Major city · Switzerland
Laax
Go for 2–3 nights if you ski or ride; in summer 1–2 nights is enough — the lifts and lakes are the whole point, not the village.
Laax is a scattered mountain municipality in the Surselva, made up of several villages, of which Murschetg holds the base station for the Alpenarena ski area shared with Flims and Falera. It is a snowboarding centre rather than a sightseeing town: the mountain, the half-pipe and the summer lakes carry the trip. Come for the lifts, stay near the base station, and treat the villages as somewhere to sleep and eat.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CHF
- Best months
- Dec–Apr for skiing; Jun–Sep for hiking, biking and lake swimming
- avoid Mid-Oct to mid-Dec (lifts and many businesses shut), plus the Christmas and February school-holiday peaks if you dislike crowds
- Airports
- ZRH · BSL
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Switzerland ↗Switzerland is in the Schengen area but not the EU: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Switzerland ↗Switzerland is outside the EU customs area: allowances on meat, alcohol and tobacco are strict and checked at borders.
- Switzerland ↗Motorways need a vignette (sticker or e-vignette) before you drive on them.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Laax117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Laax, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).Switzerland-wide
- SIM or eSIMSwisscom, Sunrise and Salt sell prepaid SIMs (ID needed); Swisscom covers the most mountain terrain.Switzerland-wide
- Tap waterTap and fountain water is excellent.Switzerland-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service included; round up or leave 5–10% for good service.Switzerland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/J. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Switzerland-wide
- SafetyLaax is a safe, small Alpine resort; the real risks are on the mountain — off-piste terrain, avalanche conditions and cold glacial water…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsStation toilets cost CHF 1–2 (≈ US$2–3); restaurants and department stores are free for customers.Switzerland-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 144 ambulance · 118 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close early on Saturday in small towns and all day Sunday, except stations and airports.Switzerland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZRH Zurich (Train to Chur, then PostBus to Laax; allow about 3–3.5 h door to door).
- Getting aroundPostBus from Chur takes 40–60 min (1–3 an hour depending on season) and runs via Flims; an hourly bus from Ilanz takes about 20 min.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee in a village caféCHF 4–6 (≈ US$5–8)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can from a shopCHF 6–9 (≈ US$8–12)CHF 2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekCHF 15–30 (≈ US$19–40)
- Budget bedHostel or simple guesthouse bed, a night, per personCHF 45 (≈ US$60)
- Mid-range bedHotel or apartment double room, a night, per roomCHF 220 (≈ US$300)
- High-end bedHotel or apartment double room, a night, per roomCHF 420 (≈ US$550)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CHF 90 (≈ US$120) · Mid CHF 160 (≈ US$200) · High CHF 280 (≈ US$350)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ZRH Zurich (Train to Chur, then PostBus to Laax; allow about 3–3.5 h door to door) · BSL Basel-Mulhouse (Longer rail transfer via Zurich or Chur; check connections before booking)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
Care
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
Best
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Apr
Best
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
Care
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Best: Jan, Mar–Apr, Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb, Dec. Avoid: Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C) low), wettest Jun (13 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Laax: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
9 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
8 rd
Mar
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
9 rd
Dec
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
PostBus from Chur takes 40–60 min (1–3 an hour depending on season) and runs via Flims; an hourly bus from Ilanz takes about 20 min. Local buses link the districts of Laax and Flims, and a free winter shuttle runs from Falera to Fidaz. A car helps for the outer villages and summer lakes, but the ski buses cover the winter core.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Flims
goDoor to door: About 30 min
PostBus or local bus from Laax, about 10–15 min
Same lift pass, gentler runs and a bigger village for a change of restaurants.
Falera
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Free winter shuttle, or bus in summer
Quiet village on the lift network; good for a half-day.
Ilanz
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Hourly bus, about 20 min
Market town on the Vorderrhein; useful for shopping and rail connections.
Disentis
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Bus or train via Ilanz, then the Surselva line
Monastery and upper valley; a long half-day, better as an overnight if you want the mountains.
