A complete guide to Lenzerheide

Everything you need for your Lenzerheide ski holiday.
2th April, 2025
5 min read time

Lenzerheide is a traditional Swiss resort village known for its scenic lakeside setting, relaxed atmosphere, and excellent connections to one of the country’s largest skiing domains: Arosa Lenzerheide. Whether you’re a family discovering gentle slopes, an intermediate hoping to rack up the kilometres, or an advanced rider looking to test your mettle on a World Cup run, Lenzerheide offers a memorable winter getaway framed by the majestic Graubünden Alps.

Here’s a handy guide to help you plan your ideal Lenzerheide ski holiday, touching on everything from local highlights and runs for all abilities to the best places to eat and wind down after a day on the slopes.

Let's get started!

Lenzerheide, Switzerland - overview

  1. Where is Lenzerheide?
  2. Lenzerheide the resort
  3. Arosa Lenzerheide ski area
  4. Skiing in Lenzerheide
  5. Lenzerheide ski season dates
  6. Lenzerheide snow history
  7. Restaurants in Lenzerheide
  8. Things to do in Lenzerheide
  9. Lenzerheide apres ski, and nightlife
  10. Arosa-Lenzerheide piste map
  11. Lenzerheide tourist information

Where is Lenzerheide?

Lenzerheide lies in the canton of Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland, about 20 km (12 miles) south of the nearest major city, Chur.


Nearest airport

  • Zurich Airport: 165 km (102 mi)

Transfer time

  • Zurich Airport: (1hr 53 min) Via A3

Lenzerheide the resort

  • Resort elevation: 1,473 m (4,833 ft)
  • Population: ~2,740
A peaceful village built around Heidsee (Lake Heid), Lenzerheide combines old-world Swiss charm with modern tourism services. It’s both family-friendly and well-suited for active sports enthusiasts, boasting direct ski-in/ski-out lodging (snow conditions permitting) and a welcoming centre, often referred to as “Lai”, packed with shops, restaurants, cafés, and a sprinkle of après-ski spots. The resort is prized for its easy-going vibe, cultural richness, and unique location in a sun-kissed valley ringed by stately peaks.
                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Part of the largest ski area in GraubündenNot as big or famous as some high-profile Swiss mega-resorts
Scenic lakeside settingCan get busy during peak holiday weeks
Good variety of ski terrainLimited après-ski, and nightlife
Many accommodations near the slopesVery steep terrain is limited

Here is how Lenzerheide looks like

This short video provides a glimpse of everything Lenzerheide has to offer.


(Ref: Lenzerheide)

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Arosa Lenzerheide ski area

  • Highest lift access point: 2,865 m (9,400 ft)
  • Skiable terrain: 225 km (140 miles)
  • Pistes: 110 km/68 mi blue, 87 km/54mi red, 28 km/17 mi black
  • Vertical drop: 1,636 m (5,367 ft)
  • Ski lifts: 43

Previously separate ski areas joined forces in the 2013/2014 season with the construction of the Urdenbahn cable car, forming a continuous playground spanning both valleys. On the Lenzerheide side alone, you’ll find 4 snow park areas, 29 lifts, and 91 distinct slopes, from mellow family runs to the “Silvano Beltrametti” World Cup slope, which is reputedly the steepest in the region with a maximum gradient of around 66%. Skiers and snowboarders can expect modern lift infrastructure, multiple freestyle parks, and an array of mountain restaurants to explore.

Skiing in Lenzerheide

Beginners

Learning to ski is straightforward here. Lenzerheide features three main children’s areas (Auarara, Fastatsch, and Heimberg), where gently sloping terrain and magic carpets allow newcomers to gain confidence in a secure environment. Younger kids especially love the Globi slope (no. 45), where Switzerland’s lively blue parrot mascot teaches slope safety through fun stations. Several local ski schools provide English-speaking instructors, and equipment rental shops are abundant in the village.

Intermediates

With 87 km of red runs (in the full Arosa Lenzerheide network), intermediates can expect plenty of rolling terrain across multiple faces. You can roam between the Scalottas side and the Rothorn area for variety, or hop over to Arosa for even more mid-range routes. The result is an expansive domain offering broad pistes, forest-lined descents, and top-notch scenery, ideal for racking up mileage without feeling overwhelmed.

