Laax Kicks Off Winter Season 2019/2020

Snow has started falling in abundance across the Alps and one place which has received a full blanket cover is the Swiss ski resort of Laax. Thanks to the snowfall and low temperatures of the past few weeks, a thick layer of snow has formed at high altitudes, enabling the opening of pistes and lifts around Crap Sogn Gion Mountain.

Laax has just been named the World’s Best Freestyle Resort 2019, for the 4th consecutive year, and skiers and boarders have been arriving in their droves to take on the first snow.

Aside from their 224km of ski slopes and 4 snowparks attracting ski bunnies and novices alike, this year Laax will also be focusing on their eco initative – Greenstyle, their gastronomic offerings (with over 30 delectable restaurants), their abundance of unique non skiing activities for those that don’t wish to ski and their new affordable luxury ski package, with neighbouring resort, Davos.  

GREENSTYLE

The Greenstyle Foundation is a non-profit organization - a cooperation of the Weisse Arena Group as well as committed people and enterprises of the holiday destination in the Flims Laax Falera region. It is dedicated to the development and protection of our environment.

Sustainability is a key matter for the tourism industry, and Laax is no exception. Laax's environmental and energy concept ‘Greenstyle’  has established various measures for the protection of nature and the environment. Laax intends to become the world’s first self-sufficient ski resort in the world. An ambitious feat that is already bearing fruit today; over the last seven years, the winter destination has reduced its energy consumption by 15 per cent.

Some of the current Greenstyle initiatives underway include:

• Renewable and efficient energy use:
  • 100% of electrical requirements are already generated by CO2 neutral sources. Hydropower covers a large portion of the energy needs. Photovoltaic systems at the lift stations, the switch from oil to pellet heating and the use of heat pumps enable further C02 reductions.
  • Maintenance of the 224km of slopes is as efficient as possible, using data systems on the snow groomers to show the operator the optimum speed for minimum diesel consumption. The entire ski area was mapped using 3D technology, so efficient piste preparation is achieved by groomers using the 3D snow height measurement system to determine how much snow is located where.
  • The greatest potential for energy-saving measures lies in the building stock. New buildings must generate more energy than they consume (plus-energy buildings with a positive energy balance). The building itself generates the energy for both heating and hot water, primarily via photovoltaic and thermal solar systems. Existing buildings are undergoing energy-efficient refurbishment.
• Reducing waste and recycling:
  • Laax has specially developed recycling stations throughout the resort.
  • 8 freely accessible ‘Drink Water’ fountains, using fresh mountain water, to minimise consumption of plastic water bottles.
  • “Keep Cups” – receive a discount when buying coffee in a reusable instead of a disposable cup.
  • Banners on the slopes for the Laax OPEN snowboard event are recycled into bags and backpacks, and sold in ‘Das Original’ shop.
  • To minimise food waste, a pilot project at the Riders Hotel uses Kitro, a fully automatic food waste management tool to measure and analyse food leftovers in order to progressively optimise kitchen processes and reduce food waste. This has proven to save money and conserve resources. Other hotels and restaurants in the resort are now using the solution in their kitchens too.
• Transport:
  • The resort-wide shuttle is free of charge with a guest card.
  • The infrastructure for electric cars has been expanded, with dedicated recharging parking spaces throughout.
  • Expansion of the charging stations network, for e-bikes and electric cars, is ongoing.
• Nature:
  • Laax has implemented numerous wildlife, water and plant protection measures.
  • Dedicated wildlife habitat areas are protected from people to allow animals to retreat to quieter areas in winter in order to save energy.
  • Protecting biodiversity, by securing nature reserves with long-term agreements.
  • Only local wood is used for all new valley and mountain lift stations.

GASTRONOMY ON THE SLOPES

Das Elephant

Info: The name sounds strange, if not downright absurd, for a restaurant situated 2,477 meters above sea level in the heart of the Graubünden mountains. But the truth is actually quite simple. During the summer of 1992, a rescued elephant made a four-day guest appearance on the Crap Sogn Gion. The pachyderm was able to enjoy the breath-taking view from Crap Masegn every morning. And so, during the winter of 1992/1993, they named this restaurant in its honour. Since culture usually goes hand in hand with good food, the owners continue to stand by their values of offering conviviality, hospitality and exquisite culinary delights today.

Food: Creative, fresh cuisine, such as the legendary penne prepared in a parmesan wheel. Fish specialties and other delicacies are also served here.

Head Chef: Sascha Meyer

Gault Millau Points: 14

Mulania:

Info: The cuisine here is both traditional and exquisite - and how could it be otherwise with Sascha Meyer in the kitchen, whose 16 Gault Milau points promise guests a true gourmet experience.

Head Chef: Sascha Meyer

Gault Millau Points: 16

Grandis Ustria da vin:

Info: The Grandis in the middle of the rocksresort in Laax will pamper you with the finest antipasti, meat and cheese specialties from the open fire. Choose your favourite wine from a selection of over 1000 wines and spirits, and enjoy your drink together with the GRANDIS specialties 

CLOTHING REPAIR SERVICE: “Why throw it away when you can repair it?”

Guests and locals can have their clothing repaired free of charge at Riders Hotel on a weekly, fixed date. No matter how sustainably a product is manufactured, it consumes enormous amounts of resources and pollutes the environment. By wearing a garment for nine months longer already reduces the consumption of carbon, waste and water by 20-30% and conserves resources. Thanks to voluntary donations, the pilot project is initiated by the Greenstyle Foundation.

DON’T SKI?

Laax has a vast range of indoor and outdoor sporting activities including curling, ice-skating, ice hockey, and many more. Curling games are held at the Waldhaus arena - for individuals or groups, whether an experienced curler, or beginner, guests have the opportunity to rent one or more of their perfectly prepared rinks, by the hour of even by the day.

The resort also offers sledding, cross country trails, and snowshoeing & winter hiking.