GiazettaISSUE 05 SUMMER 2019

www.hotelwalther.ch

NEWTRATTORIABIKINGHIKINGSERPENTINE& THREEOSTRICHES

SUMMER SEASON7 JUNE until

16 OCTOBER 2019

WELCOMEto Hotel Walther

Dear Guests, Dear Friends,

An intense winter season that saw tonnes of snow

and numerous sunny days now lies behind us. After a

short breather, we look forward to welcoming you and

the summer in its full splendour from the beginning of

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

forward to surprise you each season with something

new.

Italian fling

After long and beautiful years with our gourmet

restaurant La Stüva, it is time to say goodbye and

make room for new things. Our new restaurant is

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

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

best that Italian cuisine has to offer: the finest pasta

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

and irresistible dolci – because we know that the way

to our guests’ hearts is through their stomachs.

Read more on page 8.

Active mountain summer

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

will have more than earned some Italian delicacies.

How about, for example, a hike along the extensive

network of trails around Pontresina? Over 580 kilo-

metres of hiking trails are waiting to be discovered. Set

off on a hike through nature and discover new sights

and experiences – a selection of educational trails can

be found on page 15. Or get adventurous on two wheels.

Route 673 promises a diverse biking experience from

Pontresina to Valposchiavo – with the option of an easy

and comfortable ride thanks to our e-mountain bikes.

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

At the WALTHER, you can enjoy summertime in

the mountains with all of its facets. We look forward

to welcoming you.

See you soon,

Anne-Rose & Thomas Walther

and the friendly Walther host team

2 | Editorial

NEWSOVER HILL AND DALE – ELECTRICStarting 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 electric- drive 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 PENTECOSTKick 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 de-lights, 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 DECKRelax 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, accom-panied by a drink.

PURE RELAXATIONFor 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.

in brief

Short News | 3

The bike trail from the Engadine to Poschiavo bears the

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

Trails” by the International Mountain Bicycling Associa-

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

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

over the Bernina Pass and down through the Valposchiavo.

A biking adventure over more than 40 kilometres awaits

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

want to save your energy for the descent from the Bernina

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

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 Land-

gasthof Morteratsch, we marvel at the Piz Bernina and

the Morteratsch Glacier over a steaming cup of coffee.

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.

4 | Bike Route 673 5

At the topThe tour continues up past the valley stations of Dia-

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

until the fantastic panoramic view over Lej Nair and

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

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

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

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

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

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

lake water!

DownhillAt 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 ga-

ther our strength because the fast downhill ride packs

quite a punch! The steep and sometimes rough track re-

quires 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 lineFrom 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 vil-

lage centre immediately welcomes its visitors with its

southern joie de vivre, its narrow, picturesque streets,

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 culmina-

tion of a bike tour rich in variety and emotion. See you

soon on Route 673!

ROUTE 673BIKING EXPERIENCEWITH A VIEW

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 Zuanwww.filipzuan.com

1 3 4

5

2

6

6 | Engadine Biking Tips New Rooms | 7

MARMOTTA-TRAIL VAL MINORTHE SPECTACULAR NEW SLOW TRAIL CONNECTSTHREE 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 / 6Technique: 3 / 6Stamina: 2 / 6Trail length: 5.75 kmAscent: 155 mTime: 47 minMax. altitude: 2’480 m a.s.l.Start: Ospizio Bernina

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

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ENGADINE LAKE TOURTHREE IDYLLIC ALPS AND EIGHT LAKES IN THE MAIN VALLEY OF THE ENGADINEFrom 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 / 6Technique: 2 / 6Stamina: 3 / 6Trail length: 37 kmAscent: 890 mTime: 1 dayMax. altitude: 2’077 m a.s.l.Start: Pontresina Railway Station

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

CORVIGLIA WM-FLOWTRAILPANORAMA, EASY FLOW & 360° CURVE ON THE CORVIGLIAThe 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 / 6Technique: 2 / 6Stamina: 2 / 6Trail length: 3 kmDescent: 280 mTime: 10 min.Max. altitude: 2486 m a.s.l.Start: Corviglia summit station

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

PUMPTRACK PONTRESINAThe 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.

FRESHPAINT

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.

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

of the designers who worked their magic during the renovation of

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

rant. Indeed, the reputed VIRGINIA MAISSEN INTERIOR DESIGN

STUDIO from Zurich is behind the planning and design of the

new rooms. Combining modernity and tradition, the concepts and

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

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

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

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

natural primary colours in the forefront.

