! a r g e l l A e n i p l A
in d a g n E 10 e h t trip to August 20
“Allegra!“
yous! ) o j e B : y l l a r e (“Hi!”, lit
is a common greeting in the Engadin. We take it literally and enjoy our time in the mountains. A 4-day trip. Meeting place: Pontresina, Graubunden. Taking the last cable-car, we ascend the Diavolezza. The “She-Devil” (2878 m) is the starting point of our first hike.
Next morning
we set off at the crack of dawn for the “Marco e Rosa� mountain hut as it will take us a good 6 hours. Our goal takes us above the 3000 m frontier, along the Fortezza-Grat.
Right to the start of the first glacier.
Next we do some tightrope walking along the ridge.
The Bellavista with its glaciers is next on our route.
At this altitude, the sun’s beating rays call for suncream to be applied. In this gorgeous weather, the mountain ridge lives up to its name of “Bellavista”.
We literally have to watch our step but our eyes are constantly drawn to the distant view.
! e l Smi
Our stopover for the night: the Marco e Rosa mountain hut at 3597 m has been perched here for almost 100 years. But we’re staying in the bright red extension built in 1964.
Yoga?!
The next morning we start the return journey across the Morteratsch glacier. When Andi attempts a yoga position (or something) on top of a rock, Martina quickly gets him down again.
Together with the Pers glacier, the Morteratsch glacier is the biggest in the eastern Alps – but only just. The glaciers are shrinking here as well. Since records began in 1878, its length has reduced by 2.2 km. But it is still impressive.
The crevices provide a real challenge in the upper part of the glacier. By the way, according to legend, its name is derived from a shepherd called Aratsch. He is supposed to have plummeted down the glacier to his death because of the death of his beloved (who herself died of grief because he had to travel far from home to earn his living). Whereupon the ghost of his beloved wailed
“Mort Aratsch! � (Aratsch is dea d).
The Upper Engadin valley is 80 km long, formed through river erosion by the River Inn over thousands of years. We are hiking in the upper part which is full of lakes as well as glaciers. And what better place is there to stop for a rest than at the water’s edge?
! o h e v Hea
Our last hike takes us in the direction of Piz Cambrena (3606 m), on the slopes of which the Pers glacier lies. The mountain lies on the way to Piz Palü, which is more famous and thus more frequented. In the meantime, we’re happy to enjoy “our” Piz Cambrena in peace and quiet.
! ?
While the guys are arguing over the route ...
... Martina freshens up.
The w in
ner!
It paid off - Martina reaches the summit first.
Our lightweights for the Engadin trip: ic for the techn
al guy:
MEN T E K C A J e in p l A E T A R E ACCEl Our lightest waterproof alpine jacket for men yet it’s still packed with user-driven detailing, e.g. vent pit zips, 3 pockets and hood.
ONlY
400 g
t: for the puris
N ATMOSPHERE JACKET ME
Straight cut minimalist design weatherproof for those who have a minimalist approach on the mountain.
ONlY
420 g
softs the absolute
hell:
MEN MUDDY PASS JACKET WO A softshell, as shown in the catalogue: extremely breathable, stretchy, water-repellent with a windproof lining in the front section. ONlY
495 g
ONlY
1390 g
ystem: the air con s
N E M O W / N E M E R O P A X E DISSENTER T The waterproof alpine shoe made of synthetic materials has constant ventilation thanks to the perforated tongue, footbed and padding.
ht pack: the lightweig
N E M 4 3 K C A P E R E H P S O M AT Thanks to the ACS TIGHT carry system, the alpine rucksack with two compartments fits close to the body yet delivers full freedom of movement and excellent ventilation.
ONlY
1290 g
list of links: Mountain trails: Accommodation: www.diavolezza.ch
Information: www.engadin.stmoritz.ch
Photos: Hansi Heckmair
www.bergsteiger-pontresina.ch