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.

Corvatsch Grillstelle FurtschellasGrillstelle Furtschellas (Foto: Giovanoli Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Wandern FurtschellasWandern Furtschellas (Foto: Corvatsch AG)

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.

Corvatsch Wasserweg Lejin Malachit Wasserweg Lejin Malachit (Foto: Müller Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Wasserweg Lejin CristalWasserweg Lejin Cristal (Foto: Müller Corvatsch AG)

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.

Corvatsch Wasserweg Lejin RhodonitWasserweg Lejin Rhodonit (Foto: Müller Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Wasserweg Lejin Epidot Wasserweg Lejin Epidot (Foto: Müller Corvatsch AG)

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
Corvatsch Fuorcla SurlejFuorcla Surlej (Foto: Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Fuorcla Fuorcla (Foto: Corvatsch AG)

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.

Corvatsch Wandern EdelweissbänkliWandern Edelweissbänkli (Foto: Salis Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Wandern EdelweissbänkliWandern Edelweissbänkli (Foto: Salis Corvatsch AG)

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.

Corvatsch Bergkirche FexBergkirche Fex (Foto: Engadin St Moritz Tourismus)
Corvatsch Museum Cheva Plattas de FexPlattas de Fex (Foto: Engadin St Moritz Tourismus)

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

Hikes on Corvatsch and in the Furtschellas area

A multitude of hiking trails lead along the Corvatsch and in the Furtschellas area. A total of 80 km of hiking trails do not make the choice easy.

Water trail

The water trail is a circular hiking trail from and to the middle station Furtschellas La Chudera. In about 2.5 hours, six mountain lakes are visited one after the other. At the beginning it goes in the direction of Alp Munt and climbs steeply for a short time after the junction (left). The six lakes are located at an altitude of 2,441 to 2,647 meters above sea level. The rocky flanks and icy pinnacles of the Corvatsch massif above impress and accompany the hikers. The lakes Silsersee and Silvaplanersee down in the valley provide a good contrast.

As a variant of this hike, you can also take the Corvatsch cable car from Surlej to the Murtèl middle station. From here the hike starts along the six Lejins to the mid station Furtschellas La Chüdera. The Furtschellas cable car then takes you down to Sils. Between Sils and Surlej valley station the bus no. 6 of Engadinbus operates. It runs about every half hour and takes 16 minutes.

The waterway is an experience for the little ones as a "Märli waterway". The mountain fairy "Mara" and the goblin "Furbaz" accompany the children in a booklet along the way. The booklet Plitsch und Platsch is intended as a game and fun booklet. It tells an exciting story about the waterway. The booklet is available at the stations of the cable cars Corvatsch and Furtschellas. This makes the family trip to Corvatsch a special experience.

Corvatsch Wandern Wasserweg Picknick  Wasserweg Picknick (Foto: Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Wandern Wasserweg Wandern Wasserweg (Foto: Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus)

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.

Corvatsch Wandern via GastronomicaWandern via Gastronomica (Foto: Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Wandern Panoramaweg Silvaplana Wandern Panoramaweg Silvaplana (Foto: Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus)

Trailrunning at Corvatsch

For trail running, the normal hiking trails are used. The trail to Fuorcla Surlej is one of the most popular routes.

Fuorcla Surlej

The trail for trail running starts at Pontresina train station. The trail comes up from Val Roseg and is marked. After crossing the river, the view opens up to a wide panoramic view. The further path leads to the glacier lake Lej da Vadret and further to Chamanna Coaz. A pleasant high-altitude trail leads up to Fuorcla Surlej. Here imposing views of the Piz Bernina are possible. The Lej da Vadret now lies deep down in the valley. Here begins the descent along winding paths to St. Moritz and ends at the inlet to the Lej da San Murezzan. You can get back to Pontresina or to Surlej with Engadinbus No. 1, which runs between Surlej and Pontresina via St. Moritz.

Mountain biking Corvatsch

With the large gondola from Silvaplana-Surlej to the Corvatsch middle station, the bike can be taken along in exceptional cases. These are the three first as well as the last trips (after 3 p.m.) of the cable car (for exact times see chapter prices). Interesting are the technically demanding trails "Hahnensee" and "Val Roseg". However, there are no extra trails for mountain bikers. With appropriate consideration, biking is allowed on the demanding hiking trails.

Fuorcla Surlej

The route by mountain bike starts and ends in St. Moritz. The trail leads via Surlej, Alp Surlej, Margun Surlej, Fuorcla Surlej, Alp Surovel, Val Roseg and Pontresina back to St. Moritz. The difficult tour manages almost 1,200 meters of ascent.

Sils Maria - Val Fex - Plaun Vadret - Sils Maria

Despite more than 400 meters of ascent, this route is described as easy. It starts in Sils Maria at the place with the horse carriages. The trail leads along the carriage path in the direction of Val Fex. In Fex Crasta you can have a snack or visit the pretty little churches. Then come the Alp da Segl and nearby you can visit the museum Cheva Plattas da Fex. Here it is shown how in former times the Fex plates were made, which decorate the roofs in Sils. After the plain of Plaun Vadret, the ride goes downhill. Caution, it can be a fast ride.

Sils - Surlej - Lej Marsch - Sils

This tour is very popular. On it, however, there are just under 600 meters of ascent. High above Lake Silvaplana, it leads across the high moorland of Palüd Lungia. From here, three lakes are passed: the small Lej Zuppò, the black Lej Nair and the moor lake Lej Marsch. Lej Marsch is often warmer than all the other lakes in the area and is therefore popular as a bathing lake. Toilets are available. The way back goes along the shore of the Silvaplanersee.

Silvaplana - Alp Surlej - Silvaplana

This tour is classified as a difficult tour with almost 600 meters of altitude difference. It starts in Silvaplana and is not signposted.

