[Image credit: Nicholas Iliano]
Completion of LAAX’s world-first on-demand gondola, FlemXpress
New freeride run from Cassons to Segnes
New eight-seater gondola lift
Banked Slalom and LAAX Open return
Having experienced a 66% year-on-year increase in British visitors in Q1 2025, LAAX, Switzerland is gearing up for its biggest winter season yet with a series of brand new openings as well as the return of some of its most iconic freestyle events. In just over two months, skiers and snowboarders will be able to hit the slopes daily, with lifts opening from 29 November 2025.
Renowned as Europe’s top freestyle destination, LAAX is also celebrated for its strong commitment to sustainability and serves as a preferred training ground for British Winter Olympics hopeful Mia Brookes. The Alpine destination has several exciting launches planned for winter 2025–26, including:
New Freeride Run from Cassons to Segnes in LAAX
This winter season, LAAX unveils an exciting new freeride route from Cassons down to Segnes, offering breathtaking alpine scenery and undisturbed powder for more advanced riders. Two separate off-piste descents, spanning 2.8km and 2.2km, will combine open terrain with the natural elements, making it a must-visit for daring freeride enthusiasts. The route will be easily accessible via the new FlemXpress – the world’s first on-demand gondola – which will provide a comfortable ride up to the high-altitude zone, offering riders fresh snow and spectacular alpine views on the way back down.
Construction of FlemXpress to be completed
FlemXpress, LAAX’s pioneering on-demand gondola, will open its fifth and final section in December 2025, connecting Segnes to Ils Cugns. As a world-first, the unique ‘Uber-style’ gondola is said to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to a traditional chairlift, spearheading a new era in more sustainable mountain technology.
Its fifth and final stage will provide direct access to ils Cugns and Cassons – an area that hasn’t been accessible by lift for 15 years but is well loved by locals – as well as the upper Segnesboden and the two brand new freeride runs.
New Eight-Seater Gondola Lift: Crap Masegn – Fuorcla – Vorab
On Sunday 30 March 2025 the historic Crap Masegn – Fuorcla – Vorab gondola lift, operating since 1978, was officially retired, with a brand new eight passenger gondola lift taking its place as part of an ambitious retrofit.
The lift will officially begin operation in the Winter 25/6 season, able to transport up to 2,000 people per hour up to the iconic Vorab Glacier, 500 more than its predecessor.
LAAX OPEN 2026
One of the most notable freestyle events in the world will once again return to LAAX – the home of freestyle – from 14 – 18 January 2026, where the world’s best riders perform on the largest half pipe globally and a specifically designed freestyle slope course. A festival of freestyle culture, 250 international professional riders will compete for the coveted LAAX Open titles, taking advantage of their last opportunity to qualify for the 2026 Olympics in Milan.
While only professionals can compete, fans and locals alike will come together to celebrate and spectate, with concerts, DJs and parties taking place throughout the weekend. Access to the LAAX Open is free with a valid lift ticket and Fan and VIP tickets offer extra incentives. Early bird discounts are available until October 5, 2025, via: https://laaxopen.com/en/
Banked Slalom in LAAX 2026
From 28 February – 1 March 2026, LAAX’s legendary Banked Slalom returns to its pistes, bringing together snowboarders of all ages and abilities. The hand-shaped course with steep banks and tight turns is all about speed, flow, and style – a playful reminder of snowboarding’s heritage.
As one of the original champions of freestyle, being one of the first European resorts to transform traditional slopes into snow parks, the Banked Slalom at LAAX is a celebration of snowboarding culture, encouraging the community to get together to enjoy their shared love of the sport.
For more information, visit: https://www.laax.com
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Notes to Editors:
Please use following link for a selection of images (all credits to ©LAAX): https://laax.frontify.com/share/PUbCMGiGzhMCUaLJNjkh/collections/3504
About LAAX, Switzerland
LAAX is located in the Swiss Alps only 90 minutes by car from Zurich. It impresses with its unique freestyle culture and consistent focus on sustainable tourism. A wide range of outdoor adventures in the midst of some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes await visitors. From hiking and mountain biking in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter – LAAX has something in store for everybody.
For more information visit: https://www.laax.com/
