At m, Davos is one of the oldest and highest towns in the Alps. In fact, the first T-bar in Europe opened here in The area has been attracting the famous and affluent for centuries, most notably ski pioneer and Sherlock Holmes creator, Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle. These days the town is famous for hosting international events such as the World Economic Forum, the UK parliamentary races, and the Spengler Cup ice-hockey tournament.
Originally a health and spa resort, it retains a chic feel with many luxury hotels and upmarket shops. There are, however, plenty of affordable options too. You can sample the local beer at the local brewery or skate at the largest natural ice rink in Europe. The resort has all the amenities you would expect from a proper town β supermarkets, specialist shops, a casino, cinema and sports centre. The busy centre is served by a network of free shuttle buses to transport you around town and to the lifts.
All the gondolas, trains and buses in the area are covered by the lift pass, giving visitors access to the surrounding villages as well as a huge ski area; a trip by train to the picturesque village of Klosters is highly recommended. If you fancy enhancing your journey you can take the romantic Glacier Express from Zermatt through some stunning alpine scenery. Since , the resort has been linked with Klosters; the Rega ski pass now covers 6 areas, giving skiers access to over km of groomed piste.
Moritz , St. Intermediates can take the massive red run 22, followed by the pleasant route 21 and ski down to Klosters. Experts looking for a challenge can whizz down to Wolfgang on the steep black route or negotiate the moguls under the Schwarzeealp chair. Snowboarders tend to favour the Jakobshorn area, with 2 halfpipes and a good selection of wide blue pistes. There are also two terrain parks - the Jatz park at m is well kitted out with rails and some big kickers.
For powder enthusiasts, check out Pischa, a mecca for freeride routes which are marked and safeguarded against avalanches but left ungroomed. Around Persenn there are some good lines for off-piste through the trees. Really good for Cross-country skiing, catering for all levels with about km of Nordic trails in the area of Davos and Losters. And they are all free. Some 80km can be used for the skating style. There are many gourmet restaurants for foodies to choose between β try Leonto Gourmet Restaurant for delicacies like partridge, or head to Giodavin for sushi.
