Giazetta Walther summer 2019

a tt e z a Gi ISSUE 05

SUMMER 2019

SUMMER SEASON 7 JUNE until 16 OCTOBER 2019

NEW TRATTORIA BIKING HIKING SERPENTINE & THREE OSTRICHES

www.hotelwalther.ch

WELCOME

Dear Guests, Dear Friends,

r e h t l a W l e t o H to Active mountain summer

An intense winter season that saw tonnes of snow

At the end of an action-packed summer’s day, you

and numerous sunny days now lies behind us. After a

will have more than earned some Italian delicacies.

short breather, we look forward to welcoming you and

How about, for example, a hike along the extensive

the summer in its full splendour from the beginning of

network of trails around Pontresina? Over 580 kilo-

June. As the years go by, Hotel Walther keeps moving

metres of hiking trails are waiting to be discovered. Set

forward to surprise you each season with something

off on a hike through nature and discover new sights

new.

and experiences – a selection of educational trails can be found on page 15. Or get adventurous on two wheels.

Italian fling

Route 673 promises a diverse biking experience from

After long and beautiful years with our gourmet

Pontresina to Valposchiavo – with the option of an easy

restaurant La Stüva, it is time to say goodbye and

and comfortable ride thanks to our e-mountain bikes.

make room for new things. Our new restaurant is

Further tips for bike tours can be found on page 6.

“La Trattoria”, and it is brimming with character.

From the end of June, you will be able to enjoy the

At the WALTHER, you can enjoy summertime in

best that Italian cuisine has to offer: the finest pasta

the mountains with all of its facets. We look forward

(always fresh and homemade), primi, secondi, antipasti,

to welcoming you.

and irresistible dolci – because we know that the way to our guests’ hearts is through their stomachs.

See you soon,

Read more on page 8.

Anne-Rose & Thomas Walther and the friendly Walther host team

2 | Editorial

NEWS f e i r b in

OVER HILL AND DALE – ELECTRIC

Starting this summer, you can discover the Alpine world around Pontresina much more comfortably.

Thanks to our new e-mountain bikes from Univega, biking up the mountain is a piece of cake! The electricdrive assistance increases not only your pedal power, but also the fun factor on the trail, helping you to travel longer distances in less time, so you can explore even remote locations. Let us know when you would like to plan an outing on our e-mountain bikes. On the scheduled day, the bicycles will be ready at your elected time – helmet included… And off you go! From page 4, we give you a few tips for making your bike tour even more exceptional.

THE SUMMER BEGINS AT PENTECOST

Kick off your mountain summer 2019 here, at the Walther – hiking, mountain biking, playing golf, or simply relaxing. Upon visiting nearby Chiavenna or Tirano, Italianità and dolce far niente await – away from the traffic jams and stress. Take time for yourself and your family; indulge in the unique hotel WALTHER world and immerse yourself in nature, culinary delights, and wellness. The Walther “Pentecost Package” including breakfast, a 5-course dinner, and free use of all Upper Engadine cable cars, is available for 2 or 3 nights from CHF 380!

HOLIDAYS ON THE DECK

Relax after an exhausting hike, read an exciting book, or just soak up the sun’s rays – our summer deck is the ideal venue for anyone seeking relaxation.

Surrounded by pretty plants, shrubs, and a colourful sea of blossoms, take a seat here and enjoy the warm sun. And if you get hungry, we will gladly serve you any of the delicacies from our Lounge Menu, accompanied by a drink.

PURE RELAXATION

For a perfect relaxation experience, we suggest a visit to our AQUA VIVA Spa & Wellness area. Indulge yourself in the warmth of one of our four saunas, then kick back in the relaxation room or wind down in the whirlpool. Recharge with a massage or a treatment.

After an aroma massage, manual therapy, or foot reflexology, you will feel deeply relaxed and refreshed.

And with the morning aqua jogging in the swimming pool, accompanied by music, you’ll start the new day brimming with energy.

Please contact us ahead of time T +41 81 839 36 36 for a reservation.

Short News | 3

1

ROUTE 673

BIKING EXPERIENCE WITH A VIEW Several hundred kilometres of single and unique flowtrails: For mountain bikers, the Upper Engadine is something of a utopia. Hotel Walther is an ideal starting point to hit the trails on two wheels through the mountain bike paradise around Pontresina.

Route 673 is the first ever freeride track in Switzerland.

