Corvatsch

6 Highlights at Corvatsch

• The 3451 m high glacier mountain Piz Corvatsch is reached by mountain railroads up to an altitude of 3303 m above sea level.

• In summer, the old mule track Fuorcla Surlej is a popular destination on Corvatsch, as it offers an exclusive direct view of the Bernina massif.

• The water trail is a summer hiking trail for the whole family that leads along 6 small mountain lakes named after the minerals they contain.

• The mountain church of Fex dates back to 1500 and is a popular photo motif.

• 120 km of well-maintained slopes can be found in the Corvatsch-Furtschellas ski area, which stretches around the mountain. It also offers a lot of untouched terrain.

• the 2145 m long chairlift in Porsche design is one of the longest lifts in Graubünden.

Corvatsch is not only considered a sports mountain in winter. In summer you will find a huge hiking and leisure area with magnificent mountain scenery above bright blue lakes.

Sights at Corvatsch

The huge area around Corvatsch also includes the Furtschellas area. In addition to several lakes and streams, there are beautiful alpine meadows and impressive rock giants. Whether on foot, by bike or any other device, the mountain landscape is visited with pleasure and is also easy to reach thanks to the cable cars and chair lifts.

The sights at Corvatsch also include the Piz Corvatsch with the glacier Vadret dal Corvatsch up to the Piz Murtél. The old mule track Fuorcla Surlej and the glacier lake Lej Sgrischus are also popular destinations on Corvatsch.

Mountain lakes in the Corvatsch - Furtschellas area

In the Furtschellas area there are six small mountain lakes that are popularly visited one after the other on a single hike, the so-called water trail. It starts at the middle station of the Furtschellas cable car. The lakes include the Lejin Cristal, the Lejin Magnetit, the Lejin Malachit, the Lejin Rhodonit, the Lejin S-chaglia and the Lejin Epidot. The six Upper Engadin "Lejins" are each only a few hundred meters apart.

Lejin Cristal

The small lake Lejin Cristal lies at 2,600 meters above sea level. The lake is called crystal lake also because on the passage from Grialetsch to the Furtschellas water-clear crystals are found again and again. The best place to look for them is on the two sides of the slope and at Curtinella.

Lejin Magnetite

Lejin Magnetite is the highest of these six small lakes. It is located at 2,647 meters above sea level and has the shape of a half moon. The lake got its name from magnetite crystals that lie at the bottom of the lake.

Lejin Malachite

The lake gets its name Lejin Malachit from the green shimmering water in the middle of the alpine meadows. Lejin Malachit is located at 2,528 meters above sea level. It is the largest lake of the six Lejins.

Lejin Rhodonite

At an altitude of 2,441 meters lies the Lejin Rhodonit. The fourth lake on the waterway has a well-stocked barbecue area on its shore for resting. The stone that gives it its name occurs here in the area. The mineral was found at the Furtschellas-Grialetsch slope towards the Fex valley. It also occurs at the Chastelets, near the upper Rabgiusa stream and at Crap dallas Ravulaunas.

Lejin S-chaglia

The Lejin S-chaglia is located at an altitude of 2,446 meters above sea level. The penultimate of the small lakes on the route of the waterway is named after the slate. It is the smallest of these small lakes. It shimmers in the same colors as the slate that is popularly used in the Engadine as tiles for the roofs of houses.

Lejin Epidot

The Lejin Epidot is located at 2,484 meters above sea level. From here it is only 150 meters to the middle station of the Furtschellas cable car. The impressive panorama also includes the Piz da la Margna - the "guardian of the Upper Engadine". The mineral Epidote is quite common in the Engadine with its stalky form. In green and brown-blackish color the crystals shine between the rock crevices of the Furtschellas-Grialetsch area.

Piz Corvatsch

The 3,451-meter-high glacier mountain Piz Corvatsch is reached by cable car to an altitude of 3,303 meters. Here is a panoramic restaurant with a viewing terrace. East of here and up to Piz Murtèl stretches the Glacier Vadret dal Corvatsch. The Piz Murtél is 3,432 meters above sea level. To the west, the area of the Piz Furtschellas follows, whose jagged summit reaches an altitude of 2,932 meters above sea level.

Fuorcla Surlej

Fuorcla Surlej is a pass and old mule track that connects the Upper Engadine with Val Roseg. The viewpoint at the pass looks directly onto the Bernina Group and its glaciers. The Biancograt and Piz Roseg are particularly visible. The Fuorcla Surlej mountain restaurant is located at the viewpoint. This point is reached in about an hour's walk from the Murtèl middle station of the Corvatsch cable car. A mountain lake lies not far from the pass. The peaks of the Bernina massif are reflected in it, creating spectacular images.

