We first visited LAAX in April 2018 and fell in love with the place immediately. Even before reaching the resort, we were greeted with the majestic landscape on the train ride from the airport.
Mind you, this was in spring and yet mountains were draped in snow and we saw people who were heading to the resort just like we were. There was a certain excitement in the air and the people walked around with such ease it made us feel welcomed and right at home. These weren’t just your average holiday goers—they were regulars, skiers, and snowboarders who seemed to return to LAAX year after year.
From the very first moment, we understood why they kept coming back.
WHERE IS LAAX?
(Not to be confused with LAX Airport or Los Angeles!)
LAAX is a snowboarder’s paradise nestled in Switzerland, just two hours from Zürich International Airport. This ski resort has earned the title of “Best Freestyle Resort” for six years in a row—they’re not kidding about being the best. With four freestyle parks catering to everyone from beginners to pros, 40+ features to try, and even an indoor Freestyle Academy to practice your tricks, LAAX is serious about its title.
What’s more, the annual LAAX Open will leave your jaw on the floor, with its show stopping line up of big names bringing their A game. top-tier snowboarders and skiers bringing their A-game. Watching the action live will make you fall head over heels for the sport. Check out highlights from this year’s event here.
LAAX is no stranger to hosting legends like @gimbalgod, @heldorhalgason, @stalesandbech, and @andriragettli. Plus, the impressive roster of LAAX team riders, such as @frederickilliano, @yungdoli, and @illi92, have chosen to call LAAX their home. With its incredible amenities, massive terrain, LAAX is one of the few resorts in the world which practices and places great emphasis on sustainability.
What do we like about LAAX?
- Freeride and groomed runs for days
For one, their massive resort consists of 224KM of terrain across 3 villages: Flims, LAAX and Falera. They have 60 runs in total with 28 ski lifts to cater for the entire place. Can you imagine that? Well if you can’t, here’s something to help you visualise how extensive the place is:
(INSERT SKI MAP)
From peak to base, you’ll spend at least 15 minutes bombing down the slopes. The altitude of 2,500–3,000 meters means consistent snow conditions from November to April each year. Their wide, open bowls mean one thing: glorious powder for all levels! If you’re new to powder, and tree runs in Japan scare you sh*tless, you’ll get to experience it here in LAAX with forgiving intermediate runs on which you get to hit some pow.
For the serious pow people, you’ll be spoilt for choice here! It’s a 15-minute T-Bar ride up to the peak of the mountain (Yes, no hiking involved!) and from there, dropping into any face of the mountain will guarantee you runs for days, quite literally.
On a powder day, you can expect to have untouched powder across pockets of runs in LAAX.
If you’re following us on Instagram, you’ll most likely have seen this video of us in LAAX. Yes, that’s 11AM in the morning, with clear blue skies and untouched powder.
NOTE: With big mountains come big risks. We always recommend hiring a guide if you plan to explore off-piste areas. You’ll understand why we recommend getting a guide once you take a look at the resort!
PRO-TIP: For those who like to stay connected, the LAAX app is pretty cool. It keeps you up to date with slope openings, weather, and webcams, plus you can track your runs and even buy lift passes. - Korua Shapes Demo Centre and Design Studio
If you’re curious about powder boards, check out Korua Shapes’ demo centre and design studio, located at Riders Hotel next to the Freestyle Academy. You can demo their boards for free and test them out on LAAX’s perfectly groomed runs, or hit up some side country for a bit of jibbing and carving. - LAAX Freestyle Academy and Terrain Parks
Not one, not two, but four terrain parks, each with more than 40 features to play with. Beginners can start small with smaller jumps, boxes, and side hits in the beginner park. Once you get more confident, move up to the medium park, where you’ll find bigger jumps and more features. The park shapers like to get really creative here, so you can expect the unexpected with its wild and out of the ordinary freestyle features. Check out some of them here: https://www.instagram.com/laax - LAAX freestyle academy
Whether you’re a beginner looking to work on your first trick or a seasoned pro aiming to level up, this place has everything you need.- Royal Coachman Session: If you’re into learning and refining tricks, the Royal Coachman Session is a special event where experts break down freestyle moves, from basic spins to more complex tricks, giving you the skills you need to master the slopes.
- Skate Bowl: If you’ve got a skateboarding background, you’ll feel right at home. It’s the perfect spot to practice those smooth, flowing turns and airs, combining elements of skateboarding and snowboarding.
- Freestyle Features: Whether you’re working on your first 180 or pushing for double corks, the variety of features here ensures that you’ll always have something new to try. The park is constantly being shaped and updated too, keeping things fresh and exciting!
- Trampoline Area: This is where you can work on aerial tricks in a safe environment, allowing you to perfect your flips and spins before taking them to the slopes. It’s like a mini freestyle gym that helps you build confidence and muscle memory, making those big jumps feel a little less daunting.
- Convenience from Zürich Airport
LAAX is just a 1.5-hour drive from Zürich International airport and there’s a few ways to get there
Shuttle Bus: Travelling with us? We’ll charter a private shuttle bus to pick you right from the airport and in just 1.5 hours, you’ll arrive at the tranquil, snow-covered slopes of LAAX.
Train & Bus: If you’re on your own, you can take the train and bus from the airport, and it’ll take about 2hours. It’s a scenic route so remember to check out the view from the train windows!
True Ski-In, Ski-Out Resort
One of the best things about staying at LAAX is how seamlessly the resort integrates with the slopes. On our LAAX Hosted Experience, your home base will be at Rocks Resort—the closest accommodation to the chairlifts. Staying at Rocks Resort also means you’ll have access to the following:
- Lockers directly at the base of the slopes: Each apartment at Rocks Resort comes with its own locker, conveniently located right at the base of the slopes. No need to haul your gear up the mountain—just drop it off and hit the slopes. Boots and glove dryers are available too, so you can drop off your wet gear and take the elevator straight up to your apartment to relax.
- Supermarket right outside your apartment: Very convenient when you need to grab a snack or stock up on essentials. No need to hop on another bus or train to get there.
- Food, Drinks, and Café Options at Ground Level: enjoy après-ski right below your apartment—you’ll have everything you need without even having to leave the resort.
- First Lifts are just a walk away: The best part—simply grab your gear, step out of your apartment, and you’re good to go. No long commutes to the slopes, no excuses for missing First chair if that’s your goal!
TL;DR LAAX IS BEST FOR…
- Intermediate snowboarders and skiers comfortable on red slopes and cat tracks
- Those looking to improve your freestyle skills
- Keen to check out the eden of snowboarding on Europe
- Star struck snowboard fans who wanna be able to ride alongside the pros!
Check out the action on LAAX?s Youtube channel for more temptation: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBlBk1j3FtQa7372nwW52Lw
Exploring a new ski resort’s always more fun with a group and with people who know their way around. If you’re interested to snowboard or ski in LAAX, check out our Hosted Experience in LAAX.
