A fashion junkie would describe St Mortiz as an ensemble of uninterrupted lush, green vegetation and gurgling virgin waters accessorised by wild, luscious flowers. Fresh, untouched air is the reason enough to visit this chic, exotic locale. If you love mountain sports then this is totally up your alley.
Surreal mountain adventures
Enjoy hiking
The regions of Corvigilia/Piz Nair, Diavolezza, Corvatsch/Furtschellas and Muottas Muragl/Alp Languard present an exotic panoply of soul-searing tours high up in the mountains for hikers and mountain bikers, nordic walkers and mountaineers, families or anyone itching for a tranquil stroll. The views of the Alpine peaks and the valley's lakes are impossibly magnificent.
The 13 cable cars, funiculars, gondolas and chairlifts that operate in summer carry visitors up to an exquisite mountain world high above the valley floor, famed for its variety and wealth of contrasts. At the 18 mountain restaurants on the Corviglia, Corvatsch, Muottas Murgal and Diavolezza, you can hang loose and pamper yourself with delectable delights after a rejuvenating hike or bike ride – or simply chill on the run terrace, regardless of how active you have been.
Vanity Fair-ish horse-drawn carriage rides
One of the most intriguing ways of exploring the Engadin and its quaint side valleys is on a fairy-tale-ish ride in a horse drawn carriage. Feast your eyes on the visually-arresting scenery in total relaxation, lulled by the sound of the horses' leisurely trotting – truly an unforgettable experience, whether by day or night. At your destination savour a gourmet treat before heading back home.
Mountain biking
The flow trails on the Corviglia
The flow trail on the downhill ski run built for the 1948 Winter Olympic Games and other flow trails on the Corviglia were laid out with great respect for the luscious landscape, and offer unbeatable thrills for mountain bikers. The trails make use of natural forms in the terrain, such as dips and mounds, to create a mesmerising rollercoaster ride. As you glide over and around the rises and curves, you enjoy an extraordinary sense of lightness, akin to skiing on powder snow – a mountain biking experience like no other.
A golfer's paradise
Samedan Golf Course
This classic golf course is the oldest in Switzerland, as well as one of the oldest in mainland Europe. The 18-hole championship course with a length of 6,799 yards offers a thrilling challenge to all discerning golfers.
Zuoz-Madulain Golf Course
A couple of drives down the valley lies the much newer but equally impressive Zuoz-Madaulain, which opened in 2003. Te 18-hole championship course with a length of 6,569 yards enjoys an idyllic natural setting and offers a chaleneging game full of variety.
Adventures in and on the water
Sailing
Wonderful wind conditions as well as spectacle mountain scenery make the lakes of the Engadin (5,900ft) above sea level, a paradise for sailors. Everyday around noon, the Maloja wind builds up to force 3-6 and only drops against a sunset.
Kitesurfing
Enthusiasts of this graceful sport have long appreciated the superb conditions on Lake Silvaplana. The dependable Maloja wind makes for speeds of upto 80 kph, with jumps as high as 30 m and flights lasting up to 20 seconds.
Windsurfing
The play of wind on water is a sight guaranteed to set the pulse of windsurfers racing as they catch their first glimpse of beautiful Lake Silva-plana. Mornings, before the wind has built up, are perfect for stand-up paddling: set off across the mirror-like surface of any of the Engadin lakes, guided or unaccimpamied, and enjoy the blissful tranquility.
By Plane
Engadin St. Moritz is home to Europe's highest airport – complete with customs facilities, allowing it to accommodate direct international flights. A charter service links national and international airports with the Engadin.
www.engadin-airport.ch
By Train
Travel with the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) as far as Chur, where you change to the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). The line through the Albula Valley into the Engadin, with its spiral tunnels and giddy viaducts, is one of the most scenic and spectacular in Europe; together with the Bernia line, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2008. The Albula tunnel is now over 100 years old. A new, parallel, tunnel is to be excavated over the coming years, without affecting traffic. The RhB is also converting St. Moritz station into an attractive hub for public transport.
www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/railwaytraffic
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