Scenic Swiss ski resort with snow-covered slopes, skiers, and a backdrop of towering alpine peaks under a soft winter skyScenic Swiss ski resort with snow-covered slopes, skiers, and a backdrop of towering alpine peaks under a soft winter sky

A complete guide to Laax

Everything you need for your Laax ski holiday.
23th February, 2025
5 min read time

Laax has earned a global reputation as a freestyle mecca, celebrated for its extensive terrain parks, including the world’s largest halfpipe, and vibrant freestyle culture. With 224 km (139 miles) of slopes spanning from gentle blues to higher-altitude glacier runs, the resort appeals strongly to all levels, offering families easy access to child-friendly areas while advanced skiers chase powder off-piste or tackle the Vorab Glacier. Off the hill, Laax’s modern infrastructure, diverse dining spots, and lively après-ski scene underscore its youthful energy.

Here’s a practical guide we’ve put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Laax ski holiday. You’re going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing.

Let's get started!

Laax, Switzerland - overview

  1. Where is Laax?
  2. Laax the resort
  3. Laax ski area
  4. Skiing in Laax
  5. Laax ski season dates
  6. Laax snow history
  7. Restaurants in Laax
  8. Things to do in Laax
  9. Laax apres ski, and nightlife
  10. Laax resort map
  11. Laax tourist information

Where is Laax?

Laax forms part of the Flims Laax Falera region in the Graubünden canton of eastern Switzerland, approximately 143 km (88 miles) south-east of Zurich.


Nearest airport

  • Zurich Airport: 169 km (105 mi)

Transfer time

  • Zurich Airport: (1 hr 43 min) Via A3

Laax the resort

  • Resort elevation: 1,100 m (3,608 ft)
Laax, Flims, and Falera unite under one lift pass, each offering distinct vibes. Laax is known for its youthful, freestyle energy, home to the rocksresort and lively après-ski near the base lifts. Flims retains a more traditional Swiss feel, with a family-friendly setup and comfortable accommodations near quieter slopes. Falera is the smallest, offering an intimate chalet village charm. Modern gondolas and efficient shuttle buses interlink these villages, ensuring an integrated holiday experience with Swiss quality infrastructure.
                                                                                                           
ProsCons
World-leading freestyle sceneSlopes can get busy on peak weekends
Varied ski terrainSome lodging spots require short bus rides to lifts
Modern lift systemFamily-friendly
Snow sureCan get pricy

Here is how Laax looks like

This short video provides a glimpse of everything Laax has to offer.


(Ref: Laax)

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Laax ski area

  • Summit altitude: 3,018 m (9901 ft) Vorab Glacier
  • Skiable terrain: 224 km (139 miles) in Flims–Laax–Falera
  • Vertical drop: 1,918 m (6,293 ft)
  • Ski lifts: 29s

Laax’s terrain ranges from the beginner-friendly base slopes to the Vorab Glacier at 3,018 m, guaranteeing good snow throughout the season. Freestylers flock to Crap Sogn Gion, the heart of Laax’s terrain parks, featuring the world’s largest halfpipe, an Olympic-sized Pro Kicker Line, and five distinct snow park zones (Beginner, Whoop De Doo, Ils Plauns, P60, NoName). Meanwhile, intermediate cruisers roam broad reds around Nagens or Alp Dado, and advanced riders challenge themselves on the itinerary routes and glacier steeps. Notably, Laax invests in sustainability with the new FlemXpress lift, reducing carbon emissions and featuring “on-demand” gondola deployment.

Skiing in Laax

Beginners

Laax accommodates beginners through well-groomed nursery areas at the resort base, Flims or Falera sides, and progressive blues across Crap Sogn Gion or Ils Plauns. Reputable ski schools guide novices from conveyor belts to easy slopes, harnessing consistent snow conditions courtesy of altitude and artificial coverage. The gentle piste near Alp Dado remains a favourite zone for building confidence, while the resort’s laid-back vibe suits first-timers well.

Intermediates

Intermediate skiers form Laax’s core crowd, enjoying rolling reds around the domain. The runs off Nagens and Grauberg feature scenic descents with manageable pitches, plus fast chair or gondola reascents for repeated laps. The Vorab Glacier end also hosts intermediate-friendly trails. Intermediates can easily fill a week exploring from Falera’s cruisy slopes to Flims’ extended runs.

Advanced

Though not an extreme freeride locale, Laax presents advanced riders with steeper lines on the Vorab Glacier, black runs off Crap Sogn Gion and further itineraries weaving between marked pistes.

Snowboarding

Laax arguably ranks among Europe’s top snowboard destinations, the LAAX OPEN event and five varied parks confirm its freestyle dominance. Beginners appreciate forgiving nursery zones and easy blues, while advanced boarders test themselves on the Pro Kicker Line in P60 or the monstrous halfpipe in Snowpark NoName. The “Whoop De Doo” wave track adds playful, surfy slopes for all levels. Boarders seeking pow lines head toward Vorab or itinerary descents.

Off-piste

While overshadowed by Laax’s freestyle rep, the domain also offers off-piste potential. Yellow-marked freeride routes encourage slightly less-experienced powder seekers to dip into deep-snow terrain with partial avalanche control. Skilled backcountry riders can venture further but should keep avalanche knowledge and proper gear in mind. The Freeride Base at Nagens fosters freeride culture, offering coffee, tips, and route suggestions.

Laax ski season dates

The ski season in Laax for 2024/25 started on November 30th and it's expected to run until April 21st, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Laax this winter, be sure to explore our Laax deals for the best ski offers available.

Laax snow history

Laax offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 30 cm (11.8 in) and 31 cm (12.2 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall decreases to 25 cm (9.84 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.4 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Laax, with an impressive 40 cm (15.7 in) of snow over 3.4 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 21 cm (8.26 in) of snow over 2.9 days.

                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December30 cm (11.8 in)3.3 days
January31 cm (12.2 in)3.3 days
February25 cm (9.8 in)3.4 days
March25 cm (9.8 in)3.5 days
April21 cm (8.2 in)2.9 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Laax

Laax’s culinary offerings blend Swiss tradition with contemporary flair, spread across both mountain huts and valley establishments. Highlight include:

  • Casa Veglia: a Cordon Bleu specialty restaurant
  • GRANDIS Wine Restaurant: modern ambiance, fine wine list, charcuterie, antipasti.
  • Il Paun & Fondue: evening fondue parlour, offering cosy Swiss classics.
  • Caffè NoName near Crap Sogn Gion: serving soups, paninis, coffees with an edgy vibe.
  • La Vacca: a heated tipi steakhouse perched on the slope, famed for charcoal-grilled cuts.

Things to do in Laax

  • Culinary trails
  • Winter hiking
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Sledging
  • Snow shoeing
  • Ice skating
  • Curling
  • Paragliding
  • Wellness & Spa
  • Yoga
  • Museums and libraries

Laax apres ski and nightlife

Laax fosters a youthful après-ski culture largely shaped by its freestyle crowd. Highlights include:

  • On the mountain Caffè NoName or Satellite Bar near Crap Sogn Gion, often hosting weekend DJ sets.
  • In the valley bars like Il Pup and Indy Bar keep the vibe casual, serving beers and creative cocktails.
  • Riders Hotel: the go-to spot for later parties, with a club downstairs hosting live music or themed events, open until the early hours.

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Laax resort map

Laax resort map

Download Flims-Laax-Falera facilities map here

Laax tourist information

  • Tourist office: Via Principala 60b, 7031 Laax
  • Tourist office phone: +0041. 819209200
  • Tourist office email: info@flimslaax.com
  • For visa & passport travel advice, visit here

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