Corvatsch MountainbikeMountainbike (Foto: Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch MountainbikeMountainbike (Foto: Corvatsch AG)

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

There are two local providers of passenger flights at Corvatsch. Both clubs also offer flights with skis in winter:

The Malojawind paragliding club offers passenger flights in the Corvatsch area all year round. Important information for pilots and passengers can be found about the Corvatsch area on this page. Paragliding Engadin offers (2021) winter gliding flights from 180 CHF. Depending on the desired action, the flights cost up to 230 CHF. At the same time up to four pilots can jump with passengers.

Corvatsch Tandem GleitschirmfliegenGleitschirmfliegen Tandem (Foto: Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch GleitschirmfliegenGleitschirmfliegen (Foto: Corvatsch AG)

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.
Corvatsch Kind SkifahrenSkifahren Kind (Foto: Fabian Gattlen Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Hahnensee SkifahrenHahnensee Skifahren (Foto: Corvatsch AG)

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 Snowtubing Maloja Snowtubing Maloja (Foto: Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus)
Corvatsch SchlittelnSchlitteln (Foto: Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus)

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.

Corvatsch Vip Snow NightVip Snow Night (Foto: Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Fun ParkFun Park Illustration (Foto: Corvatsch AG)

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.

Corvatsch WinterwandernWinterwandern (Foto: Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus)
Corvatsch Winterwanderweg Marguns nach Chantarella Winterwanderweg Marguns nach Chantarella (Foto: Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus)

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.

Corvatsch SchneeschuhwandernSchneeschuhwandern (Foto: Gian Giovanoli Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch SchneeschuhwandernSchneeschuhwandern (Foto: Engadin St Moritz Tourismus)

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.

Corvatsch Freeski Weltcup WomenFreeski Weltcup Women (Foto: Filip Zuan Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch ReiraReira (Foto: Filip Zuan Corvatsch AG)

Location and approach Corvatsch

Corvatsch is located within the Bernina Group south of Lake Silvaplana. The valley stations of the mountain railroads are located in Surlej and in Sils. Both places flank the Silvaplanersee.

Access by car

Surlej as a district of Silvaplana is reached from Chur via route 3. This takes about 1.5 hours. From Zurich, the journey by car takes about 2.5 hours. Various tunnels and mountain passes are used. The Vereina tunnel offers car transport. The mountain roads are partly very steep.

In winter some passes like the Flüelapass and the Albulapass are closed. The approach is then via the Lower Engadine or via Savognin. However, it is possible almost daily in winter that other roads/passes have to be temporarily closed.

The Corvatsch valley station Surlej provides over 300 parking spaces in the two-story parking garage. Open parking spaces can also be found below the valley station. At the Furtschellas valley station Sils there are also paid parking spaces.

To the Engadin St. Moritz region you can land by private jet at the private airport Samedan.

Arrival by public transport

The journey takes place with the Rhaetian Railway and/or the Engadin Bus. From Zurich it takes about 3.5 hours by public transport. Between Zurich and Landquart there is the SBB. Continue with the Rhaetian Railway to Sankt Moritz and from here to Silvaplana Kreisel by bus. Here a shuttle waits to take guests to the valley station.

Corvatsch Ski Kinder LiftSki Kinder Lift (Foto: Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Ski Kinder LiftSki Kinder Lift (Foto: Corvatsch AG)

Cable cars Corvatsch and Furtschellas

Two successive aerial tramways go up to Corvatsch, and one aerial tramway with a mid station leads to the Furtschellas area.

In addition to the three aerial tramways, there are 6 chairlifts and 5 surface lifts in the ski area. in 2016, a Porsche-designed 6-seater chairlift was added. With a length of 2145 meters, it is one of the longest in the canton of Graubünden.

Currently in planning is an 8-seater gondola lift as a single-cableway between St. Moritz and Hahnensee.

Corvatsch Aerial Cableway Surlej - Murtèl

The first section of the Corvatsch aerial tramway runs as a 125-passenger gondola from Surlej to Murtèl. With a speed of 10 meters per second, the lift, built in 1998, takes 5 minutes to cover this distance.

Facts:

  • 1870 m above sea level bottom station
  • 1997 m above sea level top station
  • 832 m altitude difference
  • 2.711 m Route
  • 1000 persons/hour

Corvatsch aerial tramway Murtèl - Pik Corvatsch

The second section of the Corvatsch aerial tramway runs as a 100-passenger gondola from Murtèl to Piz Corvatsch. Inaugurated in 2008, the lift takes a total of three minutes at 10m/s.

Facts:

  • 2702 m a.s.l. bottom station
  • 3303 m above sea level top station
  • 601 m altitude difference
  • 1.678 m Route
  • 1200 persons/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 Furtschellas BahnFurtschellas Bahn (Foto: Gian Giovanoli Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch FurtschellasFurtschellas (Foto: Steve Hadorn Corvatsch AG)

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 SesselliftSessellift (Foto: Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Sessellift CurtinellaSessellift Curtinella (Foto: Corvatsch AG)

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.

Corvatsch AbfallbahnAbfallbahn (Foto Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch WinterWinter (Foto Corvatsch AG)

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)
Corvatsch BergrestaurantBergrestaurant (Foto: Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch Restaurant FurtschellasRestaurant Furtschellas (Foto: Corvatsch AG)

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 KuhstallKuhstall (Foto: Giovanolo Corvatsch AG)
Corvatsch KuhstallKuhstall (Foto: Corvatsch AG)

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
Corvatsch Restaurant HahnenseeRestaurant Hahnensee (Foto: Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus)
Corvatsch Corvatsch Berghaus Fuorcla Surlej Corvatsch Berghaus Fuorcla Surlej (Foto: Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus)