Freeskiing
Why you need to visit Laax in 2018
Find out why this Swiss resort has been dubbed Europe’s coolest ski destination.
Part of the Laax-Flims-Falera ski area, Laax is home to 224 kilometres of beautifully wide runs, with over two thirds of these slopes above 2,000m, making it both one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland and a great snow-sure destination.
While it might not have the ‘chocolate box’ charm that many Swiss resorts strive for, every aspect of Laax – from its ultra-modern lifts and architecture to its rider-friendly hotel – has an air of slickness about it that’s unrivalled across Europe.
Freestylers are welcome at this hotel
© Laax
Freestyle capital of the world
Laax’s forward-thinking nature goes deeper than just its looks. While more traditional resorts tend to do little to encourage the freestyle mentality, Laax have gone above and beyond to embrace its culture. The premium freestyle facilities on offer don’t just raise the game in Europe, but have reached international acclaim, a fact that was recognised in 2016 when Laax was awarded with the title of the ‘World’s Best Freestyle Resort’.
Laax is home to the world's largest halfpipe
© Laax Open
When you look at Laax’s next-level setup the award certainly seems justified, with facilities including multiple terrain parks, the world’s largest permanent pipe, a dedicated freestyle run (P60) and even an indoor training facility, which is the first of its kind in Europe.
Freestyle is in Laax's DNA
© Laax
Due to the reputation it’s garnered as the go-to destination for world-class freestyle facilities, Laax has quickly become a mecca for the pros. The UK’s queen of slopestyle, Katie Ormerod, has been going to Laax every year since she was nine years old.
“Whenever I have free time I usually go there,” explains Katie. “The whole mountain is just so pretty and the park’s amazing – it’s one of the best. I usually go to the main pro line as they’ve got three really big jumps. Then the P60 run has so many different rails and jumps and loads of different jibs, it’s really good.”
While the resort attracts the world’s best riders, you don’t have to be a pro to make use of their world-class facilities. With 89 obstacles, all tastes and abilities are catered for, right down to the newest members of the freestyle world.
The perfect freestyle playground
Hone your skills in a controlled environment
© Daniel Ammann
To take your skills to the next level, the Freestyle Academy is the perfect training facility for bad-weather days, after-hours riding, or to hone a new trick that’s not quite ready for the park. Geared up for beginners right up to the pros, the indoor freestyle hall is home to a trampoline area, skate bowl, practice slope and various kickers with airbag landings, creating a progressive training space for you to try something new in a controlled environment.
A greener lifestyle
Coolness aside, what truly sets Laax apart from neighbouring Alpine resorts is its environmental consideration. Becoming all too aware of the detrimental effects that a bustling ski resort can have on the environment, Laax now operate under the sustainability concept known as ‘Greenstyle’. The innovative resort have set themselves the goal of using 100% sustainable resources, aiming to become the world’s first self-sufficient ski resort – something that home-boy Nicolas Muller has been working hard to advocate.
Quick guide to Laax:
When to visit: Late November through to April
Nearest airport: Zurich (1 hour 50 minute transfer)
Highest point: 3,018m (Vorab Glacier)
Lowest point: 1,100m (Laax base station)
6 day lift pass: From CHF 325.00
Freestyle setup: Four snowparks (one which includes the world’s biggest halfpipe), indoor Freestyle Academy
Where to stay: Laax's freestyle-friendly hotel – Riders Palace
Must-try food: Slow-roasted pork burgers at the bottom of Sogn Martin
Must-do run: Test your legs from the top of the Vorab Gletscher all the way down to Flims
Lunch: Caffè NoName for laid back lunch vibes with a view over the park
Apres: The Indy Cafe for live music and DJs
Dinner: Keep an eye out for the pop up travelling restaurant at the gondola hall. 2017 saw a unique 'Laax Vegas' extravaganza, complete with circus acts.
Nightlife: For late-night antics head down to the basement at the Riders Palace
