[TRAVEL] The Linking Of Lenzerheide And Arosa

One of the biggest success stories in Swiss and indeed world skiing of the past few seasons has been the remarkable link-up of two long-established ski areas in the country’s leading region of Graubünden – Arosa and Lenzerheide.

Why so remarkable ? Well, already each well-known ski areas in their own rights, both resorts held local referenda to decide on whether to build the link. Then after both voted in favour, the connection – a technical masterpiece – was completed, with twin cable cars spanning the 1.7km, connecting the Urdenfürggli with the Hörnli peak. Unlike conventional cable cars, the two cabins can travel independently of one another and cross the valley in just 5 minutes.

The connected area is now Graubünden’s largest, with 225km of varied terrain with something for all abilities and all tastes, and that’s in a region with the highest and most snow-sure slopes in the Eastern Alps, which also includes famous resorts like Davos Klosters, LAAX and St. Moritz as well as several dozen other lesser-known gems.

Arosa is a great choice for beginners and families with children, thanks to its high-altitude base and gentle runs, which means you don’t need to head high up from your hotel to reach the snowiness at lower elevation areas. All can also enjoy the wide slopes of Lenzerheide, which also offers some more challenging slopes.

A ski tour for intermediate-level skiers and boarders and above, the “Runda Lai” circuit takes you from west to east, always following the sun. Depending on your skill and speed, the tour lasts 4 to 5 hours – with a stopover in one of the wonderful mountain restaurants en route extending it further if you wish.
Graubünden is easily accessible from the UK, less than 2 hours’ flight from any UK airport and a quick train ride from Zurich airport using the efficient and direct service, with the option of a rail service up to Arosa through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps.
But packages from the UK, recently introduced by Inghams, remove even the minimal effort involved in an independent travel booking, with everything arranged for you by one of the UK’s biggest and most trusted tour operators.