At the top The bike trail from the Engadine to Poschiavo bears the

The tour continues up past the valley stations of Dia-

name “Bernina Express” and is listed as one of the “Epic

volezza and Lagalb. Now it is time to pedal hard again

Trails” by the International Mountain Bicycling Associa-

until the fantastic panoramic view over Lej Nair and

tion (IMBA). It owes its name to the legendary Rhaetian

Lake Bianco opens up in front of us. At the pass, the trail

Railway train, which – just like the biking route – meanders

continues along the left bank of Lake Bianco. Braver cy-

over the Bernina Pass and down through the Valposchiavo.

clists dare to take the route along the right bank of the

A biking adventure over more than 40 kilometres awaits

lake. But be careful – even in summer, you might still

you on varied terrain with awe-inspiring views. If you

find some snow here. A slip-up on a bank of snow may

want to save your energy for the descent from the Bernina

result in a more-than-refreshing bath in the milky-white

Pass to Poschiavo, you and your bike can easily hitch a

lake water!

ride on the Rhaetian Railway to the Ospizio Bernina – it should be noted that on this route, you cannot take your bike into the panorama cars; on all other trains, you can.

Let’s go!

We decide to ride up the Bernina Pass on our bikes and only board the train on the return journey. Accordingly, our day begins early. Tyres are checked, bike equipment packed, and helmets placed firmly on our heads – Let’s go! On the four-and-a-half-hour trip, we expect a roller coaster of up- and downhill rides. From Hotel Walther to about 1805 m above sea level, we climb continuously along the Bernina Valley. As we ride, we catch a glimpse of the imposing glaciers of the Bernina Massif. At Landgasthof Morteratsch, we marvel at the Piz Bernina and the Morteratsch Glacier over a steaming cup of coffee.

4 | Bike Route 673

2

3

4

5

Downhill At the end of the approximately three-kilometre-long Lake Bianco, we take another break before the path heads down into the valley. We need a breather to gather our strength because the fast downhill ride packs quite a punch! The steep and sometimes rough track requires the highest levels of concentration, and because you constantly have to expect to meet hikers on the way down, you must be ready to hit the brakes at any moment. Once you have arrived at Alp Grüm, however, the challenging sections are quickly forgotten because the southern climate, the change in vegetation, and the impressive views make up for all the hardships

Finish line From Cavaglia, we follow the signposted route that leads over gravel and asphalt roads. Those who want a technically more demanding route can choose the trail along the railway line and the old path. In Privilasco, the two trails meet again and continue to Poschiavo. The village centre immediately welcomes its visitors with its southern joie de vivre, its narrow, picturesque streets,

6

1 On the back of Piz Palü and Piz Cambrena 2 Ospizio Bernina – the apex of the Bernina trail 3 Fast ride from the Belvedere on Alp Grüm towards Val Poschiavo 4 Imposing view to the south 5 The trails meander through a breathtaking natural landscape 6 Destination: the southern town of Poschiavo Photos: Filip Zuan www.filipzuan.com

and its historically significant buildings. Here, in the piazza, surrounded by stately patrician houses, we treat ourselves to a well-deserved gelato and enjoy the warm rays of the afternoon sun.

For the return journey, we sit in the open-air car of the Bernina Express. In the open wagon back to Pontresina, you experience a train ride like no other – the culmination of a bike tour rich in variety and emotion. See you soon on Route 673!

5

More trails and experiences here and at www.pontresina.ch

I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE

MARMOTTA-TRAIL VAL MINOR THE SPECTACULAR NEW SLOW TRAIL CONNECTS THREE BIKING REGIONS

The new mountain bike connection between Ospizio Bernina and the Forcola di Livigno connects the three biking destinations of Valposchiavo, Livigno, and the Upper Engadine in a spectacular way. The Slow Trail is fully passable up to the Forcola Val Minor and does not require any great physical or technical abilities.

Landscape: 5 / 6 Technique: 3 / 6 Stamina: 2 / 6 Trail length: 5.75 km Ascent: 155 m Time: 47 min Max. altitude: 2’480 m a.s.l.

Start: Ospizio Bernina

ENGADINE LAKE TOUR THREE IDYLLIC ALPS AND EIGHT LAKES IN THE MAIN VALLEY OF THE ENGADINE

From Pontresina to the quaint Alp da Staz via St. Moritz, Alp Surlej, and Alp Präsüra to Sils-Maria and the shores of Lake Silvaplana and then back to Pontresina, you pass no less than eight lakes.

