Visit Flims-Laax: 224 km of Slopes, Laax Snowparks, Lake Cauma & Rhine Gorge

General Information

Location: Canton of Graubünden, Eastern Switzerland Altitude: 1,100 m (Flims), 1,020 m (Laax), 1,220 m (Falera), 3,018 m (Vorab Glacier) Population: ~11,000 (total for the three villages) Languages: German, Romansh (traditional language of the region) Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

History

The history of Flims-Laax is deeply connected to the dramatic Flims Rockslide about 10,000 years ago – the largest known landslide in the Alps. A huge mass of 10 cubic kilometers of rock collapsed from the Flimserstein mountain, blocking the Rhine River and creating Lake Ilanz (which has since disappeared). The landslide shaped the unique landscape of the region, including the Rhine Gorge and numerous mountain lakes.

In the Middle Ages, the region was an important agricultural area. The first documents about Flims date back to 765, and Laax was mentioned in 1290. In the 19th century, Flims began to develop as a climatic health resort, attracting wealthy Europeans. The first hotel was built in 1874. The development as a ski resort began in the 1940s with the construction of the first lifts. The big breakthrough came in the 1970s and 1980s when the three villages – Flims, Laax, and Falera – merged their ski areas into a single system.

In recent decades, Laax has established itself as a world mecca for freestyle. The first Superpipe was built in 2005, and the current one, the largest in the world, in 2012. Today, Flims-Laax is one of the most modern and innovative resorts in the Alps, known for its focus on sustainability and its "greenstyle" philosophy.

Economy

The region's economy is based primarily on tourism, which generates over 80% of the revenue. The resort attracts about 1.5 million overnight stays annually. The Weisse Arena Gruppe (operator of the lifts and the resort) is the largest employer with over 500 employees. In addition to winter tourism, the summer season is also important, with a focus on hiking, biking, and water sports.

Flims-Laax is a pioneer in sustainable tourism. The resort has an ambitious "greenstyle" strategy that includes the use of renewable energy (100% of the electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants), reducing the carbon footprint, and protecting nature. In 2018, Laax became the first resort in the world with climate-neutral lifts.

Culture and Traditions

Flims-Laax combines traditional Graubünden culture with a modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The region is part of the Romansh cultural area – Laax and Falera are traditionally Romansh villages where this ancient Rhaeto-Romanic language (one of the four official languages of Switzerland) is still spoken.

Every year, traditional festivals are held such as Chalandamarz (March 1) – a spring festival where children ring bells to drive away winter, and Alpabzug (September) – a festival celebrating the descent of livestock from the Alpine pastures. The cuisine is typical of Graubünden with an emphasis on local products – Capuns (a traditional dish with spinach and meat), Bündnerfleisch (air-dried meat), Maluns (a potato dish), and local cheeses.

The modern culture of Laax is strongly influenced by the freestyle and snowboard scene. The resort attracts young people from all over the world, which creates a unique, international atmosphere. There are numerous cultural events, concerts, and festivals, especially during the winter season.

Ski Schools and Children's Programs

Flims-Laax offers excellent opportunities for learning to ski, snowboard, and freestyle. The Swiss Ski School Flims-Laax has over 200 instructors who speak multiple languages. For children, there are special programs:

Ami Sabi Kids Club – a kids' club for children from 3 to 12 years old with instruction, games, and care throughout the day. Freestyle Academy – an indoor training center for freestyle with professional coaches. Beginner Parks – special parks for first steps in freestyle. Family Zones – special zones with easy pistes and children's lifts.

For advanced skiers, there are specialized programs for freeride (with avalanche safety training), racing, and professional freestyle. Laax is home to many professional riders and regularly hosts international competitions.

Practical Information

• Best time to visit: For skiing – from November to May (thanks to the high altitude). For hiking and biking – from June to October. For swimming in Lake Cauma – July and August.

• Transport in the resort: Free buses connect Flims, Laax, and Falera with the lift stations. There is also a train connection to Chur. In summer, there are special bike shuttle buses.

• Food and drinks: Be sure to try Capuns, Bündnerfleisch, and Maluns. There are over 30 mountain restaurants with traditional and international cuisine. For modern cuisine, visit the restaurants in rocksresort.

• Clothing: Wear sunscreen even in winter – the sun is strong at high altitudes. For freestyle, be sure to wear a helmet and protectors.

• Language: The official languages are German and Romansh, but English is spoken in the tourism sector. Many of the staff also speak other languages.

• Flims-Laax Card: Guests receive a Guest Card with discounts for many attractions and free transport.

• Internet: Excellent Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and even on some lifts. There is high-speed internet in rocksresort.

• Sustainability: Flims-Laax is a leader in sustainable tourism. Use public transport, recycle, and respect nature.

• Freestyle: If you are a freestyle beginner, be sure to take a lesson and start with the Beginner Park. Wear a helmet and protectors!