Hikes to Fuorcla Surlej take about:

• from Corvatschbahn middle station Murtèl: 1 hour
• from Hotel Roseg Glacier: 2 hours
• from Corvatschbahn valley station Silvaplana-Surlej via Alp Surlej: 3 hours
• from St. Moritz Bad via Hahnensee: 3 hours 45 minutes (mountain restaurant Hahnensee)
• from Pontresina train station via Val Roseg: 4 hours

La Chüdera

La Chüdera is located on Furtschellas. It is considered the starting point for many hikes such as the circular water trail. Many visitors come here for both the magnificent panorama and the good food. The restaurant La Chüdera has a sun terrace sheltered from the wind and offers gastronomic delights. You can get to La Chüdera with the Furtschellas cable car from Sils. It is located at the middle station of the cable car.

Edelweiss bench with airplane seat optics

The bench is designed in the look of wooden airplane seats. A bar with signposts to popular long-distance destinations complements this. The Edelweiss Bänkli can be reached via the mountain station of the Furtschellas cable car. A short hike (about five minutes) leads to the vantage point in the direction of Fextal.

Glacial lake Lej Sgrischus

Lej Sgrischus lies in the midst of the impressive mountain panorama at Furtschellas. It is embedded in a hollow and reflects the surrounding mountains when there is no wind. It lies between the mountain station of the Furtschellas cable car and the Fex valley. The glacier lake can be easily reached from the La Chüdera mountain station. On the "waterway" the path goes for about half an hour until a fork turns off to the right. Continue on a terraced area and after a short climb you will reach the lake. From here you have a good view of the Corvatsch. Directly accessible from the lake is the lookout pulpit of Piz Chüern. It allows a panoramic view into the Fex valley. The hiking trail Sils - Lej Sgrischus - Val Fex leads along here. With a bit of luck, chamois can be observed here.

Fex mountain church

The Fex mountain church dates from around 1500 and is dedicated to St. Margaret. The frescoes dating from 1511 are particularly worth seeing. In 1522, the church in the Fex Valley went over to the reformist church. Still in the first half of the 16th century the frescoes fell victim to the reformist iconoclasm and were whitewashed. It was not until the 20th century that they were uncovered again. The baroque shape of the bell yoke originates from an elevation in the 17th century. The small church is open all the time. It stands in the side valley of Fex Crasta.

From Sils Maria the church can be reached on foot in about an hour. By horse-drawn carriage it takes about 45 minutes. It is located near the Hotel Sonne Fex on the Fexerstrasse. Here you can also find keys to the church in case it is closed.

Museum Plattas da Fex

The Museum Plattas da Fex is thanks to a sponsoring association. It is housed on the Alp da Segl in a former stable. In summer the museum is open daily. Next to the quarry house, the tunnel entrances can be visited. The film "November is coming for sure" tells about the time. The museum offers guided tours that include all this. In the period from mid-October to mid-June, the quarry may not be entered. It is located in the game resting area.

From Alp da Segl it is about a 10-minute walk to the old quarry. The workers' huts are still standing there. Today they are used by hunters. Already since 1965 these slabs are no longer produced.

The Alp da Segl is reached on foot, by mountain bike or partly by horse-drawn carriage. From Sils Maria it takes about two hours on foot. Horse-drawn carriages or also the horse-drawn bus drive regularly up to the Hotel Fex. From there it is another twenty minutes on foot. Sturdy shoes are important.

Activities at Corvatsch

In summer there is hiking on the Corvatsch. Trips by mountain bike offer the special pleasure of tranquility in the midst of a mountain landscape with alpine meadows and mountain lakes. But beware: not all rides of the Corvatsch mountain railroad allow the taking of bikes (see chapter prices).

Among the most popular summer activities are:

• Hiking
• Trailrunning
• Mountain biking
• Paragliding (all year round)

The skiing area at Corvatsch ranges between 1797 meters and 3303 meters above sea level. The slopes thus cope with altitude differences of 1506 meters in total.

At the bottom station of the Corvatschbahn Silvaplana, there is a Rent-Network Shop by Intersport, where equipment can either be purchased or also rented. The store also has locations in Pontresina, St. Moritz, Sils-Maria and Zuoz.

The ski school for the Corvatsch area is located in Sils Maria. The Swiss Ski School Corvatsch-Pontresina serves the snow areas in Pontresina, Silvaplana-Surlej, Sils Maria and Maloja. In Pontresina there is an associated cross-country sports store with a bike rental station. Cross-country skiing lessons for children are also offered by the ski school. It also offers snowshoeing for young people and adults.

Winter activities include:

• Skiing and snowboarding
• Sledding and snow tubing
• Corvatsch Snow Night
• Corvatsch Park
• Winter hiking
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country skiing

Hiking in the Corvatsch and Furtschellas Area

A variety of hiking trails wind around Corvatsch and the Furtschellas area. With a total of 80 km of hiking paths, choosing one can be quite a challenge.