Landscape: 5 / 6 Technique: 2 / 6 Stamina: 3 / 6 Trail length: 37 km Ascent: 890 m Time: 1 day Max. altitude: 2’077 m a.s.l.

Start: Pontresina Railway Station Route: https://www.gps-tracks.com

Route: https://www.gps-tracks.com

PUMPTRACK PONTRESINA

The Pontresina Pumptrack is suitable for riders of all ages and offers countless riding options over a total length of 350 metres. The Pumptrack, laid with 200 cubic meters of concrete, can be used daily from May to October. Use of the Pumptrack does not require any special knowledge.

Bikes and protective clothing can be rented in the sports shop across the street from the Pumptrack.

6 | Engadine Biking Tips

CORVIGLIA WM-FLOWTRAIL PANORAMA, EASY FLOW & 360° CURVE ON THE CORVIGLIA

The WM Trail starts at the mountain station of Corviglia and meanders its way through breathtaking panoramic views. The whole family can have fun on the 280 cumulative elevation difference of the downhill ride.

Landscape: 6 / 6 Technique: 2 / 6 Stamina: 2 / 6 Trail length: 3 km Descent: 280 m Time: 10 min.

Max. altitude: 2486 m a.s.l.

Start: Corviglia summit station Route: https://www.gps-tracks.com

FRESH PAINT

Unique, fresh, and yet original – eight of the rooms at Hotel Walther are sporting a brand-new look. “Opal” and “Serpentine” are the names of the rooms – and they certainly impress with colour.

Transformations For the hardwood floors, trustworthy, authentic materials were utilised, and rather than painted surfaces, we opted for oiled wood, which ages beautifully and feels alive. Furthermore, traditional, already existing elements were maintained and reinterpreted during

As soon as you enter the room, you will recognise the unique touch

the redesign. The result is that Hotel Walther’s history can still be

of the designers who worked their magic during the renovation of

felt in the rooms, and its origins can be seen in the Swiss “Heimat-

the ground-floor lobby, reception, smokers’ lounge, bar, and restau-

stil”. This originality is now complemented by unique, individually

rant. Indeed, the reputed VIRGINIA MAISSEN INTERIOR DESIGN

designed fabrics featuring Alpine motives and timeless basic pat-

STUDIO from Zurich is behind the planning and design of the

terns such as check or stripe, and elegant rhombic patterns in red,

new rooms. Combining modernity and tradition, the concepts and

green, and blue.

designs throughout the rooms are timeless.

“Opal” and “Serpentine” The new rooms combine art, craftsmanship, and unique design. The relaxed look gives the new sleeping accommodations authentic ease combined with functionality. Here, on the upper floors, the style

As an extra touch, Hotel Walther had yoga mats, swimming shorts, and hats (all items that are frequently forgotten at home when packing for the holidays) made from the fabric creations. These practical and trendy pieces can be bought at reception – beautiful holiday memories to take home!

concepts utilised on the ground floor are recreated in the two room

Room rates

categories. As in the entry area, colours reign supreme up here, too.

Standard Double Room “Opal” incl. breakfast, from CHF 300.

The colours from the ground floor are picked up in the rooms, placing

Deluxe Double Room “Serpentine” incl. breakfast, from CHF 420.

natural primary colours in the forefront.

New Rooms | 7

VIVA LA TRATTORIA NEW RESTAURANT CONCEPT AT HOTEL WALTHER

HOTEL WALTHER IS WELCOMING THE SUMMER SEASON 2019 WITH A NEW RESTAURANT CONCEPT. “LA TRATTORIA” OFFERS AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE TO HOTEL GUESTS AND OTHER PATRONS. HOMEMADE PASTA CREATIONS TO TEMPT THE PALATE, PURE ITALIANITÀ-STYLE – ALL WITHIN A VIBRANT NEW RESTAURANT SETTING DESIGNED BY INTERIOR DESIGNER VIRGINIA MAISSEN.

8 | La Trattoria

All pasta such as Spaghetti, Tortellini, Garganelli or Strozzapreti is freshly made in-house with our pasta machine “La Monferrina” and the best flour.

