The Swiss Ski Resort Worth Visiting – No Skis Required

A resort for all

LAAX is one of Switzerland’s most exciting winter destinations, offering as much for non-skiers as it does for those hitting the slopes. Just 90 minutes from Zurich, it’s easy to reach yet feels worlds away, with miles of pistes, a legendary freestyle scene, and a laid-back, modern vibe. But skiing isn’t the only draw. From Scandi-chic spas and panoramic winter hikes to gourmet dining and a world-class freestyle academy, this resort has something for everyone.

Here, Features Editor Lizzie Cox reveals why this Swiss resort deserves a spot on your bucket list... 

For skiers: A snow-sure destination

High in the Swiss Alps, LAAX is all about long seasons and reliable snow. Thanks to its altitude and expert snow management, skiers and snowboarders can count on great conditions well into spring. Whether you’re after deep powder off-piste or smooth, well-groomed runs, you'll find it right here.  

For non-skiers: The world's longest treetop walkway

A highlight of the resort area is Senda dil Dragun, the world’s longest treetop walkway. Suspended 92 feet above the forest floor, this elevated wooden path winds for almost a mile through the canopy, offering stunning panoramic views. After wandering through the treetops, you can opt for a thrilling descent via a spiraling metal tunnel slide or simply stroll back at your own pace. 

For skiers: Terrain for all levels

With 133 miles of slopes, LAAX caters for skiers of all abilities. Whether you're gliding down wide-open blue runs, cruising along intermediate reds, or tackling black-graded steeps, there's a perfect slope for every style. The varied terrain makes it easy to explore new areas, keeping even the most seasoned skier entertained for days.

For non-skiers: Freestyle lessons

If you’re not a skier (or snowboarder) but want to change that, this is a great place to start. Like any top ski resort, it has a ski school catering to all levels – even for those who have never touched a pair of skis before.

What sets LAAX apart is a focus on freestyle. Every lesson incorporates elements like jumps, rails, and boxes, giving beginners a chance to explore terrain features from day one. With five snowparks to progress through, you can start small and build confidence at your own pace. 

For skiers: World class freestyle scene

If LAAX had a middle name, it would be 'Freestyle.' Home to Europe’s largest halfpipe and five expertly crafted snow parks, the resort is a hotspot for snowboarders and freestyle skiers looking to push their limits. Even if you’re not planning to launch off a kicker yourself, watching the pros soar through the air is an experience in itself. 

For non-skiers: Europe's first indoor freestyle centre

Europe’s first indoor freestyle training center is perfect for kids and non-skiers, featuring a five-square trampoline, double-sized skate bowl, and parkour zone with a jumping tower and airbag.

Whether you’re looking to try something new, refine your tricks, or just burn off some energy, this indoor playground is a great alternative to the slopes.

For skiers: State of the art gondolas

Dubbed the ‘Uber Gondola,’ the revolutionary FlemXpress runs on-demand, meaning it only moves when people are ready to board and takes you straight to your destination – skipping unnecessary stops along the way.

This cuts energy use by up to 50%, while also reducing queues and overcrowding. It’s all about making life easier for skiers and snowboarders, letting you go at your own pace while keeping things eco-friendly as part of LAAX’s Greenstyle initiative.

For non skiers: A spa day to unwind

If skiing isn’t your thing, the Signina Wellness Spa is the perfect place to unwind. Relax in the expansive indoor pool – featuring massage jets and bubble loungers – or soak up some heat in the Finnish sauna and steam bath before braving the cold plunge. For the ultimate treat, why not indulge in a massage? There’s even a decadent chocolate option. 

For skiers: Apartment style living right near the action

The rocksresort is ideal for skiers who want to hit the slopes with zero hassle. With the main gondola just steps away, the resort’s modern, minimalist apartments are both stylish and practical – giving you plenty of space to unwind after a day on the mountain.

And when the lifts close, buzzing après-ski bars and great restaurants are just steps away within the resort’s lively, car-free village.

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For non-skiers: A private spa experience

The rocksresort is just as much a haven for non-skiers as it is for those hitting the slopes. There’s no feeling cooped up in a tiny hotel room here – these stylish apartments have huge windows, a full kitchen, and plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

If unwinding is the goal, the stunning stone bath tubs and steam shower rooms mean you can enjoy a spa experience without even leaving your room.

For skiers: Off-piste adventures

With vast stretches of untouched powder, natural drops, and exhilarating tree runs, LAAX delivers some of the best off-piste adventures in the Alps. 

