Pontresina
Intro
Wonderfully pine forests surround Engadine’s mountain resort and spa town, which is defined by stylish hotels from the Belle Epoque. Its village seems to have risen out of a fairy tale. Skirted by the imposing Bernina Massif, the historic mountain village (1,800 meters) casts its spell on visitors as soon as they arrive.
Description
Pontresina enjoys a sunny, sheltered location at the entrance to the Val Bernina (Berninatal) on a south-west facing terrace just 7 km from St. Moritz. The first hotels for guests were built as early as the 19th century. The charm of this medium-sized resort lies in the architectural blend of fine old Engadine houses with their typical “sgraffito” (decorated walls) from the 17/18th centuries and the elegant hotels in Belle Epoque style. A modern conference centre completes the village’s infrastructure.
The mountain pass and, since the early 20th century, the Bernina railway line lead over the 2330 m high Bernina Pass towards Italy. At sightseeing speed, the Bernina Express passes the massive Morteratsch Glacier. From the Ospizio Bernina station there is a lovely view over the mountain lakes of Lago Nero and Lago Bianco. From the Alp Grüm stop, you can see a wide view as far as the Puschlav valley in southern Grisons.
Winter
For families, the ski area of San Spiert offers varied slopes and a toboggan run, while Diavolezza presents a spectacular series of challenges. Switzerland’s longest glacier descent is found in the Diavolezza/Lagalb ski area. It runs on the moraines of the Pers and Morteratsch glaciers. With a gradient of 86%, Lagalb also has the steepest descent in Graubünden. Visitors looking for a romantic ambiance enjoy horse-drawn sleighrides through the snow-covered pine forests and in the Roseg Valley.