Arosa
Arosa is about 426 km from Geneva Airport and the drive takes around 4 hours 50 minutes: motorway across Switzerland to Chur, then a long, winding mountain road up the Schanfigg valley to the very end of the road. The reward is a sunny, high resort in a sheltered basin, linked by lift to Lenzerheide. AirportsTransfers.ch brings you all the way from the arrivals hall to your hotel, so you can enjoy the scenery while someone else takes the bends.
- Distance from GVA: about 426 km
- Drive time: around 4 h 50
- Border crossing: none
- Ski area: Arosa Lenzerheide, linked via the Urdenbahn
- Best for: sunny skiing, winter walks, a dead-end valley with no through traffic
The route and the famous road from Chur
The first three and a half hours are straightforward: Lake Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Zurich, then east along Lake Zurich and Lake Walen and south to Chur. In Chur the character of the drive changes completely. The road to Arosa leaves the town and climbs into the Schanfigg, clinging to the side of the valley with a long succession of hairpins and curves, through small villages such as Langwies, before reaching Arosa at the end of the road. It is well maintained and open year-round, but it demands patience and experience in snow, and passengers prone to motion sickness will appreciate a smooth, unhurried driving style. The Rhaetian Railway line from Chur runs through the same valley, crossing impressive viaducts, and you will catch glimpses of it along the way.
The ski area: Arosa Lenzerheide
Arosa's own slopes rise from the village basin towards the Weisshorn, the Hörnli and the Brüggerhorn. The terrain is open and mostly above the treeline, with long red and blue runs that are ideal for intermediates and families, and some steeper lines for experts. Because Arosa sits high in a sunny bowl, it is known for good snow and bright days. Since the Urdenbahn cable car opened, Arosa has been linked with Lenzerheide on the other side of the ridge, creating the Arosa Lenzerheide ski area and giving keen skiers a much larger playground. Crossing over for a day is easy, but check the time of the last lift back so that you do not end up on the wrong side of the mountain.
Off-piste and freeride terrain can be found around the Weisshorn with a guide, while beginners have practice slopes close to the village. Sledging runs and a wide network of prepared winter walking trails make Arosa one of the most attractive Swiss resorts for non-skiers, who can reach mountain restaurants on foot. This makes Arosa a good compromise for couples or families where not everyone skis: the skiers can head for the slopes or cross to Lenzerheide, while the walkers follow marked trails high above the village and everyone meets for lunch. Cross-country skiers also have trails around the lakes and up the side valleys.
The village
Arosa is spread around two small lakes, the Obersee and the Untersee, in the upper basin of the valley. Inner Arosa, higher up, is closest to the original village and its old mountain church, while Ausserarosa near the station and the Obersee has many of the hotels and shops. Because the road ends here, there is no through traffic, which gives the village a calm, enclosed feel. Arosa developed as a health resort in the late nineteenth century and still has a strong tradition of relaxation, with spa facilities in many hotels and plenty of space for gentle activities. Evenings are quiet and civilised rather than loud.
When to go and practical tips
The season typically runs from early December to April. Thanks to its altitude and sunny orientation, Arosa enjoys good conditions through most of the winter, and March is particularly pleasant. Saturday is the main changeover day, and traffic on the road from Chur can be slow at that time. Our vehicles have winter tyres and chains, and our drivers are used to mountain roads. If you are prone to car sickness, sit in the front or in the middle row, and consider a light meal before the climb. Declare skis and luggage at booking.
Returning to Geneva
The trip back takes close to five hours, with the descent to Chur requiring care in snow. Plan for an afternoon or evening flight, and agree the pick-up time with your chauffeur the day before.
Book your Arosa transfer
On AirportsTransfers.ch you choose your vehicle and see a fixed price for the whole car before paying securely by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur meets you in arrivals with a name sign and tracks your flight, so waiting is included if you are delayed. Choose a Mercedes E-Class or S-Class for up to three passengers, or a V-Class van for up to seven with skis; child seats are available on request. Call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77 at any hour for assistance.
