At the very end of one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys, Arosa is a lot more than just a ski resort. It's popular out of season with hikers and bikers, and, as well as offering some visually outstanding downhill and cross-country skiing, Arosa is also wonderfully equipped to keep skaters, tobogganers, snow shoe walkers, and snowboarders happy.

Arosa is a fairly small resort, so the best places to stay in town tend to be those with the best access to the slopes. Despite its size, it's a very good ski resort: Arosa's recently built gondola link to Lenzerheide gives the two resorts the largest skiable area in Graubünden. In addition to around 225kms of piste, including some fun moguls around the Weisshorn, there's another 40kms of marked free riding runs and plenty of unmarked off-piste area to explore with 42 lifts to connect it all.

At an altitude of between 1,230metres and 2,865metres Arosa has plenty of alpine magic. It could be the tinkling of the sleigh bells, the prevalence of fondu and raclette on menus or the half-timbered chalets decorated with the traditional monochrome Graubünden designs. Additionally, the sunshine and snow are pretty reliable and it's fairly relaxed.

What Not To Miss

• Arosa also offers night skiing, sleigh rides and plenty of variety when it comes to aprés ski. It is a fairly small resort, so the best places to stay in town tend to be those with the best access to the slopes.
• The resort also clearly has non-skiers in mind, as there are plenty of beautiful walking trails leading to restaurants in which skiers could easy meet you for lunch.
• Arosa has a reputation as a family resort and there are certainly plenty of extras laid on to please the younger crowd, from skiing and snowboarding talent shows to night skiing to the sled runs. And which kid isn't going to at least try raclette?
• Ease those aching muscles at Tschuggen Bergoase Spa with a fantastic assortment of programs and facilities ensuring that visitors will leave refreshed and ready to get back onto the mountain.
• Visit Bergkirchli, an extremely historic wooden chapel overlooking a stunning alpine backdrop - a great way to experience something a bit different on your holiday.

Don't forget that if you're planning to book one of the best places to stay in Arosa during the peak periods including Christmas, New Year and February half term, you'll have to get organised. If you leave it till the last minute, you're likely to be disappointed.

The best places stay in Arosa

For Luxury

• The Tschuggen Grand Hotel is a modern grand hotel with award winning dining, outstanding views, children's activities, plenty of luxury and its own private mountain railway to whisk you up the slopes.

• The Arosa Klum Hotel & Spa is a 119 room ski hotel with luxurious rooms and a choice of six restaurants. The word ‘spa’ is in the name so it’s a big focus of the hotel, as you would expect, and they really know how to pamper. There are a couple of kid’s clubs for different ages and even Nordic walking lessons if you fancy it.

For year-round action

• Hof Maran is a classic old alpine hotel with amazing views and 49 generously proportioned rooms. The food is excellent, there’s an 18-hole golf course next door and great access to the slopes and hiking trails.
• Featuring an abundance of activities for guests in both winter and summer - Vetter Hotel is a charming Swiss hotel, in the heart of the town. The restaurant serves exciting local cuisine and tyhe Strumpf Bar boasts a wide range of cigars and whiskys. Distinctly Alpine-chic rooms provide a cosy and warm rest from the days activities. Perfectly placed for a skiing or hiking holiday.

For a lively hotel

• Provisorium 13 is a hip and contemporary hotel with stunning lake views. Clean and light rooms with traditional pine clad walls and crisp white linen. A trendy lounge and bar that features live DJs in the evening. Reasonably priced, a great choice for those wishing for a lively base.

For families

• The Hotel Astoria is a great traditional ski hotel for families and everyone else really. It’s has 34 bright, spacious rooms with spectacular views, a spa, jacuzzi and sauna, a restaurant serving regional cuisine and a children’s playground and games room.

For Best Value

• The Hotel Stoffel is a reasonably priced mountain retreat with traditional, alpine decor, balconies with amazing views and a great restaurant specialising in local cuisine.
• If you’d prefer to be closer to the centre of town try the Hotel Seehof. A charming 37 room hotel with pine panelling, a good restaurant and contemporary bar. Rooms here start from around £125 per night.

For a Summer visit

• The Vetter Hotel is a charming Swiss-style hotel with 22 rooms You’re right in the heart of town close to the ski-runs in winter and the biking and hiking trailheads in summer. The restaurant specialises in local cuisine and there’s a cigar and whisky bar to help you unwind.
• If you prefer your accommodation modern then Provisorium 13 is probably a good choice for you, it’s right by the lake, with beautiful views, and a trendy bar and lounge with DJs in the evening.

For an apartment or chalet

• If you'd prefer your own space, don't hesitate to visit our online partner Booking.com for a range of apartments and chalets right on the slopes and in the town

Travel Information

• Fly to Zurich Airport located 154km (95 miles) away before transferring to Arosa via road or rail. Zurich Airport provides a large range of connections to other destinations, catering to visitors from all over Europe. Then catch a train from Zurich to Arosa, taking approximately 3 hours with a change at Chur. The route is quite spectacular, offering passengers dramatic views of the alpine backdrop.
• If you plan to hire a car to drive to Arosa, we recommend visiting our online partner Rentalcars
• Best time to visit - for skiers, the best snow will be during the winter from December to March. Although the warmer weather in summer is great for hikers looking to get out and explore the mountains.

Still not sure?

• Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in Arosa,
• Expand your search to include our recommendations in St Moritz and Davos
• Or contact, one of our friendly gurus for advice.