Arosa in summer

The 360 curves alone from Chur to Arosa are breathtaking. The road winds narrowly along the mountain, the meadows, the cows, the small villages along the way, all this seems very idyllic, and not only in winter.At the entrance to the town is the Arosa Sports and Congress Center. You receive a friendly welcome and there is a buzz of activity. The ice stadium, indoors of course, is currently being used to prepare for the trampoline world championships. You have a great view through the large glass front and colorful girls' bodies sail through the field of vision with their heads down. "The ice surface is covered, so we can use the room for almost anything, including congresses, gala dinners and sporting events. This is what Bianca Müller, head of MICE and thus responsible for the organization of conferences and events with supporting programs, tells me.

The core

The threads come together in the sports and congress center. The modern building right at the entrance to the town, with its professional service and first-class infrastructure, forms a solid basis for successful meetings and other events. Companies get a perfectly tailored package, if they wish. Whether with overnight stay or without. In the house itself it has the large congress hall for up to 380 people, adaptable seminar rooms and the multifunctional ice rink.

The supporting program

In the familiar environment of a company, employees know each other, they meet at the copier, in meetings, at lunch. But 1,800 meters above sea level, after a 360-curve marathon together, when the stress of everyday life suddenly falls away and the fresh mountain air flows into your lungs: That's when you have the chance to experience your employees in a completely different way, to allow new ways of thinking and to see your work from the Arosa perspective. For example, building rafts together, playing golf, solving puzzles during a treasure hunt or fly fishing. And then there's bear country.

The bear

It took eight years, now it is open - the Arosa Bärenland. Together with the animal welfare organization "Vier Pfoten" (Four Paws), the Arosa Bear Foundation realized this innovative and novel animal welfare project. The spacious enclosure for up to five bears was created on the grounds below the mid-station of the Arosa-Weisshorn cable car. It gives bears that have been rescued from bad keeping conditions a species-appropriate home. In July, the first bear, named Napa, was transferred to his new home. More will follow next spring.

Insider tips

Bianca Müller enjoys working as Head of MICE in Arosa. She grew up in the village and only had to commute the 360 curves to Chur for the compulsory school days during her commercial apprenticeship. "For the guests, we always have a few insider tips in store as well, since we are very well connected as locals," she says. The team is proud that through the various event strategies of recent years, Arosa has become a top-class destination in summer as well as in winter. In 2016, Arosa was even awarded the Milestone, Switzerland's most important tourism prize, for its innovative spirit. The jury particularly emphasized the sustainability and versatility of the Arosa events.

Conclusion

Arosa is one of the oldest vacation destinations in Switzerland. Today, the majority of the locals live from tourism, which generates an annual turnover of 350 million Swiss francs. Partly responsible for this success is a clear positioning as well as new, innovative marketing campaigns. "We have developed from a classic tourism organization into an event team with tourism expertise," explains Tourism Director Pascal Jenny on the occasion of the Milestone Award. Arosa thus offers a perfect basis for an inspiring company trip not only in winter, but also without snow. The 360 curves are waiting.

Interview

Bianca Müller is Head of MICE & Sports Marketing at Arosa Tourism. As an absolute local, she knows every stone and can offer many insider secret tips in addition to the total package.

"We in Arosa like it short and crisp".

MK A company would like to organize an employee weekend this fall. How would you promote Arosa in three sentences?

BIANCA MÜLLER At Arosa, we like things short and crisp. Short decision-making processes, direct approaches to partners and a high level of agility. That's why everything is summed up in one sentence: Active recreation, inspiration and a unique natural landscape, paired with team experiences that are as strong as bears and the destination motto "nothing is impossible" form the basis for a successful team weekend in Arosa.

MK Tell us your personal favorite place in summer and winter?

MÜLLER My favorite place in summer is Maran (located a little above the village). I grew up there and still enjoy the closeness to nature, the silence and the ringing of the cowbells. I also recently fell in love with the new visitor platform in Arosa Bärenland.This view, together with the animal/bear conservation project is exceptional. By the way, the new Bärenland also offers special tours for companies & clubs. In winter, skiing on the 225 km of slopes in the ski area of Arosa Lenzerheide is my great passion. Taking the cable car up to the Weisshorn early in the morning and enjoying the 360° panoramic view - definitely my place of power and with the rising sun an indescribable feeling.

MK Arosa surprises again and again with innovative marketing strategies. How are these developed?

MÜLLER In tourism, you are always challenged to stay active and be creative. We are fortunate to have a spa director in Pascal Jenny who likes to think outside the box and always takes on board targeted input from outside. Together in the team, these inputs are spun on and transformed into innovative marketing strategies.

MK You did not set off fireworks on August 1, because of the acclimation of the bear Napa in his enclosure. From now on, are you planning another attraction on the traditional Swiss national holiday?

MÜLLER The feedback on this decision was extremely positive. This encourages us to really carry this thought sustainably into the future. Already this year, the Obersee and the lakeshore - as a supplement to the festive program - were activated with a quiet torchlight. We are currently analyzing the many ideas we received from a guest survey on August 1. However, we can already promise that Arosa will celebrate the national holiday in a fitting manner, but in a somewhat quieter way. Let us surprise you in 2019.

MK What event highlights can companies that are planning a trip to Arosa in the summer or fall expect?

MÜLLER In Arosa there is always something going on and an inclusion of interested companies is of course always possible. Upcoming highlights include the Arosa ClassicCar, where the town is transformed into the "Little Monaco" of the Alps, or the Dialect Festival, which presents the entire diversity of dialect in music concerts, readings or poetry slams. Not to forget the Humorfestival, which is extremely popular for companies, at the start of winter in December. Just come to us, we organize your excursion from A-Z.