Summary

Flims and neighbouring Laax share a ski area that is one of Switzerland’s biggest, whether you look at overall dimensions or piste km. The mountain has other powerful attractions too, including altitude, but the sunny orientation is a bit of a liability when competing in the premier league. Which may be why, some years back, the resort decided to appeal to different markets by investing heavily in terrain parks, half-pipes, indoor freestyle facilities and high-profile events – and by adopting a new brand. Flims and Laax used to be marketed as Flims, and still are in the summer, when they continue to appeal to their traditional market of well-heeled Swiss and Germans. But in the winter they are marketed as Laax.

Flims Dorf is the main village and lift base, with shops and restaurants spread along a main road, with a bypass tunnel to remove most traffic. Waldhaus is a separate, leafy suburb of smart hotels. The area is popular with weekend visitors from Zürich, but can be quiet during the week.

Blogs, features and news

• Fabulous weekend skiing in Laax (aka Flims)