Founded in 1883 as a clean-air lung clinic by brother and sister Otto and Marie Herwig, the property was initially only used by patients during the summer months. In 1929, it became the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in order to fill its rooms during the wintertime, signaling Arosa as a new winter sports destination on par with St. Moritz. The hotel thrived through the years, although it was closed from 1966 to 1970 due to a devastating fire.
In 1980, it was sold to current owners the Kipp-Bechtolsheimer family who have made considerable renovations and additions, including building the renowned Tschuggen Bergoase spa and the Tschuggen Express railway, the hotel’s own funicular that goes directly to the slopes. When guests check in to the Tschuggen Grand, they are confronted with an array of offerings way beyond skiing, with everything from mushroom foraging to stargazing to medical wellness consultations.
Journey up the mountains aboard the hotel’s private lift and enjoy a breath-taking view of the Swiss Alps.
Undoubtedly, the jewel in the Tschuggen Grand’s literal crown—a 2004 addition designed by internationally renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta and designer Carlo Rampazzi created its famous glass and steel "sails" that glow against the mountains—is its massive 54,000-square-foot spa. Carved into the mountainside, this four-level oasis of wellness contains a vast water area filled with indoor-outdoor pools of varying temperatures, massage jets, grottos, and waterfalls that’s set against an undulating White Duke granite backdrop; multiple saunas; 12 treatment suites, fitness center with Kinesis Training System and Technogym machines, a new yoga studio, an I-Bed solarium, and a medical wellness section with a doctor and esthetician on site. For guests seeking more privacy, there are two luxury spa suites with a private sauna, whirlpool, and steam bath that can be booked for individuals or couples.
And while it’s easy to spend all day (or week) at the spa, it’s worth exploring the mountains, whether by ski, snowshoe, or on foot. The best way up the mountain is of course via the hotel’s private lift, the state-of-the-art Tschuggen Express, that whisks guests up the incline in a what’s essentially a glass bubble on wheels. The funicular was completely redone in summer 2018.
Aside from alpine activities, the hotel offers hyper-local experiences with its management staff—an unexpected allocation of their time that allows them share their hobbies and pastimes with guests. One favorite excursion includes mountain biking on e-bikes or jogging with general manager Stefan Noll.
Guests can end the day in one of the hotel’s five restaurants, lounges, or bars. The eclectically furnished lobby lounge often features live music, one Michelin-starred La Brezza brings Mediterranean flair to the mountains, while The Basement is a fine fast food restaurant on the bottom floor of the hotel that features a classic Western European bowling alley—where else can you find that in the Swiss mountains?