Winter is almost upon us and we turn our thoughts to travelling to a wonderland of snow and pine trees. Growing in popularity with families, winter holidays are not just for après ski parties.
Waking up surrounded by beautiful countryside refreshed my soul. I opened my lungs and breathed in the thin air with its whiff of winter- Caroline Crutchley
Letting the train take the strain, I travelled to Chur, a name derived from a Celtic word meaning tribe. Chur is the Graubünden Canton capital in the east of Switzerland, and the original settlement dates back to Neolithic times.
I emerged from the station into the modern part of town. Only one hour from Zurich, the large station is a busy link with the rest of Switzerland and Austria.
The main road took me up towards the old city. Make sure you watch out for traffic as the Arosa train shares the road with motor vehicles. When the Arosa train leaves the station, everything else gives way.
A 10-minute walk through a modern shopping district took me alongside a torrent of muddy water that flowed from the mountains.
I entered into the old area of the city through the brick-built Tour De Malte. The Cathedral of St Luzius, built in medieval times, dominates the sky with its spires.
Narrow streets are lined with bars and cafes. The city is definitely for the young, and whatever the season, there is an urban vibe and partying goes on till dawn.
I walked to Hotel Franziskaner, my bed for the night. The pinewood-clad bar and restaurant served local food and doubled as the breakfast room. Rooms were modern and fresh.
Next morning a massive buffet breakfast was spread out on pine tables, and I marvelled at the psychedelic swirls on the painted boiled eggs.
Outside in the flag-decked streets, the light drizzle had not dampened the mood of the locals as they shopped among the farmers’ market stalls. Alpine farmers come down from the hills every Saturday to sell their sausages, cheeses and produce. After sampling the goats’ cheese and chocolate cake, I was ready to explore the city.
Roads intersect at squares with fountains and sculptures, while guild plaques on buildings denote old trades from times past. Shops are varied, but it is after dark that the city really comes to life. There are thousands of bars, and visitors and locals party hard. Everyone heads for home in the early hours just as the Sunday church bells ring.
Tucked away in the mountains there is Arosa, a special place that is so family orientated it actively discourages the party crowd. A holiday in Arosa starts from Chur, where I jumped on the fairytale train that winds its through pristine Alpine landscapes.
The one-hour journey takes you to Arosa station at nearly 2,000 metres. Emerging from the carriage, I was surrounded by mountains speckled with pines.
I sat on a sun-drenched bench overlooking the crystal clear lake filled with ducks and rowing boats. My visit took place just before winter had truly arrived, but there is guaranteed winter snow here and I knew this would soon be a frozen winter wonderland. Arosa has two colours – vivid green and white.
Walking through the Alpine woods, I was close to nature in its purest form. A swimming beach with umbrellas in the summer gives way in the winter to curling and sledging.
Arosa prides itself on supplying activities for the whole family. Active visitors can take part in skiing and snowboarding, while a horse-drawn carriage ride provides a magical memory.
The Squirrel Walk is a 40-minute stroll to see and feed local squirrels, with an accompanying comic book for kids. Venture into the woods to find walking trails marked out for different fitness levels.
The Tschuggen Hut Walk passes a historical mountain chapel and ends on a sun-bed at the Tschuggen Hotel Mountain Oasis Spa. Lunch at the top of the Hornti ski lift will set you back no more than €15, which will also buy you a pizza at Grottino.
After an active day there is plenty to entertain the mind when the body is shouting ‘enough’. The 20th Comedy Festival takes place between December 8 and 18. So if the stomach muscles weren’t aching from skiing, they will be after laughing.
Obersee Lake hosts horse-trot ice racing on January 15 followed by horse hurdle racing on January 22. There is more fun on January 27 as football teams compete in a tournament on ice... plenty of sliding tackles, I assume.
With a dedicated concert hall there are daily musical events to suit all, culminating in a festival in March. And if you want to find a late night party – not easy in this family orientated place – try Nuts (www.discnuts.ch).
Arosa at night is peaceful, a place to sleep and wake-up refreshed to enjoy the best of what nature provides.
These two holiday resorts are like chalk and Swiss cheese, but they’re linked by proximity.
Waking up in Arosa surrounded by beautiful countryside refreshed my soul. I opened my lungs and breathed in the thin air with its whiff of winter. Arosa was about to shed its green coat for white and beckoned to those wanting to experience a winter wonderland.