How luxury came to the mountains How luxury came to the mountains
Dear Walther guests, valued readers,
For a long time, luxury was of little concern in the remote mountain valleys. Dwellings were simple and life was hard and demanding. Many were forced to emigrate to seek their fortunes in Europe’s fastgrowing cities. But after the Enlightenment in the 18th century, attitudes towards untamed nature began to change. Following the age of colonisation, the Alps remained one of the last unexplored regions, and the Swiss mountain landscape and its inhabitants offered an alternative to urban life. This unleashed a wave of enthusiasm for the Alps, attracting a steady stream of travellers – especially to the Engadin, where many came from England.
In addition to their scientific curiosity, the city dwellers also admired the unspoilt landscape and the quality of the Alpine air. Some emigrants from the Engadin, who had found wealth in cities such as Milan, Venice, Paris and Berlin, returned to their homeland and established the first Grand Hotels, offering the same luxury as the palatial hotels in these urban centres.
At that time, travel was a privilege reserved for the upper classes, and Hotel Walther was conceived as a luxury retreat. The motivations for travel then were
remarkably similar to those of today: a desire for intangibles such as time spent in nature, the majesty of glaciers, fresh air, unspoilt landscapes and a simpler, more authentic way of life – values that are once again highly sought after.
At Hotel Walther, sustainable luxury is part of our tradition. Enjoy your time in the spacious Art Nouveau surroundings, whether with family, friends or simply on your own. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and let winter work its magic: the stillness, the flickering fire, the delicate dance of the snowflakes. Discover a sense of peace and belonging – with yourself and with us at the family-run Pontresina Grand Hotel.
A touch of luxury in the Grisons mountains is now as effortless as it is unforgettable.
The journey is its own reward – a warm-hearted welcome.
Anne-Rose & Thomas Walther and all our friendly staff
NEWS
WHITE TURF FAMILY DAYS
Since 2022, White Turf has hosted Family Days on the Saturdays leading up to the international horse races. For young athletes, these days are every bit as exciting as the main event, with pony, trot and flat racing on the frozen Lake St. Moritz – and even the chance to try mounted children’s skikjoring. This lively folk festival for the whole family, complete with a variety of culinary delights, takes place on 1, 8 and 15 February 2025. whiteturf.ch
CHRISTIAN WALTHER 1937–2024
Christian Walther, pictured here with one of his distinguished guests, was born in Pontresina and ran the Hotel Walther from 1963 to 1997 before passing the reins to the third generation, Thomas and Anne-Rose Walther. A passionate hotelier, devoted patron, active politician and respected citizen of Pontresina, Christian Walther had a deep appreciation for the history and traditions of the village, which he both preserved and enriched. He was a key figure in public life and deeply involved in many local associations. Christian Walther died this summer at the age of 86. hotelwalther.ch
in brief
RENOVATION CONTINUES
This autumn we are renovating again. Seven rooms this time – not only to refresh the design, but also to invest in the structural integrity of this historic grand hotel. This includes replacing old pipes and windows from the first to the fifth floor – an extensive and costly undertaking that goes largely unnoticed by guests. However, these improvements will ensure that the hotel remains ‘grand’ for future generations of hosts and guests. #hotelwalther
PONTRESINA NORDIC
Pontresina is a cross-country skier’s paradise, with up to 220 km of groomed trails winding through the Upper Engadin. Thanks to the altitude, snow is guaranteed throughout the winter, both on the valley floor and in the wild, romantic side valleys. The cross-country season in Pontresina begins at the end of November with the Cross-Country Opening. To help visitors navigate the vast network of trails, the mountain village has introduced the ‘Cross-Country Ski Concierge’. Pontresina proudly displays its Nordic passion and expertise during the Engadin Skimarathon, with the official Marathon Village located right on Pontresina’s lively promenade.
pontresina.ch
THE WALTHER
FAMILY RUN WITH A GRAND HOTEL TRADITION
The Hotel Walther opened in 1907 as the “Palace Hotel” with 106 rooms and, like most Grand Hotels in the Alps, reflected the growth of alpine tourism. Pontresina, with its relatively easy access to the glacier world, quickly attracted enthusiastic British visitors as mountaineering grew in popularity. The local mountain guide association, founded in 1871, was one of the first in the Alps. By the summer of 1885, Pontresina was already hosting 2,000 guests, and the opening of the railway station in 1908 provided an additional boost to tourism.
