The Engadin has much to give, revealing itself slowly. Not in a single afternoon, but over days. Through the shifting light, miles of mountain trails, and sounds and scents of nature; and, just as often, through what waits within the hotel’s own walls. At Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, a carefully composed programme opens up both, valley and house alike. Led by people who know this landscape well, who have watched it change through the seasons and understand it intimately. Explore what the season has in store, outside and within.
For any enquiries or reservations, please contact our concierge or front office team, who will be delighted to assist you.
A historic bowling alley, open to guests at any hour and in every season. One of very few of its kind left in the Engadin, suited to any skill level. In winter, tournaments take place every other Wednesday, with a break over Christmas and New Year.
Diavolezza and Corvatsch open as early as October, when the mountains can feel like they belong to no one else. The hotel arranges lift passes, ski hire and transfers.
A climb along the Steinbockweg to a viewpoint above Pontresina, with lit torches in hand. The hike is often led by General Manager Claudio Laager himself. Every second Friday, July to November.
Some 580 kilometres of marked trails cross the valleys and ridges around Pontresina, suited to a calm morning alone or a long afternoon in company. Maps and route suggestions at concierge.
A walk through Engadin villages with creative director and graphic designer Pauline Martinet, learning to read the geometric patterns carved into centuries-old façades.
More than 400 kilometres of singletrack cross the Engadin, from gentle forest trails to the climb over the Bernina Pass. E-bikes available to guests.
Above Pontresina rises Piz Bernina, the only four-thousand-metre peak in the Eastern Alps, reached via the Biancograt ridge. Guided ascents run through the Pontresina mountaineering school, for beginners and experienced alpinists alike.
Forests and meadows, covered in a goat’s company and at its pace. Each animal with its own character and confidence on steep ground.
Twice daily, from June to early October, cheese is made over an open fire the traditional way, Heutaler and Gletscher-Mutschli among the results. The alp sits in a small stand of trees with a view towards the Morteratsch glacier; watching is free of charge, and food is served on site. A short drive or a 70-minute walk from the hotel.
From above, the valley arranges itself differently. The lakes connect, the villages find their position, the mountains rise above it all. With good conditions, paragliding offers a different perspective on the Engadin.
A seasonal market drawing locals and guests alike, with part of it held in the Kronenhof’s own courtyard. Local Engadin specialities on offer alongside a lively programme. Every other Thursday, June to August.
A UNESCO World Heritage train route, crossing passes and stone viaducts as it descends from alpine severity into Italian warmth. Journeys to Diavolezza, Alp Grüm or Poschiavo are included with the mountain card provided at check-in.
A helicopter flight shows the Engadin from above, passing close to the peaks and over the lakes of the upper valley.
Set in a small larch grove near the station, the course offers rope bridges, zip lines and balance beams among the treetops, suited to climbers aged four and up.
At River Ranch in Madulain, horses, ponies and donkeys welcome riders of any experience and skill level, set in the open landscape of the Engadin.
With more sunshine than average for the Alps, the region’s mountain lakes warm to a comfortable 20 °C in summer. Lej da Staz, between St. Moritz and Pontresina, is the most popular of them, with Lej Nair offering a quieter, more remote alternative.
A horse-drawn carriage ride into Val Roseg, at an unhurried pace with views of the glaciers and the surrounding nature along the way. In winter, guests travel wrapped in blankets against the cold, in one of the oldest ways of moving through the landscape.
In the early morning, the surface of Lake St. Moritz lies still. At this hour, paddling becomes both exercise and a distinct way of being on the water, calm and at a meditative pace.
Kronenhof guests enjoy complimentary access to the Kulm’s nine-hole course, just a short drive away in St. Moritz. Longer rounds are available in Samedan and Zuoz, both 18 holes at altitude.
Access to the surrounding alpine region includes Muottas Muragl just 2 km away, Corviglia at 8 km, Diavolezza at 11 km and Corvatsch at 14 km.
You will take the train through the Albula Tunnel to Preda, with the Kronenhof team along for the ride; from there, sledges follow the pass road, closed to traffic in winter, down to Bergün. An aperitif in the village, then the train back to Pontresina. For children and adults alike. Wednesdays, on selected dates from January to March.
In the hotel kitchen, executive chef Fabrizio Piantanida shows how the Engadin nut tart comes together, from the short crust pastry to the filling of caramelised walnuts. Guests bake alongside him, and the tart can be tasted on the spot or taken home. Every other Monday during the autumn and winter season.
In the early afternoon, when the light falls low between the larches, a small group heads into the Taiswald. Nuts and birdseed held out in an open hand bring songbirds and squirrels surprisingly close. Every Thursday from December to March, except on public holidays.
In March, the ibex leave the rock faces above Pontresina for the first slopes clear of snow, in search of fresh grass. General Manager Claudio Laager, who grew up in the Engadin, knows where to find them and leads three afternoon outings. On 15, 23 and 30 March.
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