Italy is synonymous with joie de vivre, Vespas and Moto-

The cuisine

rinos. Dolce far niente, beaches, the seaside, Dolce &

Head chef Peter Maxlmoser enlisted the expertise of the

Gabbana. Stylish fashion and fast sports cars. We think

passionate connoisseur of Italian cuisine Daniel Schulz

of the magic of the Amalfi Coast, the exuberance of

and top chef Reto Lampart for La Trattoria’s concept and

cinema classics by Federico Fellini, and last but not least,

menu. “During an intense

mouth-wateringly delicious Italian cuisine! The soul of

workshop about Italian

Italy encapsulated in flavourful food and exquisite in-

trattoria cuisine, we came

“Fresh,

gredients. Fresh basil, fragrant

closer and closer to the

Sicilian blood oranges, aromatic

core of the new concept,”

homemade

Parma ham, balsamic vinegar,

says Peter Maxlmoser. “It

fresh truffles, pecorino, pesto,

soon became clear that

pasta dishes are

panzerotti. Taggiasca olives and

Italian pasta dishes are

burrata. Italian cuisine is based

at the heart of everything!”

the heart of the

on simplicity and the quality of

Pasta – always fresh and

the ingredients (no more than

new Trattoria.”

home-made: stuffed, cut, pressed, or twisted. For this pur-

three). This is the exact concept

pose, the team evaluated the best ingredients for weeks,

“We want to serve our guests a varied culinary offer.”

behind the Trattoria at Hotel

including pasta flour, and experimented and cooked

Walther. Laid-back, vibrant, and authentic! We serve

for hours, until finally the desired quality was achieved

typical dishes that impress with their taste and skilful

and the basic menu had been created. Antipasti, classic

combinations – no frills, simply natural, and honest – all

Italian meat and fish dishes, and delicious “Dolci” are of

served within a stylish rustic ambience brimming with

course also on the menu.

fond references to the Italian culture and way of life.

Until the opening at the end of June, the actual menu is

Our Stüva has transformed into La Trattoria

still a closely guarded secret – but we can already reveal

We commissioned the reputed Zurich interior design

that our guests can look forward to deliciously stuffed

studio Virginia Maissen for the redesign of the “Lärchen-

ravioli, tagliata made from Piedmontese Fassone beef,

stube”. She is also the mastermind behind the successful

and of course a delicious “Torta della Nonna”.

redesign of the ground-floor lobby, bar, smokers’ lounge, reception, and art deco dining room that took place two years ago. An immense amount of passion, expertise, and attention to detail has gone into the design of the restaurant. Fabrics have been specifically created, and table dressings and pictures carefully selected to make sure everything blends harmoniously so that guests feel comfortable and cosy in our new Trattoria Walther.

9

Das Walther Kulinarium For years, the gourmet restaurant La Stüva in the elegant Lärchenstube has been regarded as a figurehead for market-fresh Alpine gourmet cuisine. “Now is the time to open a new chapter, so that we can offer our

“Genuine

guests an even more diverse cu-

Italian cuisine is

Anne-Rose Walther. In addition

virtually absent

its modern interpretations of

throughout the

sons dishes in the Colani Stübli,

entire valley.”

raclette delicacies in the original

linary selection,” says hostess to the Grand Restaurant with French cuisine, traditional Gridelicious glacier fondue and cable-car gondola the Gondo-

lezza, as well as a trendy snack menu in the lobby and bar, from the end of June, La Trattoria will add to the hotel’s gastronomic portfolio. Typical Italian dishes prepared from the highest-quality products are served in the customary Walther manner – simple but always with that extra-special twist.

La Trattoria has a capacity of approximately 50 guests,

Visualization by the interior design studio Virginia Maissen

and will be open this summer from 18:30 in the evenings.

10 | La Trattoria

“Typical Italian dishes made from top-quality products are the focus.”

ENGADINE SUMMER CALENDAR IN SUMMER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON AT THE WALTHER 2019 EVEN AND IN PONTRESINA, WITH NUMEROUS COLOURFUL AND DIVERSE EVENTS OF WHICH WE LIST A SMALL SELECTION HERE. FOR DETAILS AND MORE VISIT www.hotelwalther.ch, www.pontresina.ch, www.stmoritz.ch

CAMERATA AT TAISWALD PONTRESINA

In summer at 11 o’clock at good weather: salon music as in times of the Belle Epoque

