Situated at the end of the Schanfigg Valley far from city stress lies Arosa in Switzerland at an altitude of 1775 meters. Surrounded by the snow-capped Plessur Alps, Arosa invites you to explore this exquisite winter resort.
No wonder it is on the list of the Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland.
The Arosa winter resort is well known amongst Swiss winter sports lovers. More and more international tourists are also heading to this Swiss ski resort in the Canton of Graubünden.
It is no longer a secret hideaway anymore. Nevertheless, it remains unique and special in all kinds of ways.
There are so many activities to do in Arosa during the winter months of which skiing is just one.
How to get to Arosa in Switzerland
Something has to be said, if you are suffering from car sickness, then you might want to get prepared and take the special medication, or simply allow many stops along the valley up to Arosa from Chur.
From leaving Chur, the capital of Graubünden, a staggering 356 plus curves along a 28km stretch have to be overcome before reaching the beautiful alpine resort Arosa.
If you do drive make many stops. The valley offers amazing views whilst little picturesque villages invite you to take a break.
By train
From Chur, you can access this beautiful destination by boarding the Rhaetian railway. Why not enjoy a relaxed train journey all the way to Arosa.
The train ride is free of charge if you have a valid ski ticket for the Arosa Lenzerheide ski resort.
Check the train timetable.
Good to know when visiting Arosa
- Arosa is a sunny location and is sheltered from strong winds. Therefore, make sure even if you visit Arosa during the winter to bring your sun cream and sunglasses.
- Every guest visiting Arosa in winter with a valid ski ticket can use public transport including the Rhaetian Bahn (railway) from Chur to Arosa free of charge. This is valid one day before, during and one day after your ski day.
This is not to be mixed up with the Arosa all-inclusive summer card when activities in Arosa plus cable car rides are included. - Most hotels in Arosa offer a pick-up service from the train station. Check with your accommodation provider if you do not travel by car to Arosa.
- Arosa ski resort offers different ski tickets such as the full ski domain including the beautiful Lenzerheide, or just the Snow Park entry. Make sure you check out all ski ticket possibilities and choose wisely what you and the family will need when skiing in Arosa.
The Hotel Arosa Kulm in Arosa winter wonderland
Things to do in Arosa in Winter
Now as you have a rough idea of the layout and location of the Swiss village Arosa, let’s discover all the great family-friendly things to do in Arosa – Winter Edition.
1. Hit the Powder and Ski Arosa – Lenzerheide
Most people come to Arosa in winter to ski or snowboard. And with many great reasons.
Offering some of the best snow conditions in Switzerland, Arosa can offer top 5 Star skiing in a snow-sure environment.
The resort is adapted to all kinds of skiing abilities. Beginners to top backcountry skiing enthusiasts will find what they are looking for in an epic ski holiday in Arosa.
The Arosa ski domain is linked with the ski resort Lenzerheide and together they offer 225km of groomed pistes up to an altitude of 2865m – (the Arosa Rothorn on the Lenzerheide side).
The highest point on the Arosa side is the beautiful Weisshorn at 2653m altitude, which has a great restaurant as well.
You do not need to combine your ski ticket with the Lenzerheide area as Arosa has its own domain, but I recommend spending at least one-day skiing in Lenzerheide.
The amazing Urden Gondola connects the two ski domains.
Once in Lenzerheide make a plan, ski around but do not forget to head up the Rothorn. With its 2865 m altitude, it is the highest point you can reach.
At the summit awaits a restaurant with a splendid panorama of countless mountain peaks. To leave the peak there is a red ski run to follow, or if you feel happier take the gondola back down again.
Check out the Arosa – Lenzerheide Ski map below to get a better understanding of the ski resorts. Click on the map
Family skiing and beginners ski area in Arosa
Holding the family destination label, Arosa lays out the red carpet for families. With two free beginners ski areas at the Honigland on the Prätschli, and the Kulmwiese in Innenarosa, your first family ski holiday is guaranteed for success.
Snow park & freestyle in Arosa
If you have a little boy like our Lucas, then you need a ski resort with an adaptive snow park. Start low and progress big! And this is another thing to do in Arosa, to progress with your freestyle skills!
Four amazing snow parks are to be discovered in Arosa – Lenzerheide Ski resort.
The Snowpark Tschuggen, the Bearsnowpark and the unique Wood Ranch are in Arosa, whereas the 4th one – the JibArea Stätz, is located in the Lenzerheide domain.
TIP: If this is all you and the family would like to ski, Arosa offers snow park ski tickets covering only the lift system to access these parks.
2. Go on one of the fun family-friendly sledge runs in Arosa
Sledging should be on all winter holiday things-to-do lists, at least it is on ours!
Arosa offers three different sledge runs:
Untersee Arosa – Litzirüti
Tschuggen – Innenarosa
Prätschli – Arosa
The Untersee Arosa to Litzirüti Sledge run
This is also ideal for a winter walk combined with a sledge run. Although there are some steeper parts and narrow curves.
Also there are sections where you need to walk and even a slight uphill section.
But because it is in such a beautiful winter setting, take that time for pictures and maybe even spotting some wildlife.
This is also a nice trail to photograph the red Rhaetian Railway Trains, on the way up to Arosa.
To get back to Arosa you hop on the Rhaetian Train at Litzirüti. The train usually runs once an hour.
The run is 3.4km long and runs from 1691m down to 1451m.
The Prätschli – Arosa sledge run
A fun, but also a quite busy sledge run. Take the bus all the way to Prätschli end station and sledge back down to Arosa Obersee lake.
The start is after the beginner’s ski area Honigland!
Because the path is floodlit and with the night express bus leaving from the post square, you can enjoy an exhilarating night sledge run any evening you like.
