Today we woke to the ground covered in stunning white powder!! It has snowed overnight and the a was a big white marshmallow!
We packed and decided it might be a long drive to Chur (80km) so headed off earlier than normal. The snow clearers were out on the road trying to get the snow off the road so we had a good run, although very slow for about 5 kms – then it got really, really bad. Nigel was sitting 70km on the autobahn and not game to brake for fear of losing traction. It snowed constantly for 60km and the road was covered in snow and ice. A really scary drive. The road didn’t clear until about 20kms out from where we needed to go so it was white knuckles all the way!! The scenery was beautiful for a passenger but not a driver. Many times it was a white out where you couldn’t see 100 metres off the road.
We made it to Chur and left our car at the Europcar office for the 4 nights in Arosa. Here we boarded a train ($14) to do the 1 hour trip up through the alps to the ski resort of Arosa. It was a magical train ride and the scenery was breath taking although looking down as we crossed some of the bridges was not for the faint hearted. The train was, as usual, beautiful and clean.
We landed in Arosa and were to be met by the shuttle bus from the hotel we are staying at – the Arosa Kulm. After 45 minutes waiting and 2 phone calls they arrived, extremely apologetic and offering free drinks tonight for the error on their part. Arosa looks stunning and so much like a typical Swiss alpine village.
We checked into our hotel (one of the rooms was ready) and were blown away – the place is beautiful – we look out over the mountains covered in snow. The room and service here is second to none, and when the kids got into their interconnecting rooms a few hours later, things got even better. Thinking the big gift box they each received on arrival was enough (filled with toys and videos) – their room had free chocolates instead of a fruit platter, a teddy bear each on their pillows, a children’s bathrobe and shoes, kids towels in the bathroom along with kids cups and flannels. They were blown away and think they are bit more than special at the moment!!!
We dropped our gear and raced down to get the kids fitted out for their ski lessons in the afternoon – a quick fitting and raced down to the nearest restaurant for some chips, nuslisalat and pumpkin soup - and it was back just in time for the to start their ski school. Their class goes for 2 hour and they are in with all nationalities but the instructors speak a bit of English. Nigel took off snowboarding for the rest of the day, and ended up back down at the train station where we started. After a massive uphill walk back to the ski school he realized the buses took the route and you can just jump on and off anytime for free.
The kids had a great time skiing – by the end Koji was going down the little hill by himself and Tommy was sliding down sideways on his bum. He was ready to give up but persisted until the end. Unlike many other places you ski, it’s not possibly to rent clothing here in Arosa, so it cost a fair bit this morning trying to get everyone decked out.
After the slopes it was back to the Arosa Kulm for hot chocolates, waffles and then hot showers / baths. We went to the Christmas Markets the hotel had put on tonight and were given mulled wine to compensate for the shuttle bus problem earlier in the day.
We then had a look around the hotel and chose one of the only two restaurants open to dine at. At $45 a main meal – it was not quite what we wanted – but in true Arosa Kulm style – the kids menu came in around $11 and the kids were treated like kings.
There is a kids club, bowling alley and a massive day spa with indoor heated pool here – the place is amazing…. I’d be happy to hang at the hotel all day!!!
Free internet, breakfast included, right next to the ski school, Nigel can sit in his jocks in the warmth of the room with minimal fuss….. all is well here in Arosa.
A goodnights sleep ahead.
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