20-24 AUGUST 25-31 JULY

1 AUGUST

Fairy-tale festival Klapperlapapp

Swiss Epic mountain bike stage race

Swiss National Day at the Rondo

7 JUNE

Season opening at Hotel Walther

5-7 JULY

8-10 JUNE

26th British Classic Car Meeting St. Moritz

Walther Pentecost weekend

19 JULY 4 AUGUST

4 JULY - 4 AUGUST

Arts and Crafts Pontresina

Festival da Jazz

27-30 JUNE

26-28 JULY

Tavolata St. Moritz

27 JULY-10 AUGUST

Vaude Engadin Bike Giro

79th Engadin Festival

6-7 JULY

Ottilö Swimrun Engadin

23-25 AUGUST 8th Passione Engadina

5-6 JULY

Engadin St. Moritz Ultraks

27 SEPTEMBER

Castagnata at Alpschaukäserei Morteratsch

16 OCTOBER

End of the season at Hotel Walther

WINTER SEASON:

DATES LARET MARKET PONTRESINA SUMMER 2019 THURSDAYS, STARTING 5 P.M.

from 13 December 2019 until 13 April 2020

5-6 OCTOBER

Klapperlapapp fairy-tale & stories festival in Taiswald

27 June / 11 July / 25 July 8 August / 22 August

Calendar Summer 2019 | 11

THE HAMMER IS RARELY EVER USED

HE IS THE “GYRO GEARLOOSE” OF HOTEL WALTHER. IF SOMETHING ISN’T WORKING AS IT’S SUPPOSED TO, SILVIO PINGGERA COMES TO THE RESCUE. OUR IN-HOUSE TECHNICIAN TAKES EVERYTHING APART – AND PUTS IT BACK TOGETHER AGAIN. IN OUR CHAT, HE TELLS US WHAT DRIVES HIM AND HOW HE SPENDS HIS TIME OFF. Mr Pinggera, can you describe a typical day as an in-house technician at Hotel Walther?

What do you like about your job?

Early in the morning, I make the rounds with Fernando Marques,

thing new every once in a while. I like the contact with the people

who is in charge of the garden as well as building services. We check

here at the hotel. As a rule, we try to ensure that any repairs in the

that everything is functioning correctly with the heating, in-house

rooms are carried out when the guests are not present. Of course, I

laundry, and reception. We are then briefed by reception about any

still meet guests, and I’m always happy to get to know them. There is

repairs required in the rooms. We do the same at Hotel Steinbock as

rarely ever anything that I cannot fix. I also repair electrical appliances

well. Of particular importance is the morning check of the indoor

such as stoves or coffee makers and take care of the maintenance of

pool. Each day we take water samples from the pool and analyse

the snowplough – that’s fun! Even controls that were almost beyond

them with a measuring device. This allows us to ensure that the spe-

saving, I got up and running again. You have to be flexible – then

cified values are met. After completing the morning rounds, we work

everything is possible.

I can work independently and have the freedom even to try some-

on tasks such as sanding chairs and benches or cleaning the underground parking garage. We clean the parking garage with our

Which tools are most commonly used?

“Ferrari” – that’s how Mr Walther named the cleaning machine.

The hammer is rarely ever used (laughs). I keep my toolboxes with

Apart from that, of course, there are always minor repairs to be taken

me to ensure I’m ready at all times.

care of around the hotel – the work never ends (laughs).

12 | Silvio Pinggera: In-house technician at Hotel Walther

Which repair has been one of the most challenging so far and why?

Once we had a burst pipe. Finding the leak quickly was a big challenge. Once you know where the water is coming from, you first have to chisel an opening, then solder the pipe and spackle it again.

Where does your enthusiasm for technology and energy for your work come from?

I basically grew up in a garage and started repairing cars early on. At home, I also do everything myself, and the remodelling of our holiday homes in Italy and Portugal were also my private projects. In summer, I spend almost every weekend in Italy, and during the holidays I travel to Tarouca in Portugal. There, I enjoy the peace – although I always have to work on something; the garden, for example. But that’s not really work for me.

Exceptional pets – how did that happen?

And what do you do for balance at home in S-chanf?

We have always enjoyed birds. Fifteen years ago, we already had

My pets are my energy source. Together with a friend, I own three

our first geese and chickens. But then we saw a documentary

ostriches. The birds are fascinating: their size, their beautiful eyes

about the biggest bird in the world and thought it would be great to

with the long eyelashes, and their majestic nature.

have some. So we requested a permit from the canton and received it. We were among the first ostrich owners in Switzerland.

How do you care for the animals?

