Lenzerheide and Valbella are two ski resorts in eastern Switzerland's canton of Graubünden, separated by a picturesque lake, with 155kms of groomed slopes comprising an intermediate skier's heaven. Skiing is on either side of a wooded valley amid some wonderful scenery, and there are some surprisingly steep and gladed slopes.

These two villages on opposite sides of the pretty Heidsee Lake sit between imposing mountain ridges that appeal to skiers and sightseers. Lenzerheide is the larger of the two, with the majority of the shops and facilities. There are 7,700 beds in total, in hotels and chalets; Lenzerheide has twice as many beds as Valbella.

The 155kms of pistes in Lenzerheide / Valbella are separated into 46 per cent beginner slopes; 41 per cent intermediate; and 13 per cent advanced. Thirty-six ski lifts service all slopes and are able to carry over 35,000 skiers per hour. In addition to pisted, skiing there are 52kms of cross-country trails.

Other winter activities and facilities include: snowboarding, with a terrain park and three half-pipes; 52kms of natural skating tracks; 10 ski-hiking trails; 80kms of winter walking trails; a five-kilometre toboggan run; curling; horse-drawn sleigh rides; and ballooning. There is also a sports centre with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, fitness room and Jacuzzi. Après-ski is fairly sedate, with a handful of bars and a disco.

The December to April ski season has the best snow from February to early March and cheaper rates before the Christmas holidays and from mid to late January.

For convenience, the best way to get to Lenzerheide / Valbella ski resort is to fly to Zürich and hire a car from the airport. The most practical option is to take the train and bus combination to and from the resorts.