TransformationsFor the hardwood floors, trustworthy, authentic materials were uti-

lised, 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

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

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

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

designed fabrics featuring Alpine motives and timeless basic pat-

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

green, and blue.

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!

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

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

VIVALA TRATTORIA

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

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

Gabbana. Stylish fashion and fast sports cars. We think

of the magic of the Amalfi Coast, the exuberance of

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

mouth-wateringly delicious Italian cuisine! The soul of

Italy encapsulated in flavourful food and exquisite in-

gredients. Fresh basil, fragrant

Sicilian blood oranges, aromatic

Parma ham, balsamic vinegar,

fresh truffles, pecorino, pesto,

panzerotti. Taggiasca olives and

burrata. Italian cuisine is based

on simplicity and the quality of

the ingredients (no more than

three). This is the exact concept

behind the Trattoria at Hotel

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

typical dishes that impress with their taste and skilful

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

served within a stylish rustic ambience brimming with

fond references to the Italian culture and way of life.

Our Stüva has transformed into La TrattoriaWe commissioned the reputed Zurich interior design

studio Virginia Maissen for the redesign of the “Lärchen-

stube”. She is also the mastermind behind the successful

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.

8 | La Trattoria 9

The cuisineHead chef Peter Maxlmoser enlisted the expertise of the

passionate connoisseur of Italian cuisine Daniel Schulz

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

menu. “During an intense

workshop about Italian

trattoria cuisine, we came

closer and closer to the

core of the new concept,”

says Peter Maxlmoser. “It

soon became clear that

Italian pasta dishes are

at the heart of everything!”

Pasta – always fresh and

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

pose, the team evaluated the best ingredients for weeks,

including pasta flour, and experimented and cooked

for hours, until finally the desired quality was achieved

and the basic menu had been created. Antipasti, classic

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

course also on the menu.

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

still a closely guarded secret – but we can already reveal

that our guests can look forward to deliciously stuffed

ravioli, tagliata made from Piedmontese Fassone beef,

and of course a delicious “Torta della Nonna”.

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.

NEW RESTAURANT CONCEPT AT HOTEL WALTHER

“Fresh,

homemade

pasta dishes are

the heart of the

new Trattoria.”

“We want

to serve our

guests a varied

culinary offer.”

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

7 JUNESeason opening at Hotel Walther

5-7 JULY26th British Classic Car

Meeting St. Moritz

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

ENGADINESUMMER CALENDAR2019

10 | La Trattoria Calendar Summer 2019 | 11

8-10 JUNEWalther Pentecost weekend

27-30 JUNEVaude EngadinBike Giro

4 JULY - 4 AUGUSTFestival da Jazz

5-6 JULYEngadin St. MoritzUltraks

6-7 JULYOttilö SwimrunEngadin

19 JULY -4 AUGUSTArts andCraftsPontresina

25-31 JULYFairy-tale festival

Klapperlapapp

26-28 JULYTavolata St. Moritz

27 JULY-10 AUGUST79th Engadin Festival

20-24 AUGUSTSwiss Epicmountain bike stage race

23-25 AUGUST8th PassioneEngadina

5-6 OCTOBERKlapperlapapp

fairy-tale & stories festival in Taiswald

27 SEPTEMBERCastagnata atAlpschaukäsereiMorteratsch

16 OCTOBEREnd of the season

at Hotel Walther

WINTER SEASON:from 13 December 2019

until 13 April 2020DATES

LARET MARKET PONTRESINASUMMER 2019 THURSDAYS, STARTING 5 P.M.27 June / 11 July / 25 July8 August / 22 August

1 AUGUSTSwiss National Day at the Rondo

Vis

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Mai

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“Typical Italian

dishes made from

top-quality products

are the focus.”

“Genuine

Italian cuisine is

virtually absent

throughout the

entire valley.”

Das Walther KulinariumFor years, the gourmet restaurant La Stüva in the ele-

gant 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

guests an even more diverse cu-

linary selection,” says hostess

Anne-Rose Walther. In addition

to the Grand Restaurant with

its modern interpretations of

French cuisine, traditional Gri-

sons dishes in the Colani Stübli,

delicious glacier fondue and

raclette delicacies in the original

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 pre-

pared 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,

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

CAMERATAAT TAISWALDPONTRESINAIn summerat 11 o’clock atgood weather:salon musicas in times of the Belle Epoque

THEHAMMERISRARELYEVER USEDHE 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.