It is vital that they have enough space to run around. The birds can grow up to 240 cm tall. Our three ostriches have 2’000 m2 of open space. When it comes to food, you have to make sure that you do not give them chicken feed; they cannot stomach that. We feed them corn and special food. We need almost a ton of that every year. Hay flowers are also at the top of the menu – I get that from farmers who have too much of it. We have two females and one male. That’s a must. The male is very hyperactive and always keeps one of the two females on the hop. Hence, we need two, so they can take turns recovering (laughs). Now that the male is a bit older, he’s a bit calmer.

I cannot say that about myself, though. I’m always on the go – and with great pleasure.

13

GOLDEN FIREWORKS

BEFORE NATURE IS FORCED INTO HIBERNATION, IT GIVES US A LAST COLOURFUL ENCORE. DURING AN INDIAN SUMMER, THE LARCHES WEAR GOLD-EMBROIDERED DRESSES, THE SKY TURNS A BRIGHT SHADE OF BLUE, AND THE MOUNTAINTOPS ARE COVERED WITH POWDERY SNOW – THE IDEAL TIME FOR A VISIT TO HOTEL WALTHER. The autumnal colours of the forests present a natural spectacle

Book our autumn package now, and experience

that can be admired not only in North America but also in the

the Engadine Indian Summer.

Engadine. From mid-September, the most beautiful season in the Upper Engadine begins. For one month, the splendour of the autumnal colour palette can be enjoyed along with fantastic views and pleasant temperatures.

INDIAN SUMMER PACKAGE Services included:

is just waiting for you to discover it. By the way: our special offer

· Welcome aperitif · 1x teatime in the lobby with coffee and cake · 1x evening menu “Dine around” at the Grand Restaurant, La Trattoria, Colani Stuebli, or Gondolezza (drinks not included) · Free e-mountain bike use (subject to availability) · 20% green fee discount on the Samedan and Zuoz-Madulain golf courses · Engadine mobility: summer cable cars and public transport (bus and train) in Engadine St. Moritz · Service charges and VAT incl./visitor’s tax not included · Additional nights on request

“Mountain Railways Included” means that, from your second over-

Available from 22 September to 16 October 2019

night stay, you can use 13 cable cars and public transport free of

3 NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE ROOM “STANDARD” FROM CHF 495 PER PERSON

Grey fog below – clear blue skies above While in the lowlands autumn generally means foggy days, in the Engadine, we experience one sunny day after another. A trip to the High Valley is the perfect opportunity to escape the dull grey and the autumn blues. Indulge yourself and your senses – at Hotel Walther, relax and enjoy excellent culinary delights and an extensive wellness menu, in the midst of this impressive landscape that

charge – meaning that there are no limits to your wanderlust!

14 | Indian Summer

HIKING WITH A GUIDE One of the most popular hiking destinations in Switzerland – Pontresina – is the perfect choice for mountain enthusiasts. In addition to highlights such as the Val Roseg, Muottas Muragl, and Alp Languard, you can discover surprising facts about the local ibex population, deer, and a lot more on guided hikes.

The hiking region in Pontresina is exceptional, with its network of about 580 kilometres hiking trails. In the wild and romantic Val Roseg, you can stroll leisurely up to the Roseg Glacier, with its awe-inspiring views of the peaks and glaciers of the Bernina Massif. Another popular hiking route is the mountain trail from Muottas Muragl past the Segantini hut to Alp Languard, which is also a themed trail on the topic of global warming. The nature trails are educational, and there is an abundance of wildlife to spot with the help of your free guide.

Moulins near Cavaglia

IBEX & MARMOT EXCURSIONS

GLACIER GARDEN CAVAGLIA

GUIDE: Christine Salis, BWL-certified hiking guide, Pontresina MEETING POINT: 9 a.m., Valley Station chairlift Alp Languard;

DATES: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from May to October MEETING POINT: 2 p.m., Cavaglia train station DURATION: Approx. 90 minutes EQUIPMENT: Hiking boots FEE: The tour is free of charge upon presentation of the Pontresina guest card; insurance is the participant’s responsibility REGISTRATION: Not required

The Albris region above Pontresina is renowned for its variety of Alpine animals and plants. Particularly impressive are the marmots, chamois and the largest ibex colony in Switzerland.

Excursions to Val Languard with an expert guide are scheduled on Fridays from 14 June to 11 October. Interested parties can register online until 5:00 p.m. the previous day.

return approx. 4 p.m.