Water Trail

The Water Trail is a circular hike that starts and ends at the Furtschellas Mittelstation La Chudera. You’ll visit six mountain lakes in about 2.5 hours. At the beginning, the trail heads towards Alp Munt and then steeply rises shortly after the left turn. The six lakes are situated at altitudes ranging from 2,441 to 2,647 meters above sea level. The rugged slopes and icy peaks of the Corvatsch massif above are impressive and accompany the hikers. The Silsersee and Silvaplanersee lakes down in the valley provide a nice contrast.

As an alternative to this hike, you can take the Corvatsch cable car from Surlej to the Murtèl Mittelstation. From there, the hike follows the six Lejins to the Furtschellas Mittelstation La Chüdera. Afterward, you can take the Furtschellas cable car down to Sils. Between Sils and the Surlej valley station, bus number 6 from Engadinbus operates, running approximately every half hour and taking 16 minutes.

The Water Trail is also a fun experience for little ones, known as the “Märli-Wasserweg.” The mountain fairy “Mara” and the goblin “Furbaz” accompany kids along the trail in a booklet. The Plitsch und Platsch booklet is designed as a fun and playful guide, telling an exciting story about the water trail. This booklet is available at the stations of the Corvatsch and Furtschellas cable cars. This way, a family outing to Corvatsch becomes a special adventure.

Via Gastronomica

This easy hike is combined with culinary breaks in selected restaurants. The trail begins with refreshments at the La Chüdera restaurant and then leads to the dreamy Val Fex with a view of the lake panorama. There the second culinary stop is planned with the Hotel Sonne. Here we will have the main course. Afterwards the tour continues along the wild and romantic gorge path of the Fex Platta down to Sils Maria. The Hotel Seraina will then serve a homemade dessert at the end.

Corvatsch middle station Murtèl - Prugnieu - Alp Prasüra - Sils (panoramic path)

From the middle station of the Corvatsch cable car (Murtèl) the path leads towards Prugnieu. Through a fragrant mountain forest it goes from there to Alp Prasüra. from where Sils can be reached via several paths. With constant views of Lake Silvaplana in the valley and the Bernina massif on the side, the name Panoramaweg is fully justified. The trail leads strongly downhill and can be walked in about 2.5 hours.

Pontresina - Fuorcla Surlej - Corvatsch Murtel

This hike starts in Pontresina and leads first through the Val Roseg with its pretty larch forests. Then it goes up to the Fuorcla Surlej. The ascent alone takes about two hours and runs in switchbacks. With more than 1000 meters of ascent, it is a demanding hike that requires a good level of fitness. From Fuorcla Surlej, the route takes you along a karr path to the middle station of the Corvatsch cable car.

Sils - Lej Sgrischus - Val Fex

The hike starts with the ride to the top station of the Furtschellas cable car. From La Chüdera, the trail initially leads along the waterway, but branches off to the right after about thirty minutes. The lake Lej Sgrischus is the first destination. From here you can enjoy the view of the Fex valley and the Corvatsch massif. With a bit of luck, chamois can be observed. The descent into the Fex valley is very steep. Almost 900 meters in altitude have to be mastered downhill.

Furtschellas - Fex Valley - Isola - Sils Maria

The tour starts in La Chüdera at the top station of the Furtschellas cable car. The descent goes into the Fex valley and approximately from Alp Muot via Platta to Isola. From here the trail leads briefly along the river. Afterwards it goes directly along the idyllic Silsersee to Sils Maria. A good physical condition is required for the four-hour hike. However, the hike only leads uphill at the beginning, then steadily downhill and finally almost level.

Corvatsch Murtèl - Fuorcla Surlej - Val Roseg

The hike starts at the Corvatsch middle station Murtèl and leads over the Fourcla Surlej down to the Val Roseg and to Pontresina. From Pontresina to Surlej the Engadin bus no. 1 departs. In summer a horse-drawn carriage is also available for tired feet.

Trail Running at Corvatsch

The normal hiking trails are used for trail running. The route to Fuorcla Surlej is one of the most popular among athletes.

Fuorcla Surlej

The trail for trail running begins at the Pontresina railway station. The hiking trail comes up from Val Roseg and is marked. After crossing the river, the view opens up to a wide panoramic vista. The further path leads to the glacier lake Lej da Vadret and then to Chamanna Coaz. A pleasant high-altitude trail takes you up to Fuorcla Surlej. Here, impressive views of Piz Bernina are possible. The Lej da Vadret lies deep in the valley below. Here begins the descent over winding paths down to St. Moritz and ends at the inflow to Lej da San Murezzan. To return to Pontresina or to Surlej, one can take the Engadin bus No. 1, which runs between Surlej and Pontresina via St. Moritz.

Mountain Biking Corvatsch

In exceptional cases, you can take your bike on the large gondola from Silvaplana-Surlej to the Corvatsch mid-station. This includes both the first three and last rides of the lift (after 3 PM; check the Pricing section for exact times). The technically challenging hiking trails "Hahnensee" and "Val Roseg" are worth exploring. However, there are no extra trails specifically for mountain bikers. With a bit of consideration, you can ride on the challenging hiking trails.