With its grand architecture and refined interiors, the “Pontresina Palace Hotel” has long embodied timeless elegance and luxury. Playful Belle Epoque elements were thoughtfully revived during the hotel’s summer 2017 renovation, and now blend seamlessly with a vibrantly refreshed interior. As a guest at this Grand Hotel, you’ll be immersed in tradition and history, getting a feel for a bygone era when aristocrats, artists and celebrities came here to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Walther is said to have been home to the famous writer Stefan Zweig, who drew inspiration from the ambience and hotel life for his novel “The Post Office Girl.”
Today, as in the past, the hotel’s unique location in the heart of the stunning Engadin mountains offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying luxurious amenities. The opportunity to relax and enjoy the outdoors is particularly appealing in the beautiful Alpine landscape surrounding Pontresina, renowned for its enchanting Swiss stone pine forests.
Historically, Grand Hotels were not only places of retreat, but also vibrant social centres where international guests gathered. This tradition continues in many hotels today.
At Hotel Walther, guests can enjoy a varied programme of music, readings, performances and cultural events throughout the season.
A stay at our family-run Grand Hotel offers an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond traditional hotel comforts. Here, individual attention, first-class service and a warm culture of hospitality have been honed and perfected over generations.
The initial project sketch for what is now Hotel Walther dates back to 1904.
To this day, many Grand Hotels have a unique aura that continues to captivate. You could even call it a renaissance of timeless values. But why is this so?
NOSTALGIA & AUTHENTICITY
In today’s world, many people crave authentic personal experiences and places that offer a link to the past. Grand Hotels, especially those in the Alps, cater to this desire; their rich history and traditions evoke an atmosphere reminiscent of a glorious, bygone era.
FIRST CLASS RETREATS
In an increasingly fast-paced world, Grand Hotels offer an exclusive escape from the mainstream. Guests value the tranquillity, luxury and opportunity to unwind in an environment that emphasises both relaxation and privacy.
LUXURY REIMAGINED
Today’s Grand Hotels combine timeless luxury with modern comfort. Beautifully designed spas, culinary delights and the latest technology blend seamlessly with their historic setting, blending the charm of the past with the needs of the present.
EXCLUSIVITY & INDIVIDUALITY
Unlike standardised hotel chains, Grand Hotels offer a distinctive, personal touch. Each one has its own unique character and style, making every stay a truly unique experience.
PRESTIGE & TRADITION
Staying in a Grand Hotel still conveys a sense of prestige. Many of these hotels remain social meeting places, where guests feel part of a cosmopolitan community in a historic setting.
HOTEL WALTHER & ITS TRADITIONS
The traditions at Hotel Walther are far more than nostalgic relics – they foster a unique bond with our guests. In an ever-changing world, we offer a timeless oasis of refined luxury and genuine hospitality. Our modern service, discretion, and personal attention ensure that every guest feels not only welcome, but truly valued. Our values bridge the past and the present, creating an enduring Engadin experience that combines a sense of security with authenticity.
Some of our traditions:
1. Whenever possible, we personally greet our guests on arrival and bid them farewell when it’s time to leave. In the evening in the restaurant, we wish them a pleasant night. Building relationships with our guests is a long-standing tradition.
2. Raising the Swiss flag on the tower is yet another cherished tradition.
3. We maintain a high standard of service with a dedicated team of longserving staff.
4. Our cuisine is refined yet unpretentious, rooted in classic hotel dining traditions.
5. The style of the house has evolved over time; we preserve this heritage with care, making thoughtful investments where necessary.