WALKING TIME: Day trip, hiking time approx. 4.5 hours with an altitude difference of around 600 metres EQUIPMENT: Good hiking boots, rain protection, picknick, possibly binoculars, and photographic equipment FEE: The excursion is free of charge (chairlift ride not included!); insurance is the participant’s responsibility REGISTRATION: The day before until 5 p.m., T +41 81 838 83 00

The moulins or glacier mills of Giardino dei Ghiacciai di Cavaglia are an impressive natural phenomenon. The “pots of the giants” have been sculpted by the Palü Glacier. Over thousands of years, glacier water, debris, and gravel have worked the hard rock and bored these huge holes in the ground. The glacier garden is open from May to October.

MORNING RELAXATION AT LANGUARD

A special kind of nature experience. On this extra-early ascent of Alp Languard, you experience the awakening of the mountains as the first rays of sunshine hit the peaks.

Once at the top, relax with soothing relaxation, mindfulness exercises and meditation under the open skies.

Marmots at Albris

MORNING EXCURSIONS DURING STAG RUTTING SEASON

DATES: Every Tuesday in July and August (only in good weather) GUIDE: Barbara Tuena MEETING POINT: 7.55 a.m., Valley Station chairlift Alp Languard DURATION: 60 minutes EQUIPMENT: Warm clothing and good footwear COSTS: Free of charge (chairlift ride not included) REGISTRATION: The day before until 5 p.m. T +41 79 719 78 10

On Wednesday 11, 18, and 25 September, guided wildlife viewing excursions are organised in Val Roseg. Val Roseg is known for its conifer forests, rushing streams, and abundant fauna. Early in the morning, you can watch wild animals and learn more about their behaviour during rutting season.

GUIDE: Christine Salis, BWL-certified hiking guide, Pontresina MEETING POINT: 6:30 a.m., Rusellas Car Park; return around 9 a.m.

DURATION: Approx. 2.5 hours, walking time 1.5 hours with an altitude difference of approx. 50 metres EQUIPMENT: Hiking boots, rain protection, binoculars FEE: The excursion is free of charge; insurance is the participant’s responsibility REGISTRATION: The day before until 5 p.m., T +41 81 838 83 00

Hiking at the foot of the Morteratsch Glacier

Hiking Offers | 15

99

580 km

20° C

free of charge concerts performs the

This is the total length of the trails in

This is the water temperature in the

salon music group “Camerata Pon-

the region around Pontresina. No wonder

idyllic lake “Lej da Staz”. Put on your

tresina” every summer in Taiswald.

the mountaineering village is one of the

swimsuit and take a dive!

Weather-permitting, the sweet

most popular hiking areas in Switzerland.

notes fill the air daily at 11 o’clock.

3’200

400 km

m a. s. l.

This is where the Georgy Hut

single trails and special flowtrails

is located. It’s the highest mountain

await enthusiastic mountain bikers

hut in the Engadine... and offers

all around Pontresina.

6,4 km

This is the length of the Morteratsch Glacier, with a total area of approx 15.3 km2. This makes it the largest glacier in Switzerland in terms of total volume.

62

Restaurants Restaurants are ready to indulge

fabulous views of hundreds of Alpine peaks.

PONTRESINA 1’805 m

1934

This is when the first gliding

above sea level

attempts were made on the Samedan

170 km2

drop around the Piz Bernina

This is the area covered by

the Swiss National Park. This makes it the oldest and largest in Switzerland and utterly unique.

Airfield. Still today, the unique back-

enthrals flying enthusiasts from all over the world.

100%

you during your visit in and around

Fresh spring water flows

Pontresina – a quota of one per 32

from the pipes in Pontresina,

inhabitants, which very likely has a lot to do with the proverbial Pontresinian conviviality.

Incidentally, the latest addition is “La Trattoria” at Hotel Walther.

1893

coming directly from the surrounding mountains.

The Engadine Golf Club Samedan was founded. It was first golf club in Switzerland - today it’s among the largest.

Collect moments – not things!

Follow us on Instagram and post your favorite moments in mountain summer with #hotelwalther

The next winter season lasts from 13 December 2019 to 13 April 2020.

Hotel Walther · Via Maistra 215 · CH-7504 Pontresina · Phone +41 81 839 36 36 · www.hotelwalther.ch

www.spotwerbung.ch

Opening: end of June 2019.