The magazine is our new main publication, appearing twice yearly with a fresh and thought-provoking look. Each edition will be devoted to a particular colour, which will serve as inspiration and leitmotiv: the resulting choice of subjects and visual imagery will present the region in a sparkling new light.
"Knock on wood” – this popular saying goes way back to ancient times. Once, when wood was not “only” used for building and handicrafts, trees were worshipped as ensouled beings. Gods, fairies and other mythical creatures lived in them and could be invoked for protection. You would stand in front of a tree, politely mention your request and then touch the bark. These powerful spirits gave their trees much sought-after inner values.
In the Engadin you will find a countless number of these special characters, and to them we have dedicated our summer edition 2021. Our gnarled and sturdy Swiss pines, firs and larches are as diverse as the Engadin. They bear witness to the past, give us strength in the present and will shape the future in their own unique way.
Black magic: Sub-zero temperatures and no snowfall: when these conditions coincide, the surface of Engadin lakes freezes to form an almost smooth sheet of clear ice that sparkles, black and mysterious, in the sunshine. There are no snowflakes and hardly any air bubbles frozen into the so-called black ice, which makes it appear transparent. This natural wonder of uncanny beauty is rare, however. On average, the phenomenon occurs only twice a decade, casting a spell on those lucky enough to witness it.
“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding – but it will overcome whatever is hard and rigid.” (Laozi) The subject of water has always been inherent to the Engadin. What better reason to dedicate this edition to this beautiful and strong element? Enjoy the flow of stories, facts and pictures, which undoubtedly include some useful nuggets of knowledge, too. We wish you an inspiring read.
The colour of winter; All snow is not the same: depending on its temperature and age, the versatile white substance can feel and look completely different. Take airy, light powder snow, for example, which means so much to winter sports enthusiasts. In order for this kind of snow to form and last, the ambient temperature must remain continuously below zero: happily, in the Engadin winter, these conditions are pretty much the norm! If a strong wind blows, the uppermost layer of snow is compressed to produce a hard crust. And then there is the unloved slush, from which the meltwater is already running, and which often indicates the end of winter…
