Switzerland 

                            Spotlight On Lenzerheide - Valbella

                                                                (Originally written for OnTheSnow.com)
                                                                                      by Ted Heck

Lenzerheide and Valbella are two villages in eastern Switzerland’s canton of Graubünden, at opposite ends of a pretty lake, the Heidsee. On both sides of the lake are nearly 100 miles of daily groomed slopes that comprise an intermediate skier’s heaven.

The orientation of the slopes is such that it is possible to cruise most of the day in the sun, by following it as it crosses over the lake. On the west side three peaks, Piz Scalottas, Piz Danis, and Stätzerhorn, tower over billowing snowfields through which trails have been groomed. They are a mixture of blues and reds. Snowboarders have a natural “fun pipe” on this side.

On the east side under the 9,400-feet-high Rothorn the terrain is tougher, with a ] vertical drop of nearly 4,500 feet and a top to bottom run of seven miles.

Such a picturesque setting calls for Nordic tracks, too, and there are more than 30 miles of them. Some 50 miles of walking trails attract those who want to be out in the winter air with less exertion. Skating, sledding, curling, and sleigh riding are also on the list of outdoor activities. Indoors are swimming pools and tennis.

Lenzerheide is twice the size of Valbella, both in number of inhabitants (1,300) and guest beds (5,200). As in most alpine resorts, vacationers who are careful in seeking accommodations find that they can be had quite reasonably. A representative package deal in a three-star hotel is seven nights of lodging, half-board and lift pass for about $600.

Lenzerheide has more history, culture and sightseeing possibilities. But in either place you can have fun with friends over a bubbling pot of fondue or while scraping cheese from the raclette grill.

In the unlikely situation of getting bored here, skiers have many other Graubünden resorts that are within easy drives (bus and rail will take longer). Among them are Arosa, Klosters, Davos, and Flims/Laax/Falera.

Neighboring villages of Parpan and Churwalden add charm, but the main sightseeing we recommend is in the medieval city of Chur, capital of the canton. It is only 10 miles, a short way to go to step hundreds of years back in time among old buildings and narrow streets.

People coming from the U.S. use the Zurich airport, 2.5 hours away by train, with bus connection in Chur to Lenzerheide/Valbella.