Fuorcla Surlej

The mountain biking route starts and ends in St. Moritz. The path goes through Surlej, Alp Surlej, Margun Surlej, Fuorcla Surlej, Alp Surovel, Val Roseg, and then back to St. Moritz via Pontresina. This tough tour covers almost 1,200 meters of elevation gain.

Sils Maria – Val Fex – Plaun Vadret – Sils Maria

Despite an elevation gain of over 400 meters, this route is considered easy. It starts at the square in Sils Maria where the horse-drawn carriages are. The path follows the carriage trail towards Val Fex. In Fex Crasta, you can take a break or visit the lovely little chapels. Then you’ll pass Alp da Segl, and nearby, you can check out the Museum Cheva Plattas da Fex, which showcases how the Fex stone slabs were made in the past to adorn the roofs in Sils. After reaching the Plaun Vadret plateau, the ride heads downhill. Watch out, it can be a speedy descent!

Sils – Surlej – Lej Marsch – Sils

This tour is very popular. However, it involves nearly 600 meters of elevation gain. High above Lake Silvaplanersee, it traverses the high moor area of Palüd Lungia. Along the way, you will pass three lakes: the small Lej Zuppò, the black Lej Nair, and the marsh lake Lej Marsch. Lej Marsch is often warmer than all the other lakes in the area, making it a popular spot for swimming. Restrooms are available. The return is along the shore of Lake Silvaplanersee.

Silvaplana – Alp Surlej – Silvaplana

This ride is classified as a tough tour, with almost 600 meters of elevation gain. It begins in Silvaplana and is not marked.

Paragliding from Corvatsch

Special high alpine conditions prevail at Corvatsch. Before jumping, it is essential to check the weather and wind conditions. The Maloja wind is typical for Corvatsch.

Starting point Corvatsch mountain station

A slope area at Corvatsch is suitable as a take-off site. With an altitude difference of 1492 meters, the landing is in Silvaplana.

The launch site is located at N 46°25'05.33″ E 9°49'17.86″ at an altitude of 3,289 meters. The launch site can be reached by mountain railroad or on foot. It is located below the top station of the second section of the cable car. The flight direction is N/NE.

Landing site Silvaplana 1

The landing site 1 is located in Silvaplana at N 46°27'26.34″ E 9°47'52.26″. The altitude here is 1797 meters above sea level. It is allowed to drive here by car. The spacious landing site is located on the lakeshore of Silvaplana.

Landing site Silvaplana 2 The second landing site is also in Silvaplana at N 46°26'01.91″ E 9°46'19.49″. The large landing field in Sils is also at 1797 meters above sea level and can be reached by car.

Another jumping-off point with landing area is permitted exclusively in summer (May 1 to December 10):

take-off site Corvatsch middle station

The take-off point is located at N 46° 25′ 56.658 E 9° 49′ 25.5108 below the middle station. It is reached after about ten minutes of walking in the direction of the valley station. The take-off direction is SW-W-NW. The takeoff area slopes slightly and has an unpaved surface. There is a ski slope here in winter.

Surlej landing site

The landing area is intended for jumps from the middle station in summer. It is located on a wide meadow. Landing should be done only on mowed areas. The coordinates are: N 46° 27′ 22.2228 E 9° 48′. In case of strong north wind (Julier wind), it is possible to switch to the landing site in Sils (Silvaplana 2).

Paragliding Passenger Flights in the Corvatsch Area

In Corvatsch, there are two local providers for passenger flights. Both clubs also offer flights with skis in winter:

The Gleitschirmclub Malojawind offers passenger flights in the Corvatsch area year-round.

Paragliding Engadin offers winter gliding flights. At the same time, up to four pilots can take off with passengers.

Skiing and snowboarding at Corvatsch

The total of 120 km on 23 groomed slopes are divided into:

• 18 km blue (easy)
• 85 km red (medium)
• 17 km black (difficult) In addition, there are 2 km of yellow slopes (ski tours).

Blue slopes

The blue slopes are mainly found in the Furtschellas area. On Corvatsch there is a blue slope at the chairlift Mandra

• Piste 6 (Mandra) is 6000 m long.
• Piste 19 starts at the top station of the Furtschellas chairlift and is 7000 m long.
• Piste 19a is another piste (Furtschellas below) and is 5000 m long

Red slopes

Red pistes can be found in the Furtschellas area as well as at Corvatsch. Pistes 1 to 3 are located directly on the glacier.

