More information - Alpenarena - Switzerland

The Laax ski area, formerly known as the Alpenarena and incorporating the lift linked skiing above Flims, covers some spectacular terrain accessed by a well integrated network of cabin lifts and modern chairlifts. The longest trail is an incredible 14km (9 miles) long down from the Vorab glacier to Flims. Beginners can start off their skiing careers on the wide gentle nursery slopes by Flims Dorf or take the chairlift up to 1,590 metres at Startgels. 36% of the terrain suits intermediates, as does the 44% of trails graded easy, giving most cruisers four-fifths of this huge area to enjoy. Recent investment in lifts includes the new eight seater gondola 'Arena Express' from Flims to Nagens for the 97-98 season, and a new six seater chair from Plaun to Crap Sogn Gion, so it's easy to get back up the mountain quickly too. Highlights for good skiers, who have 22% of the terrain graded black, include the downhill from Vorab to Alp Ruschein ("6km (4 miles) of pure joy") and the World Cup Descent from Crap down Laax offers its own special challenges. Other favourites for good skiers and experts are the black down from Cassons Grat to Naraus and, at the end of the day, the long descent through the trees down from Nagens, which can ultimately continue on to Flims Walhaus. So you can ski back to the resort centre, even if you need transport to get to the lifts from there in the morning. The New Technology Centres (NTCs) at the base stations in Flims, Falera and Laax, as well as in Nagens and Crap Sogn Gion, are a good idea. They offer new equipment in all its forms, including skiwear and lift tickets, so you can kit yourself out in the latest gear slopeside and off-you-go. Cross country skiers are well catered for as well in the Laax area with 60km (36 miles) of prepared tracks, with some floodlit for night skiing.