Skiing
Though Arosa's ski area is small compared with those of the Upper Engadine, Davos-Klosters, and the Alpine Arena (Flims-Laax), a cable car connects it to neighboring Lenzerheide, resulting in 225 km (140 miles) of trails—and creating the largest ski region in the Graubünden, with 43 transport systems (cable cars and chairlifts). Closely screened in by mountains, the 5,900-foot-high resort has runs suitable for every level of skier. The Arosa slopes can be accessed directly from the valley at three points: the top of the village, behind the train station, and the Prätschli, a "feeder" lift to the main ski area. The black piste on the Weisshorn (8,700 feet) is challenging, but most of the runs there, as well as on Hörnli (8,200 feet), range from easy to intermediate. The Urdenbahn, with its panoramic windows, zips from Hörnli to Urdenfürggli in Lenzerheide, where an additional 125 km (78 miles) of slopes await.
All ski schools have English-speaking instructors. At this writing, a one-day lift ticket costs 75 SF; a six-day pass costs 340 SF (incremental increases are likely each season). For cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, the Maran and Isla trails have 30 km (18 miles) of groomed trails. There are three official sled runs: Tschuggen, Prätschli, and Litzirüti.
ABC Snowsport School. Ski lessons are available at the ABC Snowsport School. Arosa, Graubünden, 7050. 081/3565660; www.abcarosa.ch.
Langlauf- und Schneeschuhzentrum Geeser. Cross-country skiers or Nordic walkers will find instruction, guided tours, equipment, and information at the Langlauf- und Schneeschuhzentrum Geeser, the Cross-Country and Snowshoe Center. Arosa, Graubünden. 081/3772215; www.geeser-arosa.ch.
Schlittenkönig. You can rent sleds at the train station or at Schlittenkönig. Seeblickstr., Arosa, Graubünden, 7050. 081/7250440; www.schlittenkoenig.ch.
Swiss Ski and Snowboard School. You can get snow-sports instruction at the official Swiss Ski and Snowboard School. Seeblickstr., Arosa, Graubünden, 7050. 081/3787500; www.skischule-arosa.ch.
