Arosa (Winter)

This medium-sized resort has everything you’re going to Switzerland for: spectacular scenery, great skiing for all skill levels, excellent walking and hiking, and fine lodging in all price ranges. Arosa attracts a range of tourists from around the world, from jet-setters in furs to snowboarders in dreadlocks. It’s popular with families, who enjoy the kids’ ski club and the many family-friendly hotels. The ski area is smallish, with 13 lifts, 37 miles of pistes and 25 miles of “freeride” slopes for boarders. Champion skiers may be happier in St. Moritz, Davos or Zermatt, but families will appreciate the range of activities, including ...

This medium-sized resort has everything you’re going to Switzerland for: spectacular scenery, great skiing for all skill levels, excellent walking and hiking, and fine lodging in all price ranges. Arosa attracts a range of tourists from around the world, from jet-setters in furs to snowboarders in dreadlocks. It’s popular with families, who enjoy the kids’ ski club and the many family-friendly hotels. The ski area is smallish, with 13 lifts, 37 miles of pistes and 25 miles of “freeride” slopes for boarders. Champion skiers may be happier in St. Moritz, Davos or Zermatt, but families will appreciate the range of activities, including cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, a hockey stadium, a couple of extensive spas, and more places to walk in wintertime than most resorts have. A famous horse race takes place on the frozen lake each January. Fine dining abounds, and the discos and bars are lively in winter.

About the Expert

Charlie Morris is the author of the Open Road guidebooks Best of Honduras, Best of Costa Rica, Best of Belize, and Switzerland Guide.