6. We host a weekly aperitif for our guests, complete with a guided tour of the hotel.
7. A pianist continues the tradition of live music during afternoon tea in the lobby.
8. For Chalandamarz, we welcome the entire procession with ‘Bütschellas’ and punch.
9. On National Day, we invite our guests to a picnic at the nearby Sanssouci with a barbecue and raclette bread.
11. We also invite all our friends, suppliers, and business partners to a festive Christmas aperitif under the
12. Now in its sixteenth edition, this Giazetta has become a much-loved tradition.
13. We hope that your annual stay with us at the Hotel Walther will one day become a cherished family tradition.
beautifully adorned Christmas tree at Hotel Walther.
10. We celebrate our forest Christmas in the snow-covered Taiswald with mulled wine, carol singing, and Santa Claus’ Christmas story.
CANDLELIGHT & FIREPLACE
CHRISTMAS POEMS
In the dark, cold season, candlelight and a crackling fire create a warm, inviting atmosphere, bringing a sense of comfort and security. We gather around the fire and share stories that touch us deeply, stirring emotions from within and connecting us on a deeply human level.
CHRISTMAS
Theodor Storm
BLOW, BLOW, THOU WINTER WIND
William Shakespeare
Blow, blow, thou winter wind
Thou art not so unkind
As man's ingratitude; Thy tooth is not so keen, Because thou art not seen, Although thy breath be rude.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly: Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly: Then heigh-ho, the holly! This life is most jolly.
Freeze, freeze thou bitter sky, That does not bite so nigh
As benefits forgot: Though thou the waters warp, Thy sting is not so sharp
As a friend remembered not.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly: Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly: Then heigh-ho, the holly! This life is most jolly.
The world is draped in snow so white,
The earth in silent, gentle light; The trees stand still in winter’s grace,
As Christmas casts its soft embrace. The stars look down from high above, With peace and hope and boundless love;
And all that stirs within the night Feels touched by something pure and bright.
The house is filled with candlelight, The hearth is warm, the fire bright; And as we gather, young and old, We sense a joy both new and old. For Christmas is a time to share, To give, to love, to show we care; And in each heart a song resounds, As warmth and kindness know no bounds.
LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS
Christina Rossetti
Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine; Love was born at Christmas, Star and angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead, Love Incarnate, Love Divine; Worship we our Jesus: But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token, Love be yours and love be mine, Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign.
LITTLE TREE
E. E. Cummings
little tree
little silent Christmas tree you are so little you are more like a flower
who found you in the green forest and were you very sorry to come away? see I will comfort you because you smell so sweetly
I will kiss your cool bark and hug you safe and tight just as your mother would, only don’t be afraid look the spangles that sleep all the year in a dark box dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine, the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,
put up your little arms and I’ll give them all to you to hold every finger shall have its ring and there won’t be a single place dark or unhappy
then when you’re quite dressed you’ll stand in the window for everyone to see and how they’ll stare! oh but you’ll be very proud
and my little sister and I will take hands and looking up at our beautiful tree we’ll dance and sing “Noel Noel” .
ARTISTS OF LIGHT IN THE ENGADIN
The Engadin is renowned for its unique light, endless horizons, and a landscape rich in contrasts. Particularly at the turn of the 20th century, when industrialisation was at its height, it attracted artists who created works of international significance.
From a scientific perspective, the air in the high mountains is exceptionally dust-free and dry. In these conditions, light is less scattered than at lower altitudes, making it exceptionally pure and clear. However, this factual explanation alone does not capture the full essence. Many famous artists have spoken almost euphorically about the light of the Engadin and the vibrant colours it brings to life, a sense of awe they convey through their art.
