a wide range of accommodation and a classic alpine town feel. Laax is the hub for freestyle enthusiasts and those seeking a livelier nightlife scene. For ultimate peace and quiet, the charming, car-free village of Falera is an ideal choice, especially for families with young children.