The classic image of a winter sports resort is perhaps an isolated, snow-covered Swiss village, surrounded by big, beautiful mountains, with skating on a frozen lake, horse-drawn sleighs jingling through the streets, and people in fur coats strolling on mountain paths, Arosa is just that. Skiing is just one of its attractions - and not an important one for many of its visitors. It's not keen skiers that Arosa aims to attract. It's people who want a relaxing time in the mountains and, maybe, want to ski a little too.

• Peaceful, quiet, sunny ski area

• Classic all-round winter holiday destination, with excellent non-skiing and cross-country facilities

• Very good children's facilities

• Good village transport compensates for scattered nature of the place

• Easy access by train, including packaged airport transfers

Arosa is set in a sheltered basin at the head of a beautiful wooded valley, in contrast to the open mountainside on which the skiing takes place. The approach, whether by road or rail is dramatic. The centre of the resort, Obersee, is a collection of Edwardian buildings - though its lakeside setting adds some charm. The remainder of Arosa is scattered over a wide area, with a substantial hill separating Obersee from the older, prettier Innerarosa. Arosa is quiet; its relaxed ambience attracts an unpretentiously wealthy clientele of families and older people. For such a well known and long-established resort, Arosa's ski area is tiny and lacking in any real challenge. Don't be surprised by the number of pedestrians and toboggan-ists you'll find around the ski area.