• Piste 1 (Standard) on the glacier is 2000 m long.
• Piste 1a (Dürrenast) runs 4000 m on the lower part of the glacier.
• Piste 2 (Fuorcla) runs over Fuorcla Surlej and measures 6000 m.
• Piste 3 (Roseg) is found in the upper glacier. It is 2920 m long.
• Piste 4 (Grand'Alva) comes from the chairlift of the same name and is 5000 m long.
• Piste 7 (Arlas) is 2500 m long and runs below the Murtél middle station.
• Piste 9 (Surlej) measures 4000 m and is, like the
• Pistes 10a to c and 11 below Murtél.
• Piste 10a (Chastelets) 4110 m 10b (Chastelets below) 4000 m, 10c (valley run) 3580 m.
• Piste 11 (Crap Nair) is 7000 m long.
• Piste 12 (Curtinella Run) measures 6700 m.
• Piste 13 (Rabgiusa) runs 4200 m from near the top station Furtschellas to Rabgiusa)
• Piste 15 (Ravulaunas) is 2000 m long and runs along the Furtschellas area.
• Piste 16 (Valtellina) with 2500 m length at the Furtschellas.
• Piste 18 (Curtinella below) runs along 2000 m.
• Piste 20 (Muntenella) is 4000 m long.
• Runway 21 (Chüderun) measures 3600 m.
• Runway 22 (Grialetsch) has a length of 1800 m.
• Runway 23 (Präsura) leads to the valley Furtschellas with a length of 5000 m.

Black slopes

The most famous slope is the Hahnensee slope. It is considered the "king piste" at Corvatsch.

The nine kilometer long piste from Giand'Alva over the Hahnensee to St. Moritz Bad starts with open and wide steep slopes. At the end, you ski through a snow-covered fairytale forest.

Two other black runs are located below the Corvatsch cable car mid-station and in the Furtschellas area.

• Piste 5 (Hahnensee) is 9000 m long.
• Piste 8 (Lejins) is 3800 m long and can be found below the Murtél mid station.
• Piste 20 (Muntanella) measures 4000 m.

Tobogganing and snowtubing

Sledding is possible at Corvatsch on steep downhill runs. However, there are also leisurely family sledding trails. At Maloja Snowtubing not only children have a nice and safe facility to practice and have fun.

Toboggan run Sils Maria-Kuhstall

The toboggan run starts at the Kuhstall, which is used as a restaurant in winter. You can get to the top on foot via a prepared winter hiking trail. Attention: after about half an hour you cross the Prasüra slope on the way to the Kuhstall.

Sledging trail God Laret, Sils

The track is about one kilometer long and winds above the Hotel Waldhaus through the forest to the Silsersee. Regular sledding races are held here, organized by the Swiss Ski School Corvatsch.

Snowtubing Maloja

The snowtubing track can be found at the pony lift in Maloja. Wearing of helmets is obligatory. They can be rented.

You sit in an oversized air tube and let your legs dangle over the bulging edge of the tire while sledding.

The facility is open daily from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in winter when snow conditions are good.

Corvatsch Snow Night

Every Friday evening from December to April, the longest illuminated piste in Switzerland is opened. From 7 p.m., the 4.2-kilometer slope, freshly groomed, is ready for guests. The affected mountain railroads, buses and huts are open. The restaurant Murtèl at the middle station offers pizza from the wood oven.

Corvatsch Fun Park

The Fun Park is one of the largest snow parks in the entire Alpine region. Novices will find just as much fun here as the pros. Various kicker and rail lines of varying degrees of difficulty can be found here. A flow line will be added in the course of the winter. The entrance to the park is located near the Corvatschbahn mid station.

The park is prepared and rebuilt on a daily basis. It is also the venue for various international and national competitions. For example, the annual Freeski World Cup takes place here.

The Fun Ride slope

The Fun Ride slope is designed as a fun slope for skiers who want to ski off the groomed slopes. It is 500 meters long and offers waves, tables, small jumps and steep turns. The slope can be found at the Mandra chairlift to the left of the Corvatsch Park.

Winter hiking Corvatsch

Winter hiking on the frozen Lake Silvaplana or through romantic winter forests: Many things are possible around Corvatsch.

Some tours are presented here:

Val Fex Circular Trail (Muotta da Güvè)

An easy hiking trail with few meters of ascent is this path that leads from Sils through the beautiful Laretwald and on to Güvè. Here a short climb is required that leads to a viewpoint. In Fex Crasta, the small pretty church can be visited before descending a steep gorge path to Sils.

Sils Maria-Cowshed

Also from Sils, this groomed trail leads up through the forest. Caution After about 30 minutes you cross the Prasüra slope. Immediately afterwards you reach a rustic hut, which serves as a cowshed in summer. This hike can be combined with a tobogganing tour, especially since the toboggan only has to be pulled for a little more than half an hour.

Sils Beachclub - Silvaplana Surfcenter

The winter hiking trail over the frozen Silvaplana Lake is completely flat and becomes a special experience especially in the evening light. It can also be walked with a baby carriage or wheelchair.

