Travel to Pontresina with travel insurance from Essential Travel

Host to the annual Engadine Ski Marathon and sitting close to the Italian border in the Upper Engadine Valley, Pontresina is a ski resort with appeal to both skiers and snowboarders, from novice to expert level. Cross-country skiing in Pontresina is among the best Switzerland has to offer, while much of the off-piste in the region is yet to be exploited.

Pontresinas pistes offer a good cross-section of difficulty. The longest run is eight kilometres. Access to the 56kms of slopes is provided for approximately 10,000 people per hour by the resort’s seven ski lifts. A generous off-piste area for snowboarders and cross-country skiers is also available.

Since St Moritz is only 10kms away and linked by lifts, skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of this resort’s rolling snowfields and more than 300kms of prepared slopes. Among the region’s other most mentionable mountains are Diavolezza and Lagalb, on the way to the Bernina pass to Italy, and Muottas and Muragl, to the north of the town.

Mid-November to early May sees Pontresina open for skiing, with cheap deals on offer before the Christmas holidays and in mid-January. March also has deals, except during the Ski Marathon. Located 200kms from Zürich, Pontresina is best reached via a flight to Zürich International Airport and a subsequent train or car journey.

Skiing in Pontresina

Pontresina ski resort, with 56kms of varying terrain, superb off-piste and cross country areas, is a favourite of skiers and snowboarders alike. Located in the Upper Engadine, its proximity to the renowned St Moritz resort means passes are interchangeable between the two with no extra expense.

Reminiscent of St Moritz, Pontresina’s narrow main street features a variety of shops amid traditional, charming old Romansch-style buildings. Accommodation is varied with a total of over 5,000 beds. Facilities include a museum and convention centre.

Thirty-five per cent of Pontresina’s 56kms of slopes are suited to beginners, while intermediates and experts get 35 and 40 per cent, respectively. Cross-country skiers can take advantage of a massive 180kms of suitable terrain. The lift system is available to all areas of piste and is capable of carrying about 10,000 people per hour.

Snowboarders can enjoy a terrain park and half-pipe; while other activities include hiking, ice-skating, curling, ice hockey, horse-drawn sleigh rides, tobogganing, and dog-sledding. Indoor pursuits include swimming, sauna, tennis, climbing and fitness training. Aside from the obvious pub and disco options, après-ski can be found in the way of fine restaurants, fondue parties and folklore evenings.

Pontresina’s November to May season boasts its best snow from February to early/mid-March and cheaper holidaying is available mid-December, mid-January and in March.

Flying to Zürich International Airport and then taking a train transfer is the most popular travel method; however, for comfort and convenience, hiring a car from the airport is an attractive alternative.

Apres-ski in Pontresina

With its narrow streets and medieval houses, Pontresina embodies all that is typical of a traditional Engadine village. For the tourist season, this small and charming resort sees its population of 2,000 swell dramatically with the presence of the 7,000 visitors who descend upon it. The absence of a ski-in/ski-out option is more than made up for by the museum, convention centre and excellent shopping facilities.

A total of 5,500 tourist beds are available, with 3,000 of these in holiday flats and private rooms; the remainder of the accommodation is in hotels. For the budget conscious, there is also a youth hostel available. Après-ski is typically a quiet experience limited to the pubs, restaurants and regular cultural events. Children’s facilities worth noting include a regular ski kindergarten at the Hotel Saratz.

Transportation to Pontresina

A plane and train combination is the easiest way to reach Pontresina ski resort, which is located in Graubünden in the southwest of Switzerland. International rail travel and self-drive are also popular options.

The quickest self-drive route from Calais is via Reims, Metz, Strasbourg, Basel, Zurich and Chur. From Chur, head south along the A-13, exiting east on to route 417/3 for Pontresina (1,060kms; 10 hours); sole drivers should allow two days. From Zürich International Airport, take the A-3/A-1 autobahn for Chur, and then follow the above directions (220kms; 2 hours, 30 minutes).

From London by train can be difficult, with a journey involving up to six changes and taking up to 15 hours. For a less complicated journey, take the 17:42 Eurostar from Waterloo to Paris Nord; then from Paris l’Est, take the fast overnight train to Landquart and a connecting fast train from there direct to Pontresina, arriving at 10:15 next morning (15 hours, 33 minutes).

Zurich International Airport is the closest major airport, with flights arriving from most major cities. Train connections are hourly and the four-hour trip to Pontresina involves up to four changes. Hiring a car and driving yourself reduces the transfer time by about 1 hour, 30 minutes.

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