Laax

Laax is an attractive resort set on a sunny plateau and sharing a large ski area with Flims. The freestyle park facilities are second to none, and the resort is one of the more environmentally conscious ski areas in the Alps. Flims and Laax are just referred to as Flims during the summer months, although Laax is a great summer resort in its own right.

The resort has three main bases, each a few km away from each other; Laax, Flims and Falera. Beyond that, Laax itself is split into two areas; Laax Dorf is the main village, and it is built in a traditional Swiss Alpine style. Laax is a newer lift base, with plenty of parking and a hotel. The main village, Laax Dorf, is pleasantly rustic with charming chalets set around a lake.

Two hours south-east of Zurich, Laax has always been something of a Swiss secret. The resort is low enough to be pleasant throughout the year, but offers high glacier skiing that makes it more snow sure than you might expect at first glance. 

Despite being relatively unknown compared to well-known resorts like Verbier and Zermatt, Laax is home to a 220km ski area with plenty of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. The pistes are best for intermediate skiers, although there is plenty for beginners and experts to enjoy too. As the area is comparatively lesser known, lift queues are rare.

Laax is one of the best resorts in Europe for freestyle skiing, with three snow parks that offer superb facilities for professional and amateur freestyle skiers. During the winter, the resort hosts two high profile snowboarding events; the Brits and the Burton European Open, which attracts a large number of snowboarders to the resort each year. 

While Laax has cemented its reputation for being something of a snowboarding paradise over the last few years, the resort is a fantastic family resort, with great ski and snowboard schools, friendly restaurants and uncrowded pistes.

The Swiss Alps are stunning wherever you are, but the mountains around Laax are home to some incredibly distinctive backdrops including the Rhine Gorge, the Flimser Grosswald and the Caumasee. The spectacular surroundings make this an incredibly popular destination for hikers, with over 250km of trails including themed walking paths.

The Flimser Grosswald is one of the largest wooded areas in the Graubunden, and remains popular amongst nature lovers and families alike. Lake Caumasee, surrounded as it is by dense forests, is a unique place to have a picnic. The turquoise water and picturesque bays are more beautiful than ever during the summer months. 

Known sometimes as the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' the Rhine Gorge is fascinating in its own right. It's a popular river rafting destination, and the thick wooded slopes, towering white cliff faces and twisting river are absolutely spectacular, drawing visitors from all over the world.