10 responsible winter experience tips

10 nachhaltige Winter-Erlebnistipps
Clean mountain air, untouched snow landscapes and the silence of nature create numerous opportunities to experience the Engadin in winter from its purest side. Winter is also the time when traditions such as the "Chanter suot las fnestras" or the "Chalandamarz" are lived and allow guests to immerse themselves in old customs. Here are our 10 tips for sustainable and authentic winter experiences!

1. Arrive relaxed and discover every corner of the Engadin by public transport

Sit back, enjoy the snowy landscape, and arrive stress-free – this is how your journey to the Engadin begins with the Rhätische Bahn along the Albula UNESCO World Heritage Line. No traffic jams, no worries about snow-covered roads. Plus, with the SBB luggage transport, your luggage travels ahead without the need for you to carry it.
By the way, those who book more than one night in a participating hotel or vacation apartment can enjoy free use of public transportation in the Engadin. The well-developed network ensures flexible and carefree mobility on site.

2. Experience Engadin Traditions

In the Engadin, ancient customs are still very much alive. One such tradition is singing outdoors during the Christmas season and the New Year. On December 24th, schoolchildren gather for "Chanter suot las fnestras" and sing their way through the village. On “Chalandamarz”, traditionally held on March 1st, children sing and ring bells to drive away the evil winter spirits, snow, and cold. These events leave lasting impressions on all who witness them.

3. Explore Snowy Landscapes on Silent Feet

In winter, the Engadin transforms into a true winter wonderland. The white beauty can be wonderfully explored on silent feet – with snowshoes. The marked snowshoe trails in the Engadin wind through quiet forests and across scenic plateaus. It's hard to experience nature in a more intimate and immersive way.

4. Glide Across Natural Ice Rinks

The Engadin boasts 17 ice rinks – leaving no wish unfulfilled. A unique experience is the Madulain-Zuoz natural ice path, which winds along the Inn River through the floodplain landscape. The interplay of light on the river and the tranquility of the valley accompany guests on this 3-kilometer journey. On chilly winter days, both Lej da Staz and Lej da San Murezzan also invite you to twirl or enjoy leisurely laps on the ice.

5. Relax or Revitalize with the Power of Nature

After an action-packed day in the snow, a massage offers soothing relaxation. The aroma oil massage at Ovaverva in St. Moritz uses essential oils from the regional Soglio manufactory, bringing the calming scents of the Engadin into the experience. Cold-water immersion is also said to have positive effects on both body and mind. For the brave, St. Moritz Lake and Lake Silser offer ice bathing spots that promise an unforgettable experience in the crystal-clear Engadin waters.

Eisbaden

Ice bathing in the Engadin

(Ice) swimming will make you healthy and happy

Ice bathing or winter swimming is all the rage. The trend of diving into ice-cold water is here to stay, with more and more people seeking out this special cold kick. Whether you are looking for an extraordinary self-discovery, a tingling sense of adventure or to get your circulation going – the reasons for daring to jump into ice water are many and varied.

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6. Take a Horse-Sleigh Through the Snowy Engadin Landscape

For those looking to enjoy a slower-paced day, a romantic horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride is the perfect option. These rides offer magical views of the idyllic side valleys or the frozen lake landscapes. By booking a carriage ride, guests support local carriage operators who carry out their work with great passion.

7. Discover the Local Culture Through Puzzle Fun with the Rhaetian Railway

During a journey on the Rhaetian Railway, visitors can solve tricky questions at various stations with "TrenInn". This fun challenge not only introduces the cultural treasures of the area but also offers a close-up view of the wild gorges and valleys between the Upper and Lower Engadin. Attractive prizes from the Engadin await those who solve the puzzles.

The TrenInn experience
Get to know Engadin culture in a fun way with the TrenInn, the RhB's ‘travelling inn’.

The TrenInn experience

The puzzle fun along the Engadin culture line, which runs from St. Moritz/Pontresina to Scuol-Tarasp, tests your knowledge. You can solve puzzles during the train journey, collect points and take part in prize draws at the end stations of St. Moritz, Pontresina, Samedan or Scuol.

8. Enjoy Vegetarian Cuisine

The Engadin offers great vegetarian dining options. The first vegetarian hotel in the region, Hotel Chesa Pool, is tucked away in the Fextal near Sils. Accessible by foot via a winter hiking trail, the restaurant serves guests unique vegetarian creations. For cheese lovers, a visit to “Gondolezza” is a must. In a retired gondola, visitors can enjoy glacier fondue and raclette.

9. Join a Village or Museum Tour

Where do the village names come from? Why is the church of San Gian in Celerina roofless? Who invented bobsleighing? Whether it’s snowing or sunny, a village or museum tour offers fascinating insights into Engadin culture and answers many previously unanswered questions.

Nietzsche House
Nietzsche House

10. Book a Swisstainable Accommodation

Accommodations with the label Swisstainable commit to sustainability practices in their operations. By booking a stay at these accommodations, you help promote sustainability in the destination.

Swisstainable classified accommodation

Swisstainable classified hotels