Arosa

Arosa at a glance

WHY WE LOVE AROSA?

• Arosa boasts over 225 kilometres (140 miles) of interconnected ski runs.
• Arosa, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps in Graubünden.
• The resort's high altitude (1,775 to 2,865 meters or 5,823 to 9,400 feet) ensures reliable snow coverage throughout the season.

Beginners

Skiing for beginners in Arosa, Switzerland, is a delightful experience, thanks to its beginner-friendly slopes, excellent facilities, and stunning alpine scenery. Here’s what you can expect as a novice skier:

Beginner Zones

• Tschuggen Area: This is one of the best spots for beginners in Arosa. It features gentle slopes, wide runs, and magic carpets (conveyor belts) to make ascending easier.
• Inner-Arosa: The area near the Weisshornbahn middle station is particularly beginner-friendly, offering easy gradients and manageable terrain.

Ski Schools

Arosa has highly reputed ski schools, such as the Arosa Ski School, where professional instructors provide tailored lessons for all age groups. These schools help beginners build confidence and technique at a comfortable pace.

Facilities

• Magic Carpets: These conveyor belts make it easy for beginners to reach the top of the practice slopes without the challenge of a ski lift.
• Free Beginners Lifts: Some lifts in the beginner areas are free of charge, making it cost-effective to practice.
• Equipment Rentals: Multiple rental shops in Arosa offer high-quality gear tailored for beginners.

Atmosphere

The environment in Arosa is welcoming, with a family-friendly vibe. Beginners often find the calm, uncrowded slopes ideal for learning, especially during off-peak times.

Progression Opportunities

Once you've gained confidence on the beginner slopes, Arosa provides plenty of intermediate runs where you can gradually challenge yourself further.

Tips for Beginners

• Dress in layers and ensure proper ski gear for warmth and safety.
• Consider a private or group lesson to get started.
• Take breaks to enjoy the breathtaking alpine views and recharge.

Arosa’s combination of easy slopes, professional instruction, and stunning surroundings makes it an ideal destination for beginner skiers.

Intermediates

Intermediate skiing in Arosa, part of the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski region in Switzerland, offers a fantastic mix of scenic runs, varied terrain, and well-maintained slopes. Here's an overview tailored for intermediate skiers:

Key Features of Arosa for Intermediate Skiers

1. Extensive Blue and Red Runs:

• Arosa's slopes are particularly suited for intermediate skiers, with a good balance of wide blue runs and slightly steeper red runs.
• Blue runs like Tschuggen and Brüggerhorn are ideal for refining techniques while enjoying breathtaking alpine views.
• Red runs such as Hörnli and parts of the connection to Lenzerheide provide a manageable challenge for those looking to push their skills further.

1. Modern Lifts and Connectivity:

• The Arosa-Lenzerheide area is linked by the Urdenbahn cable car, making it easy for intermediates to explore the entire 225 km of skiable terrain.
• Modern lift infrastructure ensures minimal wait times and smooth transitions between slopes.

1. Groomed and Scenic Slopes:

• Arosa is renowned for its impeccably groomed pistes, making it comfortable and safe for intermediates.
• The stunning mountain vistas, including views of the Schanfigg Valley, enhance the skiing experience.

1. Progression-Friendly Terrain:

• The wide and forgiving nature of many runs allows intermediates to practice carving and other techniques with confidence.
• Areas like Tschuggen-West are perfect for building confidence before tackling more challenging red runs.

1. Snow Reliability and Quality:

• Arosa's high-altitude location and efficient snow-making facilities ensure good snow conditions throughout the season.

1. Off-Piste and Adventure Opportunities:

• For adventurous intermediates, there are gentler off-piste areas near the Hörnli and Weisshorn that provide a taste of freeriding without overwhelming difficulty.

Additional Tips for Intermediates:

• Ski Schools and Guided Tours: Arosa offers excellent ski schools and guided sessions that can help intermediates refine their skills or explore new areas.
• Ski Safari: Try a ski safari across the Arosa-Lenzerheide connection for a full day of exploration without repeating runs.

With its stunning scenery, varied slopes, and welcoming atmosphere, Arosa is an ideal destination for intermediates seeking both challenge and enjoyment on the slopes.

Advanced

Arosa, nestled in the Swiss Alps, is a paradise for advanced skiers seeking a mix of challenging runs, scenic off-piste terrain, and adrenaline-fuelled adventures. Here's a detailed overview of what advanced skiers can enjoy in Arosa:

1. Black Runs and Steep Slopes

• Hörnli and Weisshorn Peaks: These areas offer some of the steepest and most technical black runs in Arosa. The Hörnli area, in particular, features steep descents that challenge even seasoned skiers with their gradient and variable snow conditions.
• Weisshorn Black Runs: From the Weisshorn summit, advanced skiers can enjoy lengthy and steep black runs with breathtaking views and thrilling descents.

2. Off-Piste Opportunities

• Back country Adventures: Arosa's varied topography provides a fantastic playground for off-piste skiing. Popular areas include routes from Hörnli or the Weisshorn, with their expansive powder fields and tree-lined runs.
• Guided Tours: For those seeking untouched terrain, hiring a local mountain guide is essential to safely explore the region's best off-piste zones, as well as its hidden couloirs and untouched powder.

3. Ski Touring

• Ridge and Valley Exploration: Advanced skiers looking for a mix of climbing and skiing can embark on ski tours in the surrounding mountains. Popular tours include routes to the neighbouring Lenzerheide ski area or climbs up to secluded peaks for pristine descents.
• Splitboarding and Freeride Touring: Arosa caters to skiers who enjoy blending climbing with freeride skiing, offering plenty of diverse touring routes that end in rewarding runs.

4. Snow Parks for Freestyle Enthusiasts

• Tschuggen Snowpark: While primarily geared for freestyle, advanced skiers can test their skills on larger jumps, rails, and technical features. Precision and confidence are key for these high-difficulty setups.

5. Lenzerheide Connection

Arosa is connected to the Lenzerheide ski area, creating the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski region, with over 225 km of pistes. Advanced skiers can tackle the region's famous black runs and off-piste challenges, such as the demanding slopes near the Rothorn.

6. Night Skiing and Special Challenges

• Night Skiing on Prätschli Runs: Advanced skiers can enjoy the unique thrill of carving down slopes under floodlights. Though typically moderate in difficulty, the icy conditions at night add an extra challenge.
• Speed Runs and Technical Challenges: Some slopes feature timed sections where skiers can test their speed and technical skills.

7. Safety Tips for Advanced Skiers

• Avalanche Preparedness: The off-piste and backcountry areas in Arosa require avalanche gear and knowledge. The ski schools and guiding services offer avalanche safety courses for those venturing into unmanaged terrain.
• Weather Awareness: Arosa's high altitude can lead to sudden changes in weather, making it essential to check conditions before embarking on any challenging runs or tours.

Arosa is an advanced skier's dream, combining thrilling descents, deep powder, and a variety of technical challenges. Whether carving through perfectly groomed black runs or venturing into the wild backcountry, this alpine destination promises an unforgettable experience.

If you'd like to discuss a holiday to Cervinia, get in touch via the online chat, send us an email or give us a call on 01248 712567.