Graubünden Places

Arosa

Skiing

Arosa's ski area is small compared with those of the Upper Engadine, Davos-Klosters, and the Alpine Arena (Flims-Laax). Closely screened in by mountains, the 5,900-foot-high resort has runs suitable for every level of skier. Its 13 lifts serve 70km (43 mi) of trails. The 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.

Swiss Ski and Snowboard School. You can get snow-sports instruction at the official Swiss Ski and Snowboard School. Seeblickstr., Arosa, Graubünden. 081/3787500 or 081/3787505. sssa.ch/en.

ABC Snowsport School. Ski lessons are available at the ABC Snowsport School. Arosa, Graubünden. 081/3565660.

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.

All schools have English-speaking instructors. At this writing a one-day lift ticket costs 60 SF; a six-day pass costs 279 SF (incremental increases are likely each season). For cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, the Maran and Isla trails have 30 km (18 mi) of groomed trails. There are three official sled runs: Tschuggen, Prätschli, and Untersee.

Schlittenkönig. You can rent sleds at the train station or at Schlittenkönig. Seeblickstr., Arosa, Graubünden, 7050. 081/3772181. www.aroserschlitten.ch.