Winter hikes in the Engadine: Discover dreamlike routes in November

Winter arrives early in the Engadine – often the first snow covers the high-altitude trails as early as mid-November. This is the perfect time for your first snowshoe hike of the season: uncrowded trails, crystal-clear air, and a unique atmosphere created by the low-angled sun. Whether you're hiking with children, prefer a leisurely stroll, or are looking for more challenging tours, the Engadine offers an impressive selection of winter hikes to suit every ability. In this article, you'll find specific route suggestions, such as the panoramic trail on Muottas Muragl, the romantic hike into Val Roseg, or the varied loop around Lake Sils. We'll share essential packing tips, provide an overview of the difficulty and special features of each tour, and help you find the perfect way to kick off your winter adventure – long before the ski season begins.

• 1. Why winter hiking in the Engadine in November is unique
• 2. The best winter hikes in the Engadine in November
• 3. Comparison of the most beautiful routes – difficulty, highlights & more
• 4. Safety & Equipment: What you need to know in November
• 5. Tips & Mistakes to Avoid When Winter Hiking
• 6. Frequently asked questions about winter hikes in the Engadine
• 7. Conclusion: Winter hiking in the Engadine – Enjoying quiet beauty

1. Why winter hiking in the Engadine in November is unique

1.1 Early start to winter thanks to high altitude

The Engadine Valley lies at an altitude of over 1,800 meters – meaning the first snowflakes often fall as early as the beginning of November. Thanks to this elevation, you can start the winter hiking season here earlier than in other Alpine regions. Routes in Pontresina, Sils, and Muottas Muragl, in particular, are easily accessible even in late autumn.

1.2 Less hustle and bustle – more enjoyment of nature

Even before the ski resorts open their lifts, the valleys and high-altitude trails of the Engadine lie in a soothing silence. In this pre-season, you'll have many paths almost entirely to yourself – ideal for photography, relaxation, or mindful hiking. In villages like Zuoz or S-chanf, you'll hardly encounter any other tourists in early November.

1.3 Natural spectacle: Frozen lakes & silent valleys

Autumn bids farewell, winter arrives – the Engadine now reveals its gentlest side. The first layers of ice cover Lej da Staz, Val Fex lies deep in snow, and the interplay of light over the frozen Lake Sils enchants every hiker.

• Advantages of winter hikes in November
  • High chance of first snowfall from mid-November
  • Low-angled sun creates impressive light
  • Many paths already prepared
  • No mass tourism – ideal conditions for nature lovers

2. The best winter hikes in the Engadine in November

2.1 Muottas Muragl Panorama Trail – For leisurely hikers

Region: Upper Engadine | Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Elevation gain: approx. 150 m | Difficulty: easy

The perfect introductory hike for winter: From the Muottas Muragl mountain station, the panoramic trail leads along a well-maintained circular route with spectacular views of the Engadine lakes, Piz Bernina, and the Bernina massif. Sunsets are particularly rewarding – with a headlamp in your backpack, you can even stay until dusk.

2.2 Val Roseg – Romantic snowshoeing for beginners & advanced hikers

Region: Pontresina | Duration: 2.5–3 hours (round trip) | Elevation gain: approx. 150 m | Difficulty: moderate

The starting point is Pontresina train station. You hike along a wide winter trail through the deep snow of the Val Roseg. Along the way, you'll occasionally encounter horse-drawn sleighs, and at the end of the valley, the imposing Roseg Glacier comes into view. If you like, you can stop at the cozy Hotel Roseg Gletscher or take a sleigh back later – a highlight for couples or families in snow gear.

2.3 Morteratsch Glacier Trail – Ideal for families with children

Region: Morteratsch | Duration: 1.5 hours | Elevation gain: 100 meters | Difficulty: easy

From Morteratsch train station, a flat, stroller-friendly path leads to the former moraine of the Morteratsch Glacier. Clear information panels allow you and your children to understand how the glacier retreated. An ideal winter outing with an educational aspect, easily walkable even with moderate snow cover.

2.4 Zuoz – Alp Es-cha Dadour – For ambitious hikers

Region: Zuoz | Duration: 2–3 hours | Elevation gain: 450–500 meters | Difficulty: moderate

From the charming village of Zuoz, you climb steadily up to the Es-cha Dadour alpine pasture. This tour is one of the quieter ones of its kind – you hike through a pristine alpine meadow area with fantastic views of Piz Kesch. A particularly rewarding tour for experienced hikers from the end of November onwards – crampons are recommended for icy sections.

2.5 Silsersee–Isola Circular Trail – Magical Moorland Landscapes & Solitude

Region: Sils | Duration: approx. 2 hours | Elevation gain: 100 meters | Difficulty: easy

This tranquil circular trail leads from Sils Maria along the southern shore of Lake Sils, through the nature reserve to Isola. From the end of November, the trail is often accessible – you hike through frozen shoreline areas, observe water birds, and enjoy the breathtaking silence amidst water, ice, and light.

route	Difficulty level	Length of time	Elevation gain	Highlights	Starting point
Muottas Muragl Panorama Trail	Light	1–1.5 hours	approx. 150 m elevation gain	360° panoramic view	Muottas Muragl mountain station
Val Roseg winter hike	Medium	2.5–3 hours	150 hm	Romantic Valley & Glacier	Pontresina train station
Morteratsch Glacier Trail	Light	1.5 hours	100 hm	Family-friendly glacier trail	Morteratsch train station
Zuoz – Alp Es-cha Dadour	Medium	2–3 hours	450-500 hm	Authentic side valley	Zuoz
Silsersee–Isola circular trail	Light	2 hours	100 hm	Moorland, birds & silence	Sils Maria

3. Comparison of the most beautiful routes – difficulty, highlights & more

3.1 Difficulty & Elevation Profile Overview

While Muottas Muragl, Morteratsch, and the Silsersee loop are relatively flat and suitable for beginners, Alp Es-cha Dadour and the Val Fex require a solid level of fitness. For those who want to tackle significant elevation gain, the winter-ready stage of the Via Engiadina (Zernez–Lavin) is a sporty option from the end of November.

3.2 Panorama, Highlights & Snow Conditions

Muottas Muragl undoubtedly offers the best panoramic views. Glacier views can be found in Val Roseg and at Morteratsch. The valleys around Isola and Es-cha Dadour are particularly tranquil and idyllic. Light mists over frozen lakes add to the magic.

3.3 Who is it suitable for? – Families, beginners, sporty individuals

Families with strollers are best advised to head towards Morteratsch or Lej da Staz. More athletic hikers who want to bring snowshoes are well advised to use the Via Engiadina or the ascent to Alp Es-cha Dadour.

name	difficulty	Length of time	Elevation gain	panorama	Suitable for	Equipment required?	Accessible by public transport?
Muottas Muragl	Light	1–1.5 hours	150	Piz Bernina & Lakes	beginner	Winter boots, possibly spikes	Yes (train to the mountain station)
Val Roseg	Medium	2.5–3 hours	150	Glacier view	Beginner/Advanced	Spikes recommended	Yes
Zuoz – Alp Es-cha Dadour	Medium	2–3 hours	500	High alpine	Advanced	Spikes, possibly snowshoes	Yes
Morteratsch Glacier Trail	Light	1.5 hours	100	glacier wall	Families	No special equipment required.	Yes
Lake Sils–Isola	Light	2 hours	100	Lake & Forest	beginner	Spikes on slippery surfaces	Yes