Winter is the perfect time for an engaging Swiss alpine holiday in Grisons, Switzerland. With a multitude of winter sports activities on offer, there’s really no excuse to stay indoors. Whether you are looking for a thrilling adventure or simply want to enjoy some quality family time out and about in nature, here are our top 3 winter sports activities that will not only keep you entertained but leave you with lasting memories.
Main destinations in Grisons for a winter alpine holiday
Alpine winter holiday destinations in Grisons are mainly centred around resort towns such as Davos, Klosters, Lenzerheide, Arosa, Flims, St. Moritz and Pontresina, home to large ski resorts. Winter sports activities in Grisons are ideal for nature lovers, with skiing opportunities available at some of the highest altitudes in Europe.
The region is home to many ski resorts that cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders – from beginner courses to black runs for experienced skiers. Winter sports activities in Grisons are suitable for all ages, and the region boasts some of the finest cross country skiing trails, sledge runs and indoor ice skating rinks.
The ski resort Ischgl/Samnaun – Silvretta Arena is the biggest in Grisons. There are a total of 239 kilometres set up for skiing, making it an excellent destination for those looking to get their Adrenaline going on some downhill slopes. Winter sports activities here are suitable for beginners through to advanced level skiers/snowboarders.
The alpine scenery here differs from that of other areas in Switzerland both because it’s higher at around 3,800 meters above sea level and the topography is much more rugged. The air is clear and invigorating, with fresh mountain breezes flowing through this region, making for an unforgettable experience abroad.
The ski resorts in the Canton of Grisons are served by 383 ski lifts and offer more than 2050 kilometres of slopes. Winter sports fans can look forward to lots of fun skiing in the Canton, especially during a winter holiday.
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Best Skiing in Grisons
There are more than 44 ski resorts in Grisons. Imagine waking up with snow on your face, skiing down mountains until you can’t lift another foot… a story worth telling for every day of the year.
A Grisonian ski resort is usually defined by its size, with resorts being categorized as either small, medium or large. Despite their differences in size, Grisonian resorts have one thing in common – they are family-friendly with lots of skiing opportunities for beginners and experts alike.
Skiing in Graubunden, Fredheim Fotos©Holiday Region Lenzerheide
The Parsenn-Küblis is a twelve-kilometre alpine ski run that was discovered by four Englishmen in 1895. The mix of wide pistes illustrated information panels and lots of downhill fun attracts skiers to this nostalgic route today.
The vast Arosa Lenzerheide ski area is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. One popular route, starting at Hörnli Valley Station and ending in front of the village’s lower edge- the Robinson Home Run. It has panoramic views for all levels, making it perfect for taking up your first-time skier or snowboarder. With its 1600 meters long length along an easy level terrain, you can go about enjoying these stunning sights without much difficulty whatsoever.
The Diavolezza is a challenging 10’000 meter long glacial run that leads past Piz Palü. Experienced skiers enjoy this downhill as it’s fast and smooth on pristine pistes, making them feel like they’re riding an escalator to heaven! Starting point: Diavolezza Mountain station (2973 meters altitude).
Ski resorts that offer natural snow slopes include Ski resort Brambrüesch in Chur, Ski lift St. Antönien in Prättigau, Schatzalp ski area in Davos Klosters, Ski resort Hochwang near Arosa, and Solar ski lift Tenna in Surselva.
Skiing in Graubunden, Fredheim Fotos©Holiday Region Lenzerheide
Skiing in Graubunden, ©Flims Laax Falera Tourism – Nicholas Lliano
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Cross country skiing in Grisons
Grisons is a cross country skiers paradise boasting more than 1700 kilometres of well-marked cross country ski trails. This region offers vast open landscapes of snow-covered forest and high mountain valleys. Grisons is an excellent place for cross country skiers that appreciate the simple pleasure of being out in nature with just your thoughts and a pair of snowshoes.
Grisons is a place to enjoy the quiet and solitude of cross country skiing. Grisons boasts some delightful winter Alps with trails for all skill levels where one can enjoy gentle rolling slopes and long easy trails as well as the more challenging hills, steep descents and climbs. Grisons cross country ski trails take you past the snow-covered villages, old churches, and farmhouses in this area of Switzerland.
Cross country skiing in Graubunden © Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus AG – Romano Salis
To appreciate the countryside while cross country skiing, head to Lenzerheide, Davos Klosters, Disentis Sedrun, Engadin, or Engadin Samnaun Val Mustair.
Sledging in Grisons
This winter, get your inner child the gift of sledging down tracks of soft snow at any pace you want, fast, slow, near a village or on a mountain. This is possible when at Grisons. It’s all about mountains, sun, snow and sledges.
The Fideriser Heuberge offers a 12-kilometre long track, one of the longest sledging runs in Switzerland. The Fideriser Heuberge is a lovely journey, with the path from the Madrisa mountain station down to Saas being a lot of fun. Grisons also has several smaller tracks, some even suitable for beginners and children.
To experience the region’s most racy toboggan run 4.2 km long, covering 718 meters of altitude difference with 20 curves filled with fun, head to the toboggan run in Muottas Muragl-Punt Muragl near St Moritz.
Sledging in Graubunden © Holiday Region Lenzerheide
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Places to stay when at Grisons
In addition to excellent slopes for winter activities, Grisons is home to excellent lodges and hotels as well. The Guarda Val hotel in Lenzerheide is a place to get away from it all. Consisting of 11 maiensäss lodges, this getaway is made for rest and rejuvenation in nature that surrounds them like an embrace. You will stay out here among 300-year old structures, in first-class comfort, nestled amongst gorgeous mountain views; there’s no better way than being here at Sporz to embrace the natural world in Switzerland.
Maiensässhotel Guarda Val in Lenzerheide © Maiensässhotel Guarda Val
Maiensässhotel Guarda Val in Lenzerheide© Maiensässhotel Guarda Val
There are many things for you to do at this nature retreat. You can jump into an ice-cold mountain lake, walk herbal paths with your dog by your side or simply ride horses. If that doesn’t sound like enough excitement, then try sampling some wine while enjoying the alpine getaway.
Grisons in Switzerland is the destination for a perfect alpine winter holiday. With varied and challenging outdoor activities on offer, there’s something to suit everyone and any age group. ◼
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© This article was first published online in Nov 2021 – World Travel Magazine.