Laax - The Swiss Resort Bringing California Cool To The Mountains
Switzerland might be famed for its fondues and chocolate box scenery (and actual chocolate boxes), but tucked away in the mountains, a little-known Californian revolution is happening. Since the 1980s, the resort of LAAX, Switzerland has quietly been making waves as Switzerland’s answer to Cali-cool.
How so, you ask. For the past 40 years, LAAX has brought visitors a surfer lifestyle to Switzerland with its freestyle snowsports offering in the winter, and skateboarding scene in the summer, earning fans in the process, such as global legend Tony Hawk, British snowboarder Amy Fuller, and Mia Brookes, who just became World Champion this winter, and who has been visiting and competing in LAAX for many years.
From eating well, keeping fit, and caring for the earth and its natural surroundings, here are four ways LAAX embodies the Cali- lifestyle:
Surfing in the snow
LAAX is famed among the world’s best snowboarders and skiers as the mecca for freestyle in Europe, but people may not realise this stems from a dream to create a Californian surf and skate haven in Switzerland. The vision to bring this way of life to LAAX started after Reto Gurtner, president of the Weisse Arena Group, studied in California in the 80s and returned to the mountains to take over the ski lift business after his father died. He subsequently brought the founder of LAAX’s snowparks, Reto Poltéra, on board in the 90s. Together, they were able to harness the “no rules” mantra of Cali’s surf and skate scene and bring inventiveness and creativity back to Switzerland - founding LAAX’s five snowparks, home to the world’s largest half pipe.
Reto Poltera says “as a child, there’s nothing better than being at the highest point of a swing, and feeling yourself falling back to earth – it’s the same rush surfers get as they cruise down a wave. This is what I wanted to bring to Switzerland. While Snowboarding became popular in the 80s and 90s it was still a pretty judgmental space, and frowned upon by skiers. We made a playground for everyone to surf in the mountains without judgement. It’s something we’re both immensely proud about.”
LAAX’s ambitions are high for the future of freestyle. Many world-class athletes have visited the destination’s Freestyle Academy, even Tony Hawk has been. The Academy is Europe’s first which is filled with trampolines and skate ramps, and the resort plans one day on having a pro skate run in summer months from the top of the mountain down to the valley.
Can someone call an Uber?
What's more Californian that the idea of chasing a team? In LAAX, the feeling is mutual.
LAAX’s passion is cultivating sustainable habits and striving for a greener future. For an example of this, look no further than the FlemXpress, LAAX’s new state-of-the-art gondola co-invented by the resort and Bartholet Maschinenbau AG, in partnership with environmental leaders. This year two old, energy inefficient chairlifts from the 70s were dismantled to make way for the new gondola.
In function, the gondola will work similar to an Uber, they will only run when called. Visitors will press a button to call the gondola, once arrived, passengers can enter the stationary gondola at ease and then select where they’d like to go. Only the gondolas in use will be on the track, while the rest remain off, cutting energy consumption as the lift isn’t constantly transporting empty cars.
This new technology strikes a balance between technology and environmental protection and once in use, the new gondola is expected to use up to 50% less energy than the previous chairlift.
Eating Green
Nourishing the soul is the first step, but fuelling the stomach with good quality, wholesome and locally sourced food is equally as important.
Plant-based restaurant, Riders, is the first of its kind in the area. The vegetarian cuisine at Riders focuses on regional products that are carefully selected and prepared before expert chefs create a new three course menu every week with dishes that reflect the changes with the seasons. The restaurant aims to promote a feeling of easy-going, light-hearted togetherness whilst offering experimental dishes that makes visitors forget the desire for meat-based meals.
The Party Doesn’t End
After a day jam-packed with outdoor events, the edge can be taken off by experiencing one of LAAX’s 30 bars and restaurants.
One of LAAX’s best-known clubs is the Riders Club, found underground at the Riders Hotel. The club lists a diverse line-up of music such as DJ Frutti Di Mare and Argyle. The hotel itself breaks the mold for mountain hotels, and has been known to host tattoo pop-ups and yoga sessions during the day. Alternatively, for those only looking for a night cap to round off the day, the Indy Bar offers a quintessentially Californian atmosphere, encouraging snowboarders and skiers to come in and enjoy an international beer or a shot or two.
Legna Bar, with its more traditionally Swiss panelled wood interior, offers the perfect set up to enjoy a beer, cocktail, or specialty coffee. Throughout the season there are several live-music acts such as DJs and other performers taking place whilst on the evenings where there isn’t a live performer, visitors can soak in the sounds of 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s disco music.
