LAAX Unveils New Gondolas and Freeride Terrain

LAAX, Switzerland has announced new freeride runs and further sections of its groundbreaking gondola will open this winter.

The headline addition is a pair of new freeride descents from Cassons to Segnes, offering a combined 5km of untouched terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The two off-piste routes — 2.8km and 2.2km respectively — weave through open alpine bowls and natural features, promising deep powder and dramatic views across the Segnesboden plateau.

Access is via the newly completed FlemXpress, the world’s first on-demand gondola. Riders can now summon a cabin ‘Uber-style’ to whisk them up to Cassons, an area that’s been lift-inaccessible for over 15 years. The final segment of FlemXpress opens this December, connecting Segnes to Ils Cugns and completing the five-stage network.

Also launching this season is a brand-new eight-seater gondola replacing the historic Crap Masegn – Fuorcla – Vorab lift, which had been in service since 1978. The upgraded system will carry up to 2,000 passengers per hour — 500 more than its predecessor — and offers faster, more comfortable access to the Vorab Glacier, a key launch point for both piste and freeride adventures.

Both gondolas reflect LAAX’s commitment to sustainable mountain operations. FlemXpress is designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional lifts, while the Vorab upgrade forms part of a wider retrofit programme aimed at modernising the resort’s infrastructure with minimal environmental impact.

LAAX’s freestyle credentials remain front and centre, with the LAAX OPEN returning from 14–18 January 2026, followed by the legendary Banked Slalom from 28 February to 1 March. Both events will draw international riders and fans alike, with concerts, parties and slope-side action celebrating the resort’s deep snowboarding heritage. The winter season begin on 29 November 2025.