Val Roseg

From the train station in Pontresina this winter hiking trail leads into the car-free Val Roseg. Here, animal sightings are not uncommon. Whether a deer or a chamois or even the one or other pretty bird, nature can be enjoyed here. This hike has the cozy restaurant Roseg Gletscher as its destination. Fancy a dessert? The restaurant is widely known for its gourmet buffet. From here you can also book a horse-drawn sleigh ride that leads back to Pontresina train station.

Lakes Route St. Moritz - Sils - Maloja (SwitzerlandMobility Route 313)

This hike across the frozen Upper Engadine lakes is very popular. Via the Olympic ski jump the path leads to Lej Marsch and then to Lej da Champfèr. Along the left shore the trail now leads to Surlej. Along the Silvaplanersee or directly over the lake the path leads to Sils. Across the frozen Silsersee you can reach Isola or Maloja.

Snowshoeing at Corvatsch

At Corvatsch and in the Furtschellas area there are enough untouched snowy landscapes to invite you to go snowshoeing. Some examples of popular tours:

Corvatsch Lake Trail (SwitzerlandMobility Route 565)

This snowshoe tour is a circular tour with views of the frozen lakes and the Corvatsch massif. The Ustaria Rabgiusa is passed after about half of the trail. The trail begins in Sils with a ride to the Furtschellas midway station. The trail leads through a largely untouched winter landscape to the east in the direction of Ustaria Rabgiusa. Be careful, right at the beginning a ski slope has to be crossed, the slope 19a "Furtschellas down". A steep ascent follows and then it goes over flat terrain Later a loop leads down to Ustaria Rabgiusa. The large sun terrace has a windbreak. Westwards the trail leads back to the middle station Furtschellas.

Snowshoe trail Suot Ovas

This easy tour has no ascents and can also be done by beginners and children. Over snow-covered meadows and sparse larch forests it goes to the Silvaplanersee and via Crotschas back to Sils Maria. This route has been certified by the Swiss Snowshoe Association. It is not only marked throughout, but also avalanche-safe and nature-compatible, and is also signalized.

Cross-country skiing at Corvatsch

The Furtschellas area is particularly well suited for cross-country skiing.

Furtschellas - Val Fex - Plaun Vadret

The trail starts between the valley station Furtschellas and Sils Maria. On the ten kilometers of trail there are some climbs to master. It leads along Fex Platta and Fex Crasta to Plaun Vadret. After the strenuous ski hike, you can take the horse-drawn carriage to Sils. It departs from the Hotel Fex.

Events at Corvatsch

At Corvatsch some events take place regularly every year.

Freeski World Cup

In March or April of each year, a Freeski World Cup takes place at Corvatsch. It lasts for several days.

Early Bird Skiing

On Easter Monday there is a skiing at sunrise. Other ski resorts are already closed, but there is still enough snow at Corvatsch. The ascent from the Surlej valley station will take place at 06:15. For early-bird skiing, the Mandra chairlift and the ride from the middle to the top station can be used until 8:30 am. From Murtèl it is possible to ski down the Snow Night slope. All season and multi-day passes are valid.

Swiss Freestyle Championships

In the third week of April, snowboarders and freeskiers compete in the disciplines Slopestyle and Big Air. The competition lasts five days. Here it's all about the Swiss championship title in Slopestyle and Big Air.

Location and Access to Corvatsch

The Corvatsch is located within the Bernina Range, south of Lake Silvaplanersee. The valley stations of the cable cars are in Surlej and Sils, both of which flank Lake Silvaplanersee.

Driving Directions

Surlej, a district of Silvaplana, can be reached from Chur via Route 3, taking about 1.5 hours. The drive from Zurich takes approximately 2.5 hours. You will pass through various tunnels and mountain passes. The Vereinatunnel offers car transfer services. The mountain roads can be quite steep in places.

In winter, some passes, like the Flüela Pass and Albula Pass, are closed. Access then occurs via the Lower Engadin or Savognin. However, it is often the case in winter that additional roads/passes may need to be temporarily closed.

The Corvatsch Valley Station Surlej provides over 300 parking spaces in a two-story parking garage. There are also open parking spots available below the valley station. The Furtschellas Valley Station Sils also has paid parking facilities.

You can reach the Engadin St. Moritz region by private jet at the Samedan private airport.

Public Transportation Access

You can access the area using the Rhaetian Railway and/or the Engadin Bus. From Zurich, it takes about 3.5 hours with public transport. The SBB operates trains between Zurich and Landquart. From there, you continue with the Rhaetian Railway to St. Moritz and then take a bus to Silvaplana Kreisel. A shuttle is available there to take guests to the valley station.

Corvatsch and Furtschellas Cable Cars

Two consecutive cable cars take you up the Corvatsch, while a cable car with a middle station leads to the Furtschellas area.

In addition to these three cable cars, there are 6 chairlifts and 5 drag lifts in the ski area. In 2016, a 6-seater chairlift designed by Porsche was added. At 2,145 meters long, it’s one of the longest in the canton of Graubünden.

