Revealed! The secret to incredible family ski holidays in Switzerland

Family ski holidays in Switzerland are a good fit for February half-term or even Easter 2023. But you should be thinking about booking now and Family Traveller’s Andrew Dent can highly recommend Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa.

Private Tschuggen Express from Tschuggen Grand Hotel to Arosa Lenzerheide skiing

A fresh experience for family ski holidays in Switzerland

Skiing has been off the agenda for many over the last two seasons due to the dreaded pandemic. But seems you can’t keep avid skiers down, hence the 2022-23 season is looking like one of the busiest on record. The slopes are going to be full, especially for February half-term and Easter 2023: key family ski holidays. So now is the time to think smart about which ski resort and hotel to choose. Let me provide you with an idea: Tschuggen Grand Hotel in the beautiful Swiss resort of Arosa. And, if you’re really thinking ahead, and booking for 2023/24, you may even be able to combine your stay with the hotel’s ‘Private Mountain Experience’, offered every year at the very start of the season. But more of that later!

Skiing Arosa, Tschuggen Grand Hotel Private Mountain Experience 2022

Arosa Valley is Switzerland’s best kept ski holiday secret

The Arosa Valley and resort is a real hidden gem, and it is, literally, hidden. At over three hours, the transfer journey is a bit of a mission. However, the correct way to view this, is simply as part of the experience. After a flight to Zurich you set off on a rail adventure which ends on a spectacular winding single-gauge track up the mountain to your final destination. Kids will love it, as it’s like riding on your own private train set. Plus, Arosa is where royal families quietly come for ski holidays in Switzerland, so you know you’re in good company.

Spectacular mountain views, Arosa, Switzerland

Arosa’s 225km of pistes keep families busy on ski holidays in Switzerland

Once you arrive, the resort of Arosa combines with neighbouring Lenzerheide via a modern cable car.  The combined areas are served by the same lift pass offering family skiers a tasty total of 225km of pistes. Most of the runs are blue and red, making it an excellent area for children, beginners and intermediates. Although, with only 10% of the pistes designated as black runs, advanced skiers might find it a little underwhelming.

In summary, there’s plenty of skiing to enjoy and a week will fly past as you try to tick off every run. However, the task of achieving that feat isn’t helped by the wide selection of mountain restaurants tempting you to stop for lunch. They all serve great Swiss mountain fare washed down with great wines. Just remember, it is Switzerland, so things are not as cheap as in Italy or Austria, but it’s still not crazy expensive.

Evening ambience, Private Mountain Experience, Arosa 2022

Prestigious Tschuggen Grand Hotel pioneers private ski days

On the first weekend of the year the fabulous Tschuggen Grand Hotel uses it’s considerable muscle in the resort to command a private ski day for guests. With less than 200 people on the mountain, you can look forward to easily one of the most unique of skiing experiences. If that freedom isn’t luxurious enough for you, you’re also treated to hot drinks (alcoholic, should you wish) at the bottom of each lift. Safe to say you should save the date for Tschuggen Private Mountain Experience in your 2023 diary. More of this remarkable hotel up next…

Tschuggen Grand Hotel ‘Tress of Light’, Arosa ski holidays in Switzerland

Do you spa? Tschuggen Grand Hotel certainly does

Tschuggen Grand Hotel is a part of the family owned Tschuggen Collection, which includes four luxury hotels in total. Three of these are in the Swiss mountains and one, The Hotel Eden Roc, is on the shores of Lake Maggiore. What ties them all together is an unflinching commitment to both service and sustainability.

The Tschuggen Grand Hotel sits high on the mountainside over looking Arosa like the 100 year old grand dame it is. Just don’t expect it to be stuffy. The hotel has a spa and wellness centre which is nothing short of architectural genius. Completed in 2006, the spa area is known for its famous ‘tress of light’ which is a magical sight, especially when lit up in different colours at night.

Behind this innovative design lies a vast wellness area of over 5,000 m2. There’s also a great pool with an outside area you can swim through while enjoying the crisp mountain air. An ice plunge bath may be excellent for your ski legs, but could test your mental endurance. Additionally, there’s a series of saunas and steam rooms and while you don’t have to be naked, most people are, so be ready for that. Apparently wearing swim shorts doesn’t let the sweat out, so don’t be all British, just embrace the mood. And if you have the time, make sure to book a massage. I had the best deep tissue 60 minutes I’ve experienced not just on ski holidays in Switzerland, but anywhere in the world. Ask for Monica.

Junior Suite, Tschuggen Grand Hotel, Arosa, Switzerland

Add mountain views and sound sleeps to ski holidays in Switzerland

Back to the hotel all revived you’ll find spacious rooms most of which have balconies with views across to the mountains. There are lots of nice touches in the rooms themselves, including a book of sleep stories. But, make the effort to leave all that comfort to try the hotel restaurants. Two Michelin starred, ‘La Brezza’, wasn’t yet open during our stay. Although if the rest of the hotel is anything to go by, I imagine it’s superb. The Grand Restaurant has been refurbished ahead of the 2022/23 season and both breakfast and dinner are served here.

The hotel also runs a Moving Mountains Program. In the dining room this means a predominantly plant-based, locally sourced menu. However, good as the plant based options were, I did occasionally stray onto the meat main courses – also excellent.

Between the hotel, the resort and the region, Arosa creates very special Swiss ski holidays. Add to that the personal touches and amazing staff and you have a gem. Make sure to come. And if you visit next December for the Private Mountain Experience, don’t be surprised to see me there. After all this is the sort of place people come back to year after year.