Swiss Family Skiing Holidays – At home on the slopes

Switzerland provides a unique and alluring backdrop for unforgettable Swiss family skiing holidays.

With wide slopes and breath-taking panoramas, Obersaxen Mundaun is an attractive option for families seeking an active getaway. More than 120km of glistening pistes offers diverse skiing for all abilities, and the two dedicated nursey slope areas at Obersaxen Mundaun and nearby Val Lumnezia are ideal for little skiers to find their mountain legs.

“Every day, the locals used to ski past in their blue ski club jackets. We wanted to wear them too.”

For brothers Jan (15), Ben (13), Finn (11) and Ron (6) the area holds the key to their professional skiing ambitions. The four brothers dream of becoming slalom racing champions, spending every free minute out on the piste. They’ve been skiing since they could walk, graduating quickly from the resort’s ski school to the famous Obersaxen Ski Club.

But the boys aren’t Obersaxen locals; they grew up nearly 170km from the slopes in their family’s home in the Swiss lowlands. Their love for the resort came from their parents; winter sports enthusiasts who spend the winter season at their holiday apartment in Obersaxen.

“Where’s my lift pass,” shouts Finn, half to himself, half to his brothers

The boys’ day begins in a whirl of skis, poles, gloves and helmets in the excitement of getting onto the piste. They are out into the morning before the first lifts have even started, eager to make the most of the day. Their competitive nature is clear as soon as they push away down the first slope, jostling for position but still remarkable for their style and technique.

Following in the footsteps of the big stars

The brothers have already made an impression on their trainer, former coach to Carlo Janka – the Olympic gold medallist, World Champion and World Cup champion from Obersaxen.

It’s a tough act to follow, but the boys have already shown the dedication and talent that the club is looking for in its future stars. At the slalom course, they concentrate on balancing remarkable speed with an accurate line through the gates, taking feedback from their coach to achieve the minute adjustments that will make all the difference.

Six-year-old Ron, despite being the youngest of the brothers, is barely a beat behind and is always keen to be included in the training. The highlight of the day for him is lunchtime when the family reunite to carve along the unique and breath-taking mountain chain which connects Obersaxen and Val Lumnezia. And above all, it’s a well-deserved break for lunch and ice tea at the Canorta Bar.

Inspired by their idols, the resort is a playground…

Their training session might be over for the day, but the boys are far from finished on the piste. The foursome explores the resort, seeking out secret forest trails, discovering moguls to build up and jump, and practising the tricks they have seen their professional idols perform in competitions.

The only time their spirits are dampened is when it’s finally time for their last downhill run back to base – and the prospect of returning to their home in the lowlands. But for the boys, their dreams of living in Obersaxen may soon be realised. Jan and Ben have been accepted by the local Surselva Talent School, and the two younger brothers are hoping to follow suit.

With world-class training in one of Switzerland’s top resorts, it’s clear these youngsters have a glittering future ahead of them.

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