An 8-seater gondola is currently planned as a single-cable lift between St. Moritz and Hahnensee.

Corvatsch Cable Car Surlej – Murtèl

The first section of the Corvatsch cable car operates as a 125-person gondola from Surlej to Murtèl. Built in 1998, it travels at a speed of 10 meters per second, taking 5 minutes to cover the distance.

Facts:

• 1,870 m above sea level - valley station
• 1,997 m above sea level - mountain station
• 832 m elevation gain
• 2,711 m length
• 1,000 people/hour

Corvatsch Cable Car Murtèl – Piz Corvatsch

The second section of the Corvatsch cable car operates as a 100-person gondola from Murtèl to Piz Corvatsch. Commissioned in 2008, it takes a total of three minutes at a speed of 10 m/s.

Facts:

• 2,702 m above sea level - valley station
• 3,303 m above sea level - mountain station
• 601 m elevation gain
• 1,678 m length
• 1,200 people/hour

Aerial cableway Sils - Furtschellas

The 80-seater cable car runs from Sils to La Chüdera to the middle station Furtschellas. Built in 1972, the cable car travels at a speed of ten meters per second and takes about 2.5 minutes to cover the distance.

Facts:

• 1797 m a.s.l. bottom station
• 2312 m above sea level top station
• 515 m altitude difference
• 1.560 m Route
• 1000 persons/hour

Corvatsch: Chairlift Alp Surlej-Curtinellas

The chairlift in Porsche design takes guests from Alp Surlej to Curtinellas. The 6-seater chairlift is detachable and has covers. As a high-speed lift, it covers the distance in 7.5 minutes at 5 meters per second.

Facts:

• 2082 m above sea level bottom station
• 2564 m above sea level top station
• 421 m altitude difference
• 2,145 m Route
• 1600 persons/hour

Corvatsch: Chairlift Alp Surlej-Murtèl

Built in 1995, this 4-seater chairlift is also a high-speed lift. It is detachable and equipped with covers. At 5m/s speed, it takes seven minutes from Alp Surlej to Murtèl.

Facts:

• 2079 m a.s.l. bottom station
• 2702 m above sea level top station
• 623 m altitude difference
• 1,890 m Route
• 1600 persons/hour

Furtschellas chairlift

The 4-seater high-speed chairlift has covers and is detachable. The lift has been in operation since 1993. At a speed of 5 m/s, it takes a total of 6 minutes and 10 seconds to cover the distance. It runs from the mid station to the top station Furtschellas.

Facts:

• 2312 m above sea level bottom station
• 2791 m above sea level top station
• 479 m altitude difference
• 1.683 m Route
• 2000 persons/hour

Corvatsch: Mandra chairlift

This fixed-grip 4-seater chairlift dates from 2015, and travels from Murtèl to the Corvatsch Park. At 2.5 seconds per minute, it takes a total of about 5 minutes and 20 seconds. The lift handles up to 1800 people per hour.

Facts:

• 2541 m above sea level bottom station
• 2706 m above sea level top station
• 165 m altitude difference
• 722 m Route
• 1800 persons/hour

Corvatsch: Chairlift Rabgiusa

Inaugurated in 2008, the chairlift is a fixed-grip 2-seater chairlift. It travels at 2 meters per second for about 4 minutes and 40 seconds up to Curtinella

Facts:

• 2443 m a.s.l. bottom station
• 2556 m above sea level top station
• 113 m altitude difference
• 518 m Route
• 1200 persons/hour

Corvatsch: Chairlift Giand'Alva

The 2-seater chairlift Giand'Alva, put into service in 1988, is fixed-grip and leads to the Hahnensee run, a black piste. With a speed of 2 m/s it takes 8 minutes and fifty seconds.

Facts:

• 2.497 m bottom station
• 2.643 m top station
• 245 m Altitude difference
• 965 m Route
• 1290 persons/hour

Corvatsch: T-bar lift Murtèl

The Murtèl T-bar/anchor tow lift dates from 1984. At 2 meters per second speed, the lift takes twelve minutes from Stüvetta Giand'Alva to Murtèl.

Facts:

• 2405 m a.s.l. bottom station
• 2702 m a.s.l. top station
• 297 m altitude difference
• 1330 m Route
• 1200 persons/hour

Furtschellas: T-bar lift Grialetsch

The T-bar/anchor T-bar lift dates back to 1978. It runs at a speed of 2 meters per second and takes a total of 6 minutes 10 seconds in the Furtschellas area to Crap Melan.

