Lenzerheide (Winter)

A short ride from Chur, the smallish resort of Lenzerheide is little known to American tourists, but it offers plenty of winter sports action, with smaller crowds and slightly lower prices than you’ll find in more famous Arosa or Davos. The ski area has 39 lifts and almost 100 miles of slopes, as well as 32 miles of cross-country tracks, four sled runs and the world’s longest toboggan run. Europe’s longest sled run is in Bergün, a short train ride away. Most guests here rent a holiday apartment or chalet for a week at a time, but there are also splendid hotels in all price ranges. The Lenzerhorn Wellness Hotel has an excellent spa ...

A short ride from Chur, the smallish resort of Lenzerheide is little known to American tourists, but it offers plenty of winter sports action, with smaller crowds and slightly lower prices than you’ll find in more famous Arosa or Davos. The ski area has 39 lifts and almost 100 miles of slopes, as well as 32 miles of cross-country tracks, four sled runs and the world’s longest toboggan run. Europe’s longest sled run is in Bergün, a short train ride away. Most guests here rent a holiday apartment or chalet for a week at a time, but there are also splendid hotels in all price ranges. The Lenzerhorn Wellness Hotel has an excellent spa that’s open to the public. The Guarda Val is a first-class hotel in a set of rustic cabins in a high Alpine pasture. This is a modern resort squarely focused on winter sports, so there's little in the way of quaint Alpine architecture, shopping or nightlife. For a day out, take the charming Rhaetian Railway farther up the valley to the picturesque towns of Disentis or Ilanz.

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.