Elm im Sernftal

Understated excellence characterizes Elm, where 40km of meticulously maintained terrain extends across the scenic Sernftal valley's eastern slopes. This hidden gem balances family-friendly sectors with surprisingly challenging pistes, all surrounded by the dramatic UNESCO World Heritage Site "Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona" with its extraordinary visible geological formations. The area's distinctive feature is the "Martinsloch"—a natural rock window through the Tschingelhörner peaks that allows the sun to shine directly onto the village church on specific dates, creating a phenomenon that has marked local calendars for centuries. From gentle practice areas to the challenging runs beneath the Ämpächli peak, Elm delivers diverse skiing experiences within an authentic Swiss mountain community largely undiscovered by international visitors. High above the Rhine Valley spreads Brigels-Waltensburg-Andiast, where 75km of pristine slopes extend across sunny alpine terraces reaching 2,418m. This three-village destination combines cultural richness with excellent skiing diversity, as the Romansh-speaking communities maintain authentic Graubünden traditions alongside modern winter sports facilities. What distinguishes this area is its balanced development—thoughtful infrastructure provides comfortable access to varied terrain without overwhelming the traditional landscape. From wide, gentle plateaus perfect for families to challenging descents through beautiful forest glades, the skiing experience caters to diverse abilities while preserving genuine Swiss character. The stunning panoramic views across the Rhine Valley create a constant visual backdrop enhancing every descent in this surprisingly expansive yet uncrowded domain.

Efficiency without excessive development defines Elm's lift system, where 10 installations serve varied terrain across the valley's eastern slopes. The network includes several modern chairlifts alongside traditional surface lifts that maintain the area's authentic character while providing comfortable mountain access. From the village base at 976m to panoramic summits reaching 2,200m, vertical drops exceeding 1,200m deliver satisfying descents through dramatically changing landscapes. The system's thoughtful integration preserves the Sernftal valley's natural beauty while providing access to diverse skiing zones with minimal waiting even during peak periods. This balanced approach reflects local priorities favoring quality experiences within sustainable frameworks rather than maximizing uphill capacity in a destination that values authentic mountain character over commercial expansion. Strategic modernization characterizes the lift system at Brigels-Waltensburg-Andiast, where 14 installations efficiently serve multiple mountain faces. The infrastructure balances high-capacity access points from each village base with connecting lifts that create excellent flow throughout the domain. From valley elevations to panoramic summits, vertical drops approaching 1,000m deliver satisfying descents through varied landscapes, from open bowls to protected forest sections. The system's thoughtful integration prioritizes both skier convenience and environmental sensitivity—a balance reflected in careful lift placement that minimizes visual impact while maximizing terrain access across this expansive area. Weekend visitors particularly appreciate how this efficient network handles capacity without extensive queuing, even during popular periods.