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Holidays in Laax
Overview & Location
Laax is a mountain resort in the Surselva region of the Canton of Graubünden, eastern Switzerland. It forms part of the Flims–Laax–Falera ski area — one of the country’s largest and most innovative mountain destinations. The resort sits at around 1,020 m (3,346 ft), while the surrounding mountains rise to over 3,000 m.
History
Early Settlement: The area was first settled by Romans and later by the Walser people. Its name “Laax” comes from the Latin lacus, meaning “lake,” referring to Laaxersee, the village’s small central lake.
Agricultural Roots: Traditionally, Laax was a farming village with alpine pastures and forestry.
Tourism Growth: Tourism began in the 19th century, but Laax gained prominence after World War II with the rise of winter sports.
Modern Era: In the late 20th century, Laax reinvented itself as a freestyle and snowboarding hub, becoming one of Europe’s top destinations for youth-oriented mountain sports.
Description
Today, Laax combines:
A modern resort village with eco-friendly architecture (like the award-winning rocksresort, built with local stone).
Traditional Alpine hamlets with wooden chalets and views of the Rhine Valley.
A sustainable ethos, promoting renewable energy, local food, and minimal waste through the Greenstyle initiative.
Typical Foods
Traditional Graubünden and Alpine specialties you’ll find in Laax include:
Capuns – Swiss chard rolls filled with dough, bacon, and herbs, served in cream sauce.
Pizokel – small buckwheat noodles or dumplings, often served with cheese or vegetables.
Bündnerfleisch – air-dried beef from the region.
Maluns – grated potato dish fried in butter and served with cheese or apple sauce.
Cheese fondue and raclette – classic Swiss mountain fare.
Local cheeses and honey from alpine farms.
In summer, try local wild berry desserts and apple tarts.
Winter Activities
Laax is part of the Flims–Laax–Falera ski area, offering:
Over 224 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
Europe’s largest halfpipe and world-class freestyle parks.
Freeride and powder zones for advanced riders.
Ski schools and family-friendly slopes.
Snowshoeing, winter hiking, and cross-country skiing trails.
Ice skating on natural or artificial rinks.
Après-ski and nightlife around rocksresort and Crap Sogn Gion.
Summer Activities
When the snow melts, Laax transforms into a green adventure playground:
Hiking & trekking – over 250 km of trails, including scenic routes to Caumasee, Crestasee, and Il Spir viewpoint overlooking the Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon).
Mountain biking – world-class trails and flow lines like the Never End Trail.
Climbing & via ferrata routes.
Lake swimming and paddleboarding in Laaxersee and Caumasee.
Yoga retreats and wellness programs.
Paragliding, trail running, and golf nearby.
Shops & Local Crafts
rocksresort offers stylish boutiques, outdoor gear shops, and local product stores.
Farm shops and markets sell cheese, honey, herbal teas, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Flims and Chur (nearby towns) offer larger shopping options.
Festivals & Events
Laax has a lively year-round cultural and sports calendar:
LAAX OPEN (January): Europe’s biggest snowboard event (FIS World Cup).
SuddenRush Banked Slalom: A legendary snowboard race.
Greenstyle Festival: Focused on sustainability, nature, and conscious living.
Flims Open Air Cinema (Summer): Lakeside movie nights.
Art and music festivals, including Rocksresort Summer Opening and local folk celebrations.
?? Nature & Environment
Surrounded by the Flims–Laax UNESCO Tectonic Arena Sardona, a World Heritage Site showcasing dramatic geological formations.
Rhine Gorge (Ruinaulta): A deep canyon with turquoise water, often called the Swiss Grand Canyon.
Caumasee & Crestasee: Crystal-clear turquoise lakes ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Laaxersee: The peaceful lake right in the village.
Home to ibex, marmots, eagles, and rich alpine flora.
Laax is a mountain resort in the Surselva region of the Canton of Graubünden, eastern Switzerland. It forms part of the Flims–Laax–Falera ski area — one of the country’s largest and most innovative mountain destinations. The resort sits at around 1,020 m (3,346 ft), while the surrounding mountains rise to over 3,000 m.
History
Early Settlement: The area was first settled by Romans and later by the Walser people. Its name “Laax” comes from the Latin lacus, meaning “lake,” referring to Laaxersee, the village’s small central lake.
Agricultural Roots: Traditionally, Laax was a farming village with alpine pastures and forestry.
Tourism Growth: Tourism began in the 19th century, but Laax gained prominence after World War II with the rise of winter sports.
Modern Era: In the late 20th century, Laax reinvented itself as a freestyle and snowboarding hub, becoming one of Europe’s top destinations for youth-oriented mountain sports.
Description
Today, Laax combines:
A modern resort village with eco-friendly architecture (like the award-winning rocksresort, built with local stone).
Traditional Alpine hamlets with wooden chalets and views of the Rhine Valley.
A sustainable ethos, promoting renewable energy, local food, and minimal waste through the Greenstyle initiative.
Typical Foods
Traditional Graubünden and Alpine specialties you’ll find in Laax include:
Capuns – Swiss chard rolls filled with dough, bacon, and herbs, served in cream sauce.
Pizokel – small buckwheat noodles or dumplings, often served with cheese or vegetables.
Bündnerfleisch – air-dried beef from the region.
Maluns – grated potato dish fried in butter and served with cheese or apple sauce.
Cheese fondue and raclette – classic Swiss mountain fare.
Local cheeses and honey from alpine farms.
In summer, try local wild berry desserts and apple tarts.
Winter Activities
Laax is part of the Flims–Laax–Falera ski area, offering:
Over 224 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
Europe’s largest halfpipe and world-class freestyle parks.
Freeride and powder zones for advanced riders.
Ski schools and family-friendly slopes.
Snowshoeing, winter hiking, and cross-country skiing trails.
Ice skating on natural or artificial rinks.
Après-ski and nightlife around rocksresort and Crap Sogn Gion.
Summer Activities
When the snow melts, Laax transforms into a green adventure playground:
Hiking & trekking – over 250 km of trails, including scenic routes to Caumasee, Crestasee, and Il Spir viewpoint overlooking the Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon).
Mountain biking – world-class trails and flow lines like the Never End Trail.
Climbing & via ferrata routes.
Lake swimming and paddleboarding in Laaxersee and Caumasee.
Yoga retreats and wellness programs.
Paragliding, trail running, and golf nearby.
Shops & Local Crafts
rocksresort offers stylish boutiques, outdoor gear shops, and local product stores.
Farm shops and markets sell cheese, honey, herbal teas, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Flims and Chur (nearby towns) offer larger shopping options.
Festivals & Events
Laax has a lively year-round cultural and sports calendar:
LAAX OPEN (January): Europe’s biggest snowboard event (FIS World Cup).
SuddenRush Banked Slalom: A legendary snowboard race.
Greenstyle Festival: Focused on sustainability, nature, and conscious living.
Flims Open Air Cinema (Summer): Lakeside movie nights.
Art and music festivals, including Rocksresort Summer Opening and local folk celebrations.
?? Nature & Environment
Surrounded by the Flims–Laax UNESCO Tectonic Arena Sardona, a World Heritage Site showcasing dramatic geological formations.
Rhine Gorge (Ruinaulta): A deep canyon with turquoise water, often called the Swiss Grand Canyon.
Caumasee & Crestasee: Crystal-clear turquoise lakes ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Laaxersee: The peaceful lake right in the village.
Home to ibex, marmots, eagles, and rich alpine flora.
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