Arosa resort guide - a general overview
Arosa is frequently described as the classic all-round winter resort. Think an isolated, snowy Swiss village, with skating on a frozen lake, horse-drawn sleighs jingling along and people strolling around in fur coats and you have Arosa!
At 1800 metres it is certainly snow-sure, high and remote. The main resort development is around Obersee where lifts go up to the Weisshorn sector of the slopes. The rest of Arosa is scattered, much of it spreading up the steep road separating Obersee from the older, prettier Inner-Arosa, where lifts go up to both sectors of the slopes. Arosa is quiet at night and as such attracts a well-heeled clientele of families and older people. The majority of accommodation is in 3 and 4 star hotels some of which are a long walk from the lifts, however there is an excellent free shuttle-bus service.
In December 2013 the new Hornli-Urdenfurggli gongola/cable car opened which links the two ski resorts of Lenzerheide (155km) and Arosa (70km). This gives skiers a combined area of 225km making the combined resorts the largest ski area of the Graubunden canton of Switzerland.
We recommend ski holidays in Arosa for families and luxury ski hotel holidays for adults and romantics.
Resort stats
225km
1,800m - 2,655m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Zurich
- 2hrs 30mins
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Winter ambience
- Few queues
- Snow-sure
- Excellent resort for family ski holidays
Cons
- Spread-out village
- Big block-like buildings
Restaurants
Arosa Resort Restaurants
Most are located in the hotels and many are very good, but do not have alot of charm. Hotel Arenwald is renowned for it cheesy specialities! Our favourite is the Stuva Cuolm. This shack-like building may not look appealing from the outside, but don't be put off as this has been Arosa's most popular restaurant for many years. The Italian cuisine is exceptional and the atmosphere is fun and friendly.
Arosa Mountain Restaurants
There is quite a bit of choice, many with sunbeds so you can lounge whilst dining. Carmennahutte is the best for this and has delicious food and plently of space. Alpenblick is anoter favourite as is the Hornli-Hutte where the traditional dishes are prepared daily and the desserts are to die for. The Heimeli mountain restaurant tucked away in the Sapun area is great for a fondu.
Arosa Apres Ski
Quite lively but none to recommend outright.
Arosa Nightlife
Limited.