Albula Skateline: Ice Skating through the Winter Forest

Looking to enjoy winter and its snowy landscapes without having to hike? On Switzerland's first ice trail in the Albula valley, you can explore the wintry forest with skates on your feet. Whether by day or by night, on a romantic date or a family trip, the ice trail is always something special.

The Albula valley is located in the Swiss canton Graubünden. Here, visitors and locals can enjoy the forest's special winter atmosphere not only by hiking, but also by ice skating. Between Surava and Bad Alvaneu lies the country's first ice skating trail. The roughly three kilometer (1.9 mile) long trail is a popular destination among families as well as sports enthusiasts visiting alone or with their local clubs.

You can get to Surava by car. From there, the shuttle bus will take you to Alvaneu, the skatingline's starting point. Beverages and snacks, such as pizza, schnitzel sandwiches and cake, are sold both at the beginning and end of the trail. On special occasions fondue, raclette and pizza days are organized.

Located only around 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Lenzerheide and 30 kilometers from Davos, the skatingline in the Savognin Bivio Albula region offers a good opportunity for some variety during your ski trip. You can go during the day or after skiing, since the trail is open until 9 pm, except on Sundays (5:30 pm).

The trail is not lit, however. Instead, to maintain the forest's atmosphere in the dark, the skaters are equipped with headlamps.

Skates and helmets can of course be rented at the skating trail. Pads for knees, elbows and wrists are also recommended and available at the skateline. Renting the complete set of equipment, including a headlamp as well as a ticket for one ride on the trail, costs 20 CHF (~18,30€) for adults and 17 CHF for children. If you bring your own equipment, a combined ticket for the shuttle bus and one ride on the ice trail will cost you 8 CHF. The prices have stayed unchanged since 2002.

The current season started on December 31, 2019. The skate line will be open until February or March, depending on the weather situation.