Warming the soul and learning to ski in Switzerland – Manchester Evening News

It took all my courage to follow him, slowly shuffling along until I found myself hurtling down the hill, ploughing to a stop then starting, turning left sharply, wobbling a bit Dont lean back! I internally scream, I corrected myself into a long sweeping right turn and we were back at the bottom of the hill.

I dont know if Harry is appalled or pleasantly surprised, but then his beaming smile and a hand up for a high five said it all. I can do it. And it only took me 30 years to finally try it!

Arosa is a village of typically Swiss houses huddled around a frozen lake and surrounded by dense forest and mountains.

Its warm summers and snow filled winters make it a magnet for those with a passion for the outdoors and its high altitude pistes suit all ability levels, from the black run-loving ski demi-gods to those who have never strapped on a pair.

As well as boasting chic and spacious rooms inspired by the surrounding nature, the Valsana Hotel also offers its guests a rather beautiful spa.

Stretching over 800m, its relaxation pool is bordered by views of the snow covered mountains, the two saunas, one set at an eco friendly 60 degrees, are made from reclaimed wood and have windows that act as a portal to the icy, white world outside. As well as several treatment rooms, a yoga studio and gym, the spa is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

When it came to my day of skiing I was lucky enough to have my own private instructor, Harry, who was precise and encouraging in his teaching.

Having never skied before, and being the only one in the class, it was hard to gauge exactly how I was doing, because the lesson seemed to move very quickly.

When I questioned if I was doing it right, he pointed out a lady who, after starting her lesson at the same time as me, was still getting to grips with walking sideways up the hill.

Suddenly I felt a sense of accomplishment and although I was sweating from head to toe and completely breathless I let out a euphoric purr of happiness.

After a few more times up and down, Harry left me to it.

And then I could finally enjoy gliding through the snow, taking in the views as the sun popped its head out from behind the clouds over the mountains.

I took a deep breath of the bracing air and came to the conclusion that I really should have tried this 15 years ago.

Arosa is ideal for hiking, but when over a foot of snow covers the land what is one to do? Thankfully Tschuggen Grand hotel can provide guests with an experienced guide and snow shoes (not the tennis racket size ones youd imagine) and you can spend the morning show shoe hiking through the pistes, foothills and picturesque landscape.

I endured a 7km hike through heavy snow, high altitude and generally not being as fit as I thought I was, before arriving at the very welcoming final destination of Alpenblick.

If youve been skiing before youll be well aware of these cozy little fire-lit chalets high up in the hills, a welcome respite for the hungry hiker or skier.

This was all new to me and I simply couldnt get over such a restaurant in the middle of nowhere.

I devoured warming German sausage, pickled veg and crispy fries dipped in bubbling three cheese fondue paired with a crunchy salad and Swiss white wine.

Back down the mountain, it was time for a bit of relaxation.

Tschuggen Bergoase spa is set over three floors and dominated by the vast, warm pool stretching over an entire floor with jacuzzis and massage fountains.

If you swim through the curtain at one end you are taken outside to a higher temperature pool where you can literally reach out and touch nature (when I was there this was two feet of snow). I immensely enjoyed swimming in what felt like a nice hot bath while catching falling snow on the tip of my tongue.

Valsanas restaurant, Twist, combines modern food trends and todays desire for a healthy, happy lifestyle.

I had the pleasure of eating here twice and made my way through so many intriguing flavour combinations including fillet of veal with dill, cauliflower and miso, slightly smoked Luzern beer pork belly, and a rocket and olive oil desert (yes, desert) which were an absolute triumph of culinary design.

After four days of fine wine, sumptuous food, adrenaline pumping activities and relaxation I had to admit something to myself.

I am a fully fledged sun worshipper, I hate the cold and will count down the hours until Summer is here and I can lie on a beach somewhere.

But Arosa has changed me, now the thought of hurtling down a hill and stopping off for some fondue seems more appealing than a booze cruise.

And a hot chocolate on my balcony snuggled up in a blanket with a loved one watching the snow fall seems more romantic than watching the sunset covered in sand.

Am I completely converted?

Well no, probably not.

But if youve never been on a skiing holiday before I would wholeheartedly recommend you give it a try.

As they say, its never too late to learn something new...

Valsana Hotel & Apartments, Arosa, has rooms from 420 Swiss Francs per night based on two adults sharing on a B&B basis.

SWISS flies direct from Manchester to Zurich, all-inclusive fares start from 67 one-way.

The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on consecutive days throughout the Swiss Travel System network by rail, bus and boat. Prices from 171 in second class.

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Warming the soul and learning to ski in Switzerland - Manchester Evening News