The run is 1km long, fairly easy and starts at 1908m and ends at 1743m
The Tschuggen – Innerarosa sledge run
This sledge run in Arosa is accessible by the Kulm gondola and the Arosa – Weisshorn gondola.
Get out at the middle section, because it is here where the sledge run starts.
The run is 1km long and starts at the Tschuggen hut at 1995m altitude and ends at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel at 1854m.
Travel Tip: Every Thursday from the beginning of January to the beginning of March, this sledge run offers night sledging in Arosa from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Arosa Sledging tickets
You can purchased directly online or at any station within Arosa on the day.
In 2022 a daily adults sledge ticket was Chf 31.- whereas children’s tickets sold at Chf 11.-
Sledging in Lenzerheide
A mind-blowing experience, seeing all the photographs.
You are looking for the best things to do in Arosa-Lenzerheide, well then you may want to add the brand-new LIGHT RIDE night sledging experience to your list.
This is an activity not for the faint-hearted and may be better for families with older children.
Race down the mountain with your friends and family, accompanied by music, multisensory light installations and tunnels.
The LIGHT RIDE is located on the Scharmoin-Canols sledging run and can be reached via the cable car Rothorn 1 from Lenzerheide.
Note: You would need to stay in Lenzerheide to part take in this epic sledge run.
3. Enjoy the Panorama at the Arosa Weisshorn Gipfel & have Lunch
Being one of the highest mountain restaurants in the region, the Weisshorn summit restaurant gives you a 360 degrees panorama that will take your breath away.
The amazing Weisshorn Gipfel Restaurant has large panoramic windows so that even on cold days you do not have to miss out on the view.
How to get to the Arosa Weisshorn
If you are on your skis just make your way to the middle station from where the Weisshorn Goldola departs. (check the ski map above)
On foot, you will reach the summit by the large Weisshorn Gondola which departs from the village right by the Obersee in two sections.
The staggering ride from 1739m all the way to 2653m altitude is already an adventure in its own way.
Enjoy the ride and the view!
4. Go on a Winter Walk or Hike in Arosa
Winter walking enthusiasts will not be disappointed.
The paths are groomed and no snowshoes are needed. With a good pair of winter hiking boots you can enjoy over 60 km of groomed walks and winter hiking trails.
These winter trails in Arosa lead to all-mountain huts which make it perfect to plan your alpine lunch on a sunny terrace before heading back down to Arosa village through snow-covered forests.
Organise the perfect winter hike in Arosa for you and the family. The great thing is that you can bring a sledge to pull along the younger members of the group.
5. Be Brave and have an Ice Bath in Arosa
Now, this is something we have not done (yet), taking an ice bath. I find people that do winter swimming and take an ice baths incredibly brave and strong.
If this is your preferred activity, then you will be in luck as Arosa has an amazing official ice Badi (outdoor ice bath).
The actual ice bath is free of charge but keep in mind it is not guarded. If you have never done it before they do not recommend you try this experience alone, but you can book a session with them, so they will explain to you all the dangers and prepare you for this once in a lifetime experience. Or who knows maybe you get hooked and become a regular ice swimmer!
The Sauna is payable and you need to book a place. More info here
6. Observe the Squirrels & Birds on the Eichhörnchenweg (Squirrel path)
The squirrel trail is without a doubt the most popular theme trail in Arosa and makes both children and adults happy.
Walk along the forest trail, stop and wait! Soon you will see a fluffy tail behind the trees and quick as a flash here it is. A curious and hungry squirrel right in front of you. Make sure to bring some nuts, place them on the palm of your hand and be patient. Soon these sweet furry animals will come to collect the nuts out of your hands. Super cute!
The short but beautiful forest trail starts in Arosa at the Tomeli-Street (below Waldhotel National).
A large playground awaits the children towards the end of the trail not far from the bus stop Maran.
Hiking Facts: the path is only 1.7 km long with 102 m ascent /descent depending on which side you start. Easy and pushchair friendly during the summer months and during the winter you can bring your sledge to pull little children as the path is snow-covered.
What to do in Arosa during bad weather?
If the weather is really not on your side when holidaying in Arosa, then check out the Kids Park to pass the time.
7. Jump around the Indoor Playground in Arosa
The Bear Cave indoor playground is the perfect place to bring the family in bad weather.
Kids can let off steam in the ball pit, play at being bears and ascend the climbing tower. Furthermore, they will find joy at the bouncy castle or on the football court.
For the adults there is a great terrace overlooking the whole play area from the restaurant upstairs.
Where to stay in Arosa during winter?
The choice is immense, whether you prefer to be in a luxury hotel with wellness and spa, or in a self-catered accommodation in Arosa.
We stayed at the Arosa Kulm Hotel & Alpine Spa. Our stay was hosted by Arosa Kulm.
Nevertheless, the below content is our own view and experience, you will find things we loved, things we missed and things we think should be included for paying guests. So, read on and find out how our stay at the Arosa Kulm Hotel & Alpine Spa went.
Hotel Arosa Kulm & Alpine Spa Experience.
More Swiss Travel Guide
- Enjoy the Bergün-Filisur sledge run – Preda-Bergün
- 16+ best Ski resorts in Switzerland
- Rocksresort Laax – Adventure Sports Hotel for the family
- Graubünden – Landwasser Viadukt- when best to visit
- Flims : Best viewpoints at the Rheinschlucht
- Hotel Arosa Kulm & Alpine Spa
I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when seeking Things to do in Arosa in Winter.
If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask in the comments below. This way other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.
Note: This visit was in collaboration with Arosa Official and Hotel Arosa Kulm – Thank you again. As always, you can be sure that we will express OUR views and enthusiasm here.
The purpose of such collaborations is to introduce to you great new family destinations and activities and give you tips and suggestions 1st hand.
Thank you & Never Forget to Explore
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