12 | Silvio Pinggera: In-house technician at Hotel Walther 13

Mr Pinggera, can you describe a typical day as an in-house technician at Hotel Walther?Early in the morning, I make the rounds with Fernando Marques,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

on tasks such as sanding chairs and benches or cleaning the under-

ground parking garage. We clean the parking garage with our

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

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

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

What do you like about your job?I can work independently and have the freedom even to try some-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

everything is possible.

Which tools are most commonly used?The hammer is rarely ever used (laughs). I keep my toolboxes with

me to ensure I’m ready at all times.

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 chal-

lenge. 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 sum-

mer, 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.

And what do you do for balance at home in S-chanf?My pets are my energy source. Together with a friend, I own three

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

with the long eyelashes, and their majestic nature.

Exceptional pets – how did that happen?We have always enjoyed birds. Fifteen years ago, we already had

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

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

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 re-

covering (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.

14 | Indian Summer

HIKING WITH A GUIDE

Hiking Offers | 15

GOLDENFIREWORKS

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 net-

work 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 gla-

ciers 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.

IBEX & MARMOT EXCURSIONSThe 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 sche- duled on Fridays from 14 June to 11 October. Interested par-ties can register online until 5:00 p.m. the previous day.

GUIDE: Christine Salis, BWL-certified hiking guide, PontresinaMEETING POINT: 9 a.m., Valley Station chairlift Alp Languard; return approx. 4 p.m.WALKING TIME: Day trip, hiking time approx. 4.5 hours with an altitude difference of around 600 metresEQUIPMENT: Good hiking boots, rain protection, picknick, possibly binoculars, and photographic equipmentFEE: The excursion is free of charge (chairlift ride not included!); insurance is the participant’s responsibilityREGISTRATION: The day before until 5 p.m., T +41 81 838 83 00

MORNING EXCURSIONSDURING STAG RUTTING SEASONOn 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, PontresinaMEETING 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 metresEQUIPMENT: Hiking boots, rain protection, binocularsFEE: The excursion is free of charge; insurance is the participant’s responsibilityREGISTRATION: The day before until 5 p.m., T +41 81 838 83 00

GLACIER GARDEN CAVAGLIAThe 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.

DATES: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from May to OctoberMEETING POINT: 2 p.m., Cavaglia train stationDURATION: Approx. 90 minutes EQUIPMENT: Hiking bootsFEE: The tour is free of charge upon presentation of the Pontresina guest card; insurance is the participant’s responsibilityREGISTRATION: Not required

MORNING RELAXATION AT LANGUARDA 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.

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

Moulins near Cavaglia

Hiking at the foot of the Morteratsch Glacier

Marmots at Albris

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

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

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.

Grey fog below – clear blue skies aboveWhile 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 exten-

sive wellness menu, in the midst of this impressive landscape that

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

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

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

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

Book our autumn package now, and experience

the Engadine Indian Summer.

INDIAN SUMMER PACKAGEServices included:

· 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

Available from 22 September to 16 October 2019

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

580 kmThis is the total length of the trails in

the region around Pontresina. No wonder

the mountaineering village is one of the

most popular hiking areas in Switzerland.

170 km2

This is the area covered by

the Swiss National Park. This makes it

the oldest and largest in Switzerland

and utterly unique.

99free of charge concerts performs the

salon music group “Camerata Pon-

tresina” every summer in Taiswald.

Weather-permitting, the sweet

notes fill the air daily at 11 o’clock.

400 kmsingle trails and special flowtrails

await enthusiastic mountain bikers

all around Pontresina.

6,4 kmThis 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.

62Restaurants

Restaurants are ready to indulge

you during your visit in and around

Pontresina – a quota of one per 32

inhabitants, which very likely has

a lot to do with the proverbial

Pontresinian conviviality.

Incidentally, the latest addition is

“La Trattoria” at Hotel Walther.

Opening: end of June 2019.

20° CThis is the water temperature in the

idyllic lake “Lej da Staz”. Put on your

swimsuit and take a dive!

1934This is when the first gliding

attempts were made on the Samedan

Airfield. Still today, the unique back-

drop around the Piz Bernina

enthrals flying enthusiasts from

all over the world.

100%Fresh spring water flows

from the pipes in Pontresina,

coming directly from the

surrounding mountains.

3’200m a. s. l.

This is where the Georgy Hut

is located. It’s the highest mountain

hut in the Engadine... and offers

fabulous views of hundreds

of Alpine peaks.

1893The Engadine Golf Club Samedan was

founded. It was first golf club in Switzer-

land - today it’s among the largest.

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

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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.