Laax

Laax, nestled in Switzerland's Surselva region, forms the central part of the Flims Laax Falera ski area, one of the most expansive in the Swiss Alps. Renowned as Europe's freestyle hub, Laax boasts the NoName terrain park, four dedicated park zones, and a superpipe, making it a training ground for Olympic-level athletes. The resort's culture celebrates snowboarding and creative skiing alongside traditional alpine techniques.

The ski area features 224km of pistes, ranging from 1,100m to 3,018m on the Vorab glacier. With 70% of the terrain above 2,000m and snowmaking on 71km of runs, conditions remain reliable throughout the season, which typically spans from late November to mid-April. Terrain varies from high-altitude glacier skiing to extensive, forested descents, all serviced by 28 efficient lifts. While freestyle is a cornerstone, Laax offers an equally compelling experience for intermediate skiers, families, and those seeking big mountain skiing amidst stunning scenery.

Skiing and snowboarding in Laax offer immense scale and variety. From the 3,000m glacier summit, a continuous descent of nearly 2,000m vertical provides one of Switzerland's longest runs. The upper mountain features wide, exposed slopes, the mid-section boasts excellent intermediate terrain through alpine meadows, and the lower slopes wind through atmospheric forests. Each area has a distinct character, ensuring a diverse mountain experience.

Laax's freestyle facilities are world-class. The NoName Park on Crap Sogn Gion is the main attraction, complemented by numerous other parks and features catering to all skill levels across the mountain. Even for those not focused on park riding, the resort's creative atmosphere is infectious, with skiers and boarders frequently utilising natural features and side hits, bringing a playful energy to the slopes.

Beginners benefit from dedicated learning zones in Laax and Flims, offering gentle nursery slopes and easy lifts, kept separate from faster skiers to create a calm environment. As skills progress, a smooth transition to longer blue runs is facilitated by several wide, well-groomed options in the mid-mountain.

Intermediate skiers will find an abundance of terrain across the Flims Laax Falera area. Red runs are long, well-maintained, and diverse, encompassing everything from wide, cruising pistes on the upper mountain to more technical descents through the trees. The ability to ski from the 3,018m glacier to the valley provides an epic descent opportunity. In the Cassons area, accessible from Flims, pistes offer a wilder feel with challenging reds and spectacular vistas.

Advanced skiers will encounter genuine challenges on Laax's steeper terrain. Black runs off the Vorab and La Siala are sustained and demanding. The Cassons area holds some of the steepest pisted terrain, and in good conditions, the off-piste opportunities from the Vorab glacier are spectacular, with expansive powder fields and couloirs attracting serious freeriders. Laax also boasts a strong freeride community, with a dedicated Freeride Centre offering guided excursions and avalanche safety courses.

Families are well catered for, with the well-regarded Ami Sabi children's programmes, safe beginner areas, and modern infrastructure simplifying logistics. Older children and teenagers particularly enjoy the resort's progressive terrain parks and youthful atmosphere. Laax reaches 3,018m on the Vorab glacier, ensuring reliable snow and an extended season. North-facing slopes retain their condition effectively, and snowmaking covers essential lower runs, with the season typically running from late November to mid-April, and glacier skiing available even earlier.