How about a climb or walk up a 3,000-metre peak? Or a mountaintop barbecue at a giddy 3,066 m above sea level? Questions for families and all who love a leisurely experience of the mountains: answers (and routes) in the Diavolezza region!
An ascent of a via ferrata – a climbing route with a fixed cable for security – promises an unforgettable family experience full of excitement. But please always remember: this is a mountain challenge to be taken seriously. Families should always ensure that an accompanying adult has experience of climbing via ferratas and is able to lead and instruct the children effectively as they climb. In line with the overriding rule, “Safety first!”, all participants should also know what to do in an emergency and how to make an emergency rescue call by mobile phone.
To ensure full safety and maximum fun, children need suitable climbing equipment and plenty of breaks to maintain energy levels. Correct technique for using the safety equipment is also fundamental up on the mountain. Our tip: warm up with a “dry run” on the practice via ferrata at the Diavolezza cable car summit station. Now you’re all set to climb!
300 vertical metres, 500 steps, 600 m of cables, a triple-cable bridge and a 35 m zip wire: the Engadin’s first via ferrata still packs a punch! With its superb safety features, this fabulous via ferrata is suitable also for children – but they have to be at least 12 years old with a minimum weight of 40 kg. After a short walk (20 min.) to the foot of the Piz Trovat, the ascent begins with some easy climbing. The gentle Cambrena section leads to the cable bridge and finally the trickiest stretch, graded K3 (difficult); the rest of the ascent is graded K2 (moderately difficult). Afterwards, simple stone steps bring climbers up to the summit of the Piz Trovat (3,146 m). The descent is via the north-east ridge. Note: the steep paths definitely require a sure foot and good balance.
Although the Munt Pers rises to an impressive 3,207 m, even children can hike up, providing they have experience of the mountains and a sure foot – which allows for a very special family experience. Starting from the Diavolezza cable car summit station, a well-made but sometimes steep mountain trail leads along the south-east ridge of the Munt Pers up to the summit. Here, most hikers fall silent in wonder at the magnificent panoramic views taking in the mighty peaks of the Bernina massif – including the Piz Bernina, the Biancograt ridge and the most beautiful summit of them all, the Piz Palü. Our tip: if you are at ease hiking in high-altitude terrain in darkness with a head torch, spend the night at the Berghaus Diavolezza and get up before dawn to admire sunrise from the Munt Pers. You cannot imagine a more enchanting experience of the Bernina mountains!
Despite the descent of 900 vertical metres involved in the hike from the Diavolezza cable car summit station down to the valley floor, this is definitely one of the region’s child-friendly hikes – providing your children have a sure foot, that is. The trail skirts the snowfield as it leads downhill parallel to the chairlift and then traverses the flanks of the Munt Pers. First of all, you are greeted by the sight of the shimmering Lej da Diavolezza and then, after a short climb, the Lej da las Collinas. The views of the mountain scenery here are delightful; the surrounding moorland is home to rare flora and fauna. A pair of binoculars will come in handy, as chamois also live in this area. The path leads among flowering alpenrose shrubs all the way down to the cable car base station.
A she-devil without fire and flames? Unthinkable! So why not enjoy an unforgettable high-altitude barbecue picnic with all the family, at 3,066 metres above sea level? The glorious 40-minute walk from the Berghaus Diavolezza to Europe’s highest barbecue picnic site with a basket full of tasty treats promises high spirits for visitors of all ages – along with a hearty appetite! We will be happy to organise the whole experience for you and can pack a basket complete with wood & firelighters, meat & sauce, salad & pretzel, dessert & drinks. (Price for 2 people: CHF 130 including return cable car ride or CHF 90 without cable car tickets. Reservations required by phone: +41 81 839 39 00 or e-mail: berghaus@diavolezza.ch)