Val Lumnezia
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Bus via Ilanz
Quiet side valley for hiking; check bus times, they are sparse.
Vals
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Bus via Ilanz
Thermal baths and stone-roof village; too far for a comfortable return day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Murschetg (base station)
Lift base, RocksResort apartments and the Signinahotel; walk to the cable cars in minutes. Best for skiers and riders.
Laax Vitg (the main village)
Traditional core with the museum, church and most village restaurants; a bus or short drive from the lifts.
Falera and Flims
Neighbouring villages on the same lift pass; the winter shuttle links Falera to Fidaz, so you can sleep cheaper and still reach the slopes.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CHF 90–140 (≈ US$120–180) excl. bed
- Mid
- CHF 140–230 (≈ US$180–300) excl. bed
- High
- CHF 230 (≈ US$300)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or apartment double room1 × 3 nights × CHF 220 | CHF 660 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × CHF 160 | CHF 960 |
| Alpenarena day pass, adult2 × CHF 77 · check | CHF 154 |
| Alpenarena day pass, child2 × CHF 26 · check | CHF 52 |
| PostBus Chur to Laax, one way2 × CHF 15 · check | CHF 30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CHF 20 | CHF 40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CHF 190 |
| Trip total≈ CHF 348 per person per day, bed included | CHF 2,086≈ US$3,000 |
2026 estimate in Swiss francs; travel to Laax and lift passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee in a village café | CHF 4–6 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Plate of rösti or pasta in a village restaurant | CHF 20–32 (≈ US$25–40) |
| Mountain restaurant lunch on the slopesMostly open only during lift hours, mid-Dec to mid-Apr. | CHF 22–38 (≈ US$30–50) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can from a shop | CHF 6–9 (≈ US$8–12) / CHF 2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| PostBus Chur to Laax, one way | CHF 12–18 (≈ US$15–25) (check) |
| Alpenarena day pass | CHF 77 (≈ US$100) adult / CHF 26 (≈ US$35) child |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | CHF 15–30 (≈ US$19–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The municipality is spread over several villages: check which one your bed is in before booking, or you will be walking or bussing to the lifts.
- Mid-October to mid-December is the dead season — lifts, mountain restaurants and some village businesses close.
- Mountain restaurants on the slopes generally follow lift opening hours and close in mid-April; do not count on a late lunch after the last lift.
- Glacial lakes such as Lag da Cauma stay cold even in a heatwave, and the popular ones get busy on hot days.
- Winter road passes can close; if driving from the south, check the San Bernardino, Oberalp, Lukmanier and Albula routes before setting out.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Ambulance
- 144
- Fire
- 118
- Rega air rescue
- 1414
- European emergency
- 112
Pocket card
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LaaxLaax
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questa adressa, per plaschairTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Ambulance144
- Fire118
- Rega air rescue1414
- European emergency112
Embassy
Switzerland has no foreign embassies in Laax; the US and UK embassies are in Bern, most other missions in Bern or Zurich. Check your own country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- PostBus Chur to Laax: 40–60 min, CHF 12–18 (≈ US$15–25) (check)
- Bus Ilanz to Laax: about 20 min, hourly
- Alpenarena day pass: CHF 77 (≈ US$100) adult / CHF 26 (≈ US$35) child
Say or show
- Allegra — Hello (al-legra)
- Grazia fitg — Thank you (gra-tsia fitg)
- Per plaschair — Please (per pla-shair)
- Quant costa? — How much is it? (kvant kos-ta)
- Nua è la staziun da bus? — Where is the bus stop? (nua e la sta-tsiun da bus)
- Discurris ti englais? — Do you speak English? (dis-kur-is ti eng-lais)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Laax. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr for skiing; Jun–Sep for hiking, biking and lake swimming · avoid Mid-Oct to mid-Dec (lifts and many businesses shut), plus the Christmas and February school-holiday peaks if you dislike crowds · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ZRH: last PostBus from Chur field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Murschetg base station, Laax Vitg, Falera, Flims.
- Place pages with verified lift hours and season dates (Alpenarena, Lag da Cauma, Laax museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Laax
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