Advanced

Though less renowned for expert terrain compared to some Swiss giants, Lenzerheide packs a punch with its Silvano Beltrametti World Cup slope, a formidable run boasting a steepest section of 66%. The Rothorn sector often includes more challenging reds and a handful of black pistes, providing enough variety to satisfy confident skiers in search of steeper descents within the groomed network.

Off-piste

Away from the marked slopes, Arosa–Lenzerheide features an extensive off-piste playground, comprising 29 varied freeride routes. Expect everything from rocky drop-ins and narrow couloirs to gentler powder fields, especially around the Rothorn in Lenzerheide or the Brüggerhorn in Arosa. Guided tours cater to different ability levels, and hiring a local guide is strongly advised for safe navigation, avalanche awareness, and insider tips on where to find the best snow.

Snowboarding

Snowboarders will appreciate the 4 snow park areas on the Lenzerheide side alone, plus additional setups in Arosa, making the entire domain a freestyle hotspot in Graubünden. Wide blue and red pistes cater to mellow carving sessions, while the minimal reliance on drag lifts spares boarders the awkward climbs. From beginner boxes to advanced kickers, each park suits different skill levels, ensuring progression for every type of rider.

Lenzerheide ski season dates

The ski season in Lenzerheide for 2024/25 started on November 23rd and it's expected to run until April 21st, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Lenzerheide this season, be sure to explore our Lenzerheide deals for the best ski offers available.

Lenzerheide snow history

Lenzerheide offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 24 cm (9.4 in) and 22 cm (8.6 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.0 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall decreases to 19 cm (7.4 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.1 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Lenzerheide, with an impressive 30 cm (11.8 in) of snow over 3.4 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 17 cm (6.6 in) of snow over 3.0 days.

                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December24 cm (9.4 in)3.1 days
January22 cm (8.6 in)3.0 days
February19 cm (7.4 in)3.1 days
March19 cm (7.4 in)3.3 days
April17 cm (6.6 in)3.0 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Lenzerheide

Lenzerheide is known for combining traditional Graubünden cooking, with global influences and high-end Swiss gastronomy. Highlights include:


  • Piz Scalottas: a classic, rustic restaurant at the top of the Scalottas lift.
  • Alphütte Fops: a small, quaint lodge offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and a selection of local favourites.
  • Mottahütte: known for its sun terrace and comforting mountain fare.
  • La Riva: a long-established favourite with over 30 years of history.
  • Grotto Pizzeria Da Elio: a casual spot for anyone craving pizza and pasta.
  • Scalottas Terroir: higher-end dining focusing on regional produce and seasonal recipes.

Things to do in Lenzerheide

  • Winter hiking
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Biathlon
  • Snowshoeing
  • Sledging
  • Zip line
  • Tobogganning
  • Ice skating
  • Ice hockey
  • Curling
  • Light Ride
  • Foxtrail
  • Swimming
  • Spa
  • Sauna & steam bath
  • Fitness
  • Mini golf

Lenzerheide apres ski and nightlife

Lenzerheide’s après-ski tends to be more relaxed than in some of Switzerland’s liveliest resorts, yet you’ll still find enough slope-side stops and in-town venues to celebrate. Highlights include:


  • Chaemi Bar: a local favourite with a warm, welcoming feel.
  • Kurhaus Bar: located in the Kurhaus complex, sometimes it hosts special events.
  • ZBar: popular for casual après drinks.
  • Goldgräber-Bar: near the Rothorn valley station, this is a convenient spot to pop into after your final run.
  • Avant Clavo Bar & Grill: blends a modern bar vibe with a casual grill menu.
  • Cinema Music Club: one of Lenzerheide’s main go-to venues for DJ nights and live bands.

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Arosa-Lenzerheide piste map

Arosa-Lenzerheide piste map

Download Arosa-Lenzerheide piste map here

Lenzerheide tourist information

  • Tourist office: Voa Principala 37, 7078 Lenzerheide
  • Tourist office phone: +0041. 813855700
  • Tourist office email: info@lenzerheide.swiss
  • For visa & passport travel advice, visit here

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