Sunday, January 26, 2025 - Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Pontresina, Switzerland,
International,
Switzerland
Back by popular demand after a wonderful February, 2024 XC skiing experience! Enjoy ten exquisite days in Switzerland's Engadin valley featuring outstanding XC skiing as well as two days of exceptional winter hiking on prepared trails. Located about 135 miles southeast of Zurich, the Engadin valley is centered in Pontresina, Switzerland, a high altitude alpine resort renowned for its XC skiing facilities. Pontresina is located at ~6,000' elevation, close to the height of Mt Washington. This ensures cold temperatures for optimal snow cover. Having the highest XC ski location by 1,000'-2,000' compared to other major resorts, Pontresina has snow coverage when others may not. It boasts of over 240KM of classically groomed XC ski trails, more than any other resort. These excellent attributes are well recognized: the Engadin ski marathon, world's second largest classic-style XC race, takes place here every March. While this trip is focused on XC skiing, we also will experience two days of great winter hiking on prepared trails. We will enjoy: 1) the quiet beauty of Val Fex. Well above the small lakeside village of Sils/Segl is the magical Val Fex, a serene, car-free high mountain valley. Its few buildings remind one of what agrarian Switzerland was like 100 years ago. 2) the magnificent views from the top of Muottas Muragl. After a funicular brings us 2,200' above the valley floor we do a splendid loop hike along a high ridge line. Our facilities will be excellent. We will stay at a top-rated hotel noted for its classic elegance, excellent service, and outstanding cuisine. The "Swiss-class" public transportation system - frequent buses and trains - quickly takes us to the furthest trail entry points. Many family-run restaurants are distributed throughout the entire ski area, allowing us to stop trailside every day for a hot lunch and a chance to warm up.
