Corvatsch (Ski Slopes)

Corvatsch is a mountain on the south side of the upper Engadin valley, above the lakes of Silvaplana and Sils, and it is one of the main ski and hiking areas around St. Moritz. The summit of Piz Corvatsch is at 3,451 metres, and the top station of the cable car, at about 3,300 metres, is one of the highest lift stations in Switzerland that can be reached without climbing. The ride starts at Surlej, a hamlet near Silvaplana, and goes in stages through meadows and rock to the glacier at the top. In winter the main skiing is on this high, snow-sure terrain, and the high altitude means the season can last into spring.

The view from the top is the main reason many visitors come, even in summer. On a clear day, the panorama takes in the Bernina range to the south-east, with Piz Bernina, the only 4,000-metre peak in the eastern Alps, as the main feature. Glaciers fall from the high peaks toward the valley, and below lie the chain of Engadin lakes, silver and blue in the sun, with the green slopes and larch forests around them. Looking in the opposite direction, you see the peaks of the Albula Alps and the long valley stretching toward Austria.

For skiers, Corvatsch offers a long list of runs, including wide, groomed pistes for beginners and intermediates, steeper slopes for confident skiers and a large freeride area for experts. Together with the neighbouring Furtschellas area, it forms a ski region of well over a hundred kilometres of pistes. The mountain also hosts freestyle and snowboard competitions, including events of the international World Cup circuit, and has a snow park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Mountain restaurants along the slopes serve local food, and a high-altitude restaurant at the summit station, called the 3303, offers panoramic windows and a terrace.

A curiosity of the summit is a small whisky distillery, which has been described as the highest in the world, where visitors can taste a spirit made with Alpine water. In summer, the high station is a starting point for hiking and trail running, with routes of different lengths crossing the high Alpine terrain, some leading to the glacier or down to mountain lakes. Mountain biking is also popular on certain trails.

At this altitude, conditions can be harsh. Temperatures at the top are well below those of the valley, the wind can be strong, and the sun is intense. Warm clothing, sunglasses and sun protection are essential, even in summer, and visitors with heart or lung conditions should take advice, as the thin air may cause breathlessness. Check the operator's website for lift timetables, prices and conditions before you go. The area suits skiers, hikers, photographers and families with older children. Allow half a day for the ride and the summit, and more if you plan to ski or hike.