LAAX offers freeride tours, where expert guides take you to the best hidden spots while ensuring you stay safe in the backcountry. For those keen to explore further, the resort also offers avalanche safety courses, equipping riders with the skills they need to navigate off-piste terrain.

For non-skiers: Shopping in Flims

Just a 10-minute bus ride from LAAX is Flims, a picture-perfect alpine village with charming streets, cozy cafés, and beautifully preserved Swiss chalets.

Shopping here is a mix of boutiques, artisan stores, and Swiss specialty shops, while stylish concept stores offer everything from alpine-chic clothing to carefully curated décor. Whether you're treating yourself or just soaking up the surroundings, Flims offers a laid-back alternative to a day on the slopes.

For skiers: Coffee on top of the world

Perched 7,388 feet on Crap Sogn Gion, GALAAXY Mountain Station is where retro design meets high-altitude cool. With plush pink banquettes, vintage-inspired décor, and a color palette straight out of a Wes Anderson film, it’s easily the most stylish spot on the mountain.

Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the space, offering sweeping views of the Swiss Alps, making every coffee break or leisurely lunch feel cinematic. 

For non-skiers: Snowsports at a more relaxed pace

Not everyone is a fan of downhill skiing, and LAAX offers plenty of ways to enjoy the winter landscape at a slower pace. Miles of snowshoe and hiking trails wind through serene alpine forests and ridgelines for those looking to explore on foot.

Prefer gliding over trekking? Cross-country skiing is another fantastic way to take in the scenery, with well-groomed trails stretching through the valley and beyond. 

For skiers: Lunch in a cosy alpine hut

In the heart of the UNESCO-listed Tectonic Arena Sardona, Segneshütte is anything but your average mountain hut. Accessible only by skiing or hiking, getting there feels like part of the adventure – but once you arrive, you’re rewarded with high-end dining in a beautifully renovated space.

The stripped-back interiors and panoramic views create the perfect setting for a long, indulgent lunch, and the menu is just as impressive –showcasing locally sourced ingredients and carefully crafted dishes that rival top city restaurants.  

For non-skiers: Dine in the resort

There are plenty of incredible dining options off the slopes, too, and a highlight is Riders. The first fully plant-based restaurant in the region, it blends Scandi-Swiss minimalism with intimate low-lighting – the perfect backdrop for food that takes vegetarian dining to another level. 

Each week, a new three-course menu showcases seasonal flavors that make meat feel irrelevant. Every dish is beautifully plated and completely unique – if the Burrata salad (pictured) is on offer, don’t think twice. 

For skiers: A window into Earth's history

LAAX offers a rare glimpse into the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, best seen at the Tschingelhörner range, part of the UNESCO-listed Tectonic Arena Sardona. This dramatic landscape, shaped over millions of years, is a testament to the immense forces that created the Alps.

For the best views, take the Grauberg gondola to its upper station, where the jagged rock formations and exposed layers reveal the Earth's shifting past. 

For non-skiers: A winter walk through Switzerland’s Grand Canyon

An easy yet rewarding walk begins in the snow-dusted Flims Forest, leading past the turquoise waters of Lake Cauma – a sight that feels almost otherworldly in winter. From here, the trail continues to the Rhine Gorge – often called the Swiss Grand Canyon – where sheer limestone cliffs drop dramatically into the winding river below. 

The best vantage point? Il Spir, a striking viewing platform in Conn, offering uninterrupted panoramas over the gorge and the Chrummwag peninsula, where the Rhine loops in a perfect horseshoe bend. 

For skiers: Personalised rentals

Ski rentals in LAAX are refreshingly straightforward, offering high-quality equipment suited to all levels without the usual hassle. LAAX Rental, located at the valley station, makes it easy to find the right fit, with staff who actually take the time to match skis or snowboards to your ability and style. 

Whether you're after stability as a beginner or something more responsive for technical skiing, they provide a more tailored experience than your average resort rental.

For everyone: The Greenstyle Initiative

Want to feel even better about your trip? LAAX isn’t just about world-class skiing – it’s also one of the most sustainable resorts in the Alps. Through its Greenstyle Initiative, the resort is powered by renewable energy, runs on energy-efficient lifts, and has ambitious waste reduction programs to shrink its environmental footprint.

From carbon-neutral operations to cutting-edge conservation efforts, LAAX is proving that epic skiing and eco-conscious travel can go hand in hand.

Lizzie Cox visited LAAX as a guest of the resort and the Swiss Tourism Board in January 2025. 

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