Hotel of the Week: Signinahotel, Laax, Switzerland
Ever since the launch of the first ski resorts way back at the start of the last century, mountain hotels have stuck to the tried and tested formula of pine-clad walls, gingham curtains and log fires, with maybe a cow-hide thrown in, if they were a bit flash.
So skiers walking into the lobby of the recently refurbished signinahotel (yes, it’s all one word) in the Swiss ski resort of Laax could be forgiven for doing a double-take. This is a mountain hotel, but with a difference.
Its fresh, modern, minimalist style (think taupe walls, dark wood and sleek bathrooms) might be at odds with skiers’ expectations, but it is entirely in keeping with the resort, which is making a name for itself among the cool crowd as the place in Switzerland to ski and board.
Snuggled within the rocksresort, which includes self-catering apartments, shops and restaurants, the hotel is only a short stroll from the ski hire shops and the ski lifts.
Its rooms are a comfy 20 square metres, most have large balconies, flat screen TVs and wi-fi, which even extends to the top of the ski area. The only thing I didn’t like was the glass screen between the bedroom and the bathroom – I was relieved to be staying on my own!
It has a spa, including a whirlpool with a waterfall, which looks lovely but I didn’t have time to try it, and guests can eat in the hotel’s dining room or in one of the many restaurants within the rocksresort, which include an Italian, an Asian, a burger bar and a traditional Swiss eatery.
The ski region offers 235kms of pistes, four snowparks, Europe’s biggest half-pipe and around 100km of walking and hiking trails. Two new chair lifts opened this season.
There’s also a crèche for little ones and an indoor Freestyle Academy for those who want to practice their technique in a safe environment, which is right behind the hotel.
In summer, the resort offers 330kms of sign-posted cross-country mountain bike trails, with numerous service points, and the hire of Flyer electrobikes (for cheats!). There are also 250kms of sign-posted hiking trails, lakes to swim in and the historic Pinut via ferrata climbing route.
Signinahotel is 90-minutes by road from Zurich airport. Ski Safari has seven-night flight-inclusive packages for February half-term from £3,960 for a family of four, a saving of £500.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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