Facts:

• 2250 m a.s.l. bottom station
• 2440 m above sea level top station
• 190 m altitude difference
• 667 m Route
• 1000 persons/hour

Furtschellas: T-bar lift Chüderun

The Chüderun T-bar lift leads from the Furtschellas middle station from La Chüdera to Chüderun. It has T-bars/anchors and dates back to 1972. The T-bar lift takes a total of 8 minutes and 20 seconds at 2m/s

Facts:

• 2300 m a.s.l. bottom station
• 2605 m above sea level top station
• 305 m altitude difference
• 913 m Route
• 1000 persons/hour

Furtschellas: Margun platter lift

Built in 1986, the platter lift takes about five and a half minutes at 2 meters per second. It runs near the Rabgiusa into the Furtschellas area.

Facts:

• 2.444 m bottom station
• 2.558 m top station
• 114 m Altitude difference
• 602 m Route
• 900 persons/hour

Plate lift Cristins

The Cristins platter lift is a children's ski lift. It takes 2 minutes and 50 seconds for 300 meters. It covers 50 meters of altitude. A total of 720 children can be transported per hour.

Mountain huts, restaurants and ski bars on Corvatsch and in the Furtschellas area

Most of the mountain huts and restaurants are open in the summer season as well as in the winter season. In between they are closed.

Mountain restaurant Fuorcla Surlej on Corvatsch

The Fuorcla Surlej mountain restaurant is located directly on the pass and not far from a mountain lake. It offers homemade local specialties and self-service snacks. Warm meals are available throughout the day. The restaurant has a large sun terrace with 80 seats. Inside there are additional 40 seats. It can be reached on foot from the middle station of the Corvatsch cable car in about an hour.

Attention: Credit card payment is not possible.

Open from March to mid-April and from the beginning of July to mid-October.

Restaurant La Chüdera at Furtschellas

The restaurant La Chüdera is open summer and winter. The panoramic terrace at the restaurant offers a direct view of the valley with the lakes of Sils and Silvaplana. A children's playground is attached to the restaurant. There are 40 seats inside and 60 outside. The Chüdera is a popular starting point for several hikes. The restaurant can be reached with the Furtschellas cable car from Sils.

Open:

• in the winter half-year until mid-April: daily 08:30 - 17:00 (warm kitchen 08:30 - 15:30)
• in the summer half-year from the end of June to the end of October: daily 08:45 - 17:00 (warm kitchen 11-15)

Panorama Restaurant 3303 on Corvatsch

The Panorama Restaurant 3303 is the highest restaurant in Graubünden.

It is located directly next to the mountain station of the Corvatsch cable car. Local corn specialties (polenta) are served in different variations. In addition, game dishes are also on the menu. There are 100 seats inside, and another 40 seats on the roof terrace. The restaurant is equipped with large panoramic windows.

Open:

• in the winter season until the end of April daily 08:30 - 17:00 (warm kitchen 11-15)
• in the summer season from mid-June until the end of October daily 08:45 - 17:00 (warm cuisine 11-15)

Corvatsch: Restaurant middle station Murtèl

The restaurant at the Murtèl mid-station of the Corvatsch cable car offers pizzas from the wood-burning oven. In addition, there are classic fast food dishes. The self-service restaurant also offers coffee and homemade cakes. Murtèl is the starting point for several hikes. The restaurant is also open on Fridays for the Corvatsch Snow Night.

**Open

• in summer from 10 July to mid August
• In winter from the end of November to the end of April

Furtschellas: Cowshed

The cowshed is used exclusively as a restaurant in the winter months. In summer, the cows are kept here. The cowshed is unique. During the day, home-style meals are served here. When the weather is nice, there is a barbecue on the terrace. Two rooms can accommodate 80 people. The outdoor terrace can hold another 40 people.

Open:

• only in winter from December to mid-April daily at noon from 11:30 (until 15:00 hot food, 15:00 -16:30 cold food)
• closed in summer because of cowshed

Events can be held in the evenings (from Wednesday to Sunday) by reservation. In the evening only one menu is offered.

Corvatsch: Alp Surlej

Alp Surlej is romantically situated as an alpine hut above Surlej. Food includes mountain cheese, milkshakes and Salsiz, a specialty of the canton of Graubünden. The raw sausage is air-dried or smoked. In addition, homemade cake is offered.

The alpine hut can be reached from the Corvatsch valley station in about 45 minutes, from the mountain station in about one hour on foot.

Open:

• from July to the end of August from 13 to 17 o'clock in good weather
• in case of bad weather you should ask in advance

The alp has besides 90 head of young cattle also 20 dairy cows in the period from mid-July to the end of August.

Restaurant Hahnensee

The Hahnensee Restaurant is located on the Hahnensee downhill slope. The view of the Engadine mountains is particularly impressive in the evening, as the restaurant is located on a viewing platform.

In summer, several hiking trails lead to the Restaurant Hahnensee. The hiking trail from the Corvatsch mid-station, which continues via Hahnensee to St. Moritz Bad, is considered very popular.

The restaurant offers local cuisine, pasta and grilled specialties.

Open:

• in the summer season from the end of June to about the end of October daily 10:00 - 16:30
• in winter when the ski slope is open and the light is green