Some of the most spectacular glaciated summits in the Alps lie in the Engadin. Topping them all is the 4,049-metre Piz Bernina – the sole 4,000-metre peak in the Eastern Alps. Although the giant only just reaches the 4000-meter mark, it surpasses most of its higher colleagues in terms of beauty and elegance.
Piz Palü, Piz Bernina, Piz Roseg: this sublime trio stands on the “bucket list” of mountaineers from all over the world. These giants of rock, ice, and snow form the core of the Bernina massif, which marks the southern boundary of the Engadin and offers countless ascents and climbing tours of all levels of difficulty.
The right adventure every day
The starting point for carefree mountain experiences is the mountaineering school in Pontresina. The experienced and competent mountain guides of the oldest and largest mountaineering school in Graubünden know the mountain peaks like the back of their hands and know which tour is best suited for you. The Piz Palü, for example - also described as the most beautiful snow and ice mountain in the world - is a popular summit destination if you already have experience with ice axes, crampons, and rope.
The Piz Palü (3,901 m) and Piz Morteratsch (3,751 m) also offer good preparatory climbs before tackling the king of the Engadin mountains, the Piz Bernina (4,049 m.) The demanding route over the legendary Biancograt ridge is regarded as one of the finest in the Alps, and it rewards climbers with glorious views.
Visitors who have never used crampons can gain their first experience with a glacier trek on the Morteratsch Glacier. Even if this mighty glacier is shrinking every year, the experience of walking on it is powerful and the colossal ice masses are awe-inspiring.
Most summit ascents begin with an overnight stay at the Berghaus Diavolezza mountain hotel or at one of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) huts near Pontresina. The Diavolezza (2,978 m) is well worth a visit in its own right, not least because of the glorious views of the Bernina massif and its glaciers. The nickname “Ballroom of the Alps'' is well deserved. Furthermore, accessing the panoramic peak is easy, thanks to the cable car.
In addition to the peaks of the Bernina massif, there are also thrilling ascents to be enjoyed to the north. One popular climb is the Piz Kesch / Piz d’Es-cha (3,418 m), which is typically tackled from the Chamanna d’Es-cha mountain refuge above Madulain. The neighbouring valley of Val Bregaglia, meanwhile, is home to the famous granite cliffs of the Sciora massif. The mighty Pizzo Badile (3,308 m), with its notorious north face, is known worldwide as one of the classic Alpine climbs. The Pontresina Mountaineering School offers guided ascents of these mountains, too.
And if you are looking for something other than a high alpine tour with crampons and rope, then there are numerous other alpine hiking mountains in the Engadin where you can find your challenge and dreamlike views without all the extra equipment. Among the classics are: Piz da la Margna (3,159 m) near Sils, Piz Julier (3,380 m) near Silvaplana, Piz Ot (3,246 m) near Samedan, and Piz Languard (3,262 m) near Pontresina.
