Liebe gruezi,

It is indeed a long cablecar ride (maybe 10 minutes), taking you up almost 4000 feet in elevation. And it is higher than the treetops, so I guess it would be quite difficult for you.

It is not crazy---my sister has trouble with these too, and I did at first, but we go with our kids and must look brave!!!

Stoos probably isn't a good choice either---reached by a very steep funicular. (those bother me more than cablecars do).

So maybe it is back to Wengen for you. Certainly nothing wrong with that.

enzian,

Thanks for helping me with the details. I think I will go back to Schuler's list with Guarda and Arosa and see if I can even find a room.

Your two suggestions sound so nice though... Maybe worth a valium to get up there;)

gruezi

Hello Gruezi,

Speaking of Arosa, here are some events on Jan. 24/25 that might be enticing:

- Jan. 25: horseracing on the ice
http://www.arosa.ch/de/page.cfm/Serv...ventsWAT/10713

- Jan. 24: Curling Schiesshorn Cup

- Fondue Chiniose Buffet in Hotel Astoria

- Daily live music and apres ski at Restaurant Postli
http://www.posthotel-arosa.ch/intro_2.html

- List of restaurants and ski huts with their specialities:
http://www.arosa.ch/de/page.cfm/Service/GastroAT?nav=1

- walking in Arosa: http://www.arosabergbahnen.com/winteraktiv.html

Just some food for thought!

Schuler - Thanks for all the Arosa links!!

I've written a note to a few places in Arosa and the Hotel Meissner in Guarda and depending who has a room that will make my decision for next weekend.

I went to Engelberg and on up to Trübsee on Friday for some snowshowing and fondue at the Igloo Village there. It was a gorgeous day and great fun. Google "Igloo Village Engelberg" if you are interested.

Thanks everyone for your help and great ideas!

gruezi

Hotel Meissner in Guarda it is!

Thanks everyone and of course I'll write a little report back.

The photos of Guarda look wonderful and it sounds perfect for me as it's not a skiing village per se. Plus no dramatic cable car for my heights issue.

It is about 3 hours from Zurich by train for anyone interested to know. The hotel has a pickup service if the hourly post bus is not running near the time of arrival.

Already dreaming of fondue and hopefully mountain sunshine!

gruezi

Just wanted to say...

Just back from my weekend in Guarda at the Hotel Meisser. I had a lovely weekend and was very taken by this special and charming village. Guarda is a must see IMO, but let's hope not too many people feel that way!! I believe it has been designated as a UNESCO or some other preservation group site, so that may be good or bad...

First day, I had an hour walk to Lanvin, pretty walk, didn't love Lanvin.

Also walked to Ardes which I really liked. Very charming and there is a beautiful church in the center of town that just was wonderfully spiritual - sign welcomed visitors in 4 languages to this special place to just sit for a bit in silence and contemplation.

From Ardes I walked onto Ftan. Again, a very pretty area. The walk to Ardes is about an hour and then 2 more hours on to Ftan, but it took me longer as I couldn't find the Winterwanderwegs. They are not very clearly marked.

From Ftan, I took the Post Bus down to Scuol and the train back to Guarda. I had been walking over 4 hours so there was no way I was walking back!

I had my meals at H. Meisser and the food was quite good. Breakfast was a large, typical Swiss buffet. Yogurt, cereals, breads, cheeses, fruit, eggs. Dinner was avail by 2 full menu choices or al a carte. There is a wonderful Engadiner Nuss Torte - do have it...

I also had a wonderful hot stone massage at Terra Nuova. The hotel gave me a "gutschein" for this. The massage was much needed after all the walking and absolutely divine.

Guarda was just 2 hours and 23 minutes from Zurich with one train change. A perfect weekend away and I plan to return when my friend from America visits in the beginning of March.

Any questions please just ask!

gruezi

gruezi,

Sounds wonderful. Visited Guarda last summer, and your trip report brings it all back fresh.

Thanks!
beachtee

Dear Beachtree,

Thanks for your note.

I'm actually bringing a visiting friend to Guarda this week. I hope the sun will shine!

gruezi