Swiss Surprise

Becky Fletcher discovers summer adventures and stunning scenery in the Alpine ski resort of Flims

Turquoise-hued lakes, fresh air that fills your lungs and activities to keep even the most restless traveller busy – welcome to Flims. Nestling among rivers, mountains, waterfalls and glaciers, the vibrant Swiss ski resort, comprising Flims, Laax and Falera, is now making its mark as a go-to summer destination for families, hikers and adventure-lovers alike.

After swapping my usual summer holiday attire of flip-flops for hiking boots, my group and I make our way to Flims after a 90-minute train and bus ride from Zurich. As the bus weaves through the resort, the beautiful green-blue lakes peek through the pines and the warm summer sunshine lights up the mountains, I have no regrets about shunning my annual beach holiday for something with a bit more pizazz. And my first taste of Flims action is definitely that.

EXPLORING BY BIKE

We check in to our contemporary alpine apartments at the Rocks Resort design hotel and are greeted by our guide and an electric mountain bike. It’s time to take to the high ground on two wheels. If you haven’t been on an e-bike before, it harnesses your pedal power to make obstacles, such as hills and headwind, more manageable. We whizz up steep tracks with ease, making our way through the trees and stopping at valley viewpoints to gaze at the river winding through the Rhine gorge below. You can just about make out river rafters shooting down the fresh waters. After an hour touring the mountain tracks, we arrive at Flims’ most famous (and highly-Instagrammable) location – Lake Cauma.