Noon in the Alps, oil painting by Giovanni Segantini, 1892 (Ohara Museum of Art / Wikimedia)
FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
The blue sky, the pure light, the clear water –the great philosopher succumbs to euphoria in Sils Maria and concludes: «Eternity is now in this world.» Tirelessly wandering through the landscape, the thinker found his inner nature reflected in the outer. He called Sils the «centre of the world» and a «world of pure, sharp light» . It is here that his central work, ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’, takes shape. The conditions are ideal, he writes, because «genius is nourished by dry air, by a clear sky»
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) spent many seasons in Sils Maria between 1881 and 1888. His humble residence, once nearly demolished, was preserved through the efforts of Hermann Hesse and now serves as a museum.
GIOVANNI SEGANTINI
In Maloja, at an altitude of 1800 metres, the great mystic found a «light that enlivens colours and illuminates everything» Immersed in this environment, he refined his mastery of colour, moving away from pure representation towards an increasingly abstract and luminous style - a true embodiment of light. To achieve this, he applied brushstroke after brushstroke of pure, unmixed colour. His aim was to create an ideal, perfected work, which he achieved with his triptych Life – Nature – Death, created in «absolute and complete understanding of the totality of nature in all its gradations». This masterpiece can be admired at the Segantini Museum in St. Moritz.
Giovanni Segantini (1858-1899) lived in Maloja and Soglio from 1894. Having become stateless at the age of seven, he found his new home in the «divine nature» of the Bregaglia Valley.
THE GIACOMETTI FAMILY
The Bergell family produced several famous artists, including Augusto Giacometti, known as the «Master of Colour». He believed that colour existed independently – «detached from any object». He took this idea to its fullest expression by allowing light to shine through pure colour, creating striking stained glass works that won him widespread acclaim during his lifetime. One of his famous stained glass windows can be seen in the church of San Giorgio in Borgonovo.
Augusto Giacometti (1877–1947) grew up in Stampa and moved to Zurich at a young age.
His second cousin, Giovanni Giacometti, sought to capture «the essence of coloured light» . For Giovanni, the dazzling midday sun, blue evening shadows and pale moonlight transformed surfaces, blending them into his vibrant play of colour. As he saw it, «everything exists through light»
Giovanni Giacometti (1868–1933) lived in Borgonovo, Stampa, and Maloja.
Giovanni’s son, Alberto Giacometti, eventually broke with family tradition. Although his father’s influence is evident in his early works, Alberto soon abandoned colour almost entirely: «Now I have shown you that I can also paint colourful pictures like my father. But from now on, I’ll stick with my colours: grey, black, white, and brown.»
Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966) was born in Stampa and lived in Paris from 1922. Today, visitors can visit the studio of Giovanni and Alberto Giacometti in Stampa by appointment. The nearby Ciäsa Granda Museum also hosts a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, showcasing works by the Giacometti family and other artists from the region.
ELIZABETH MAIN
When British mountaineer Elizabeth Main realised how much she could benefit from climbing, nothing could stop her. This unconventional woman made 26 first ascents – a pioneering achievement. She also documented her travels in both literary and photographic form. Her body of work, entirely self-taught, includes 400 photographs of the Engadin, capturing notable personalities, landscapes and sporting scenes that serve as a valuable historical record. These images are now preserved in the Upper Engadin Cultural Archive.
Elizabeth Main (1861-1934) was born in London and regularly spent time in St. Moritz from 1884.
FERDINAND HODLER
The artist, who would produce some 2,000 paintings and 10,000 drawings in his lifetime, turned his attention to landscapes in 1892. His compositions, characterised by symmetry and bold detail, place particular emphasis on the sky. Hodler called his unique style ‘parallelism’, a technique that combined realistic imagery with ornamental qualities. For him, a landscape must «have character, express a passion or an emotion» . In pursuit of this vision, he sometimes took unconventional approaches, even bending over to view the scene upside down. In Hodler’s work, mountains, lakes, the sky and the sublime come alive: «More than ever, colour not only accompanies form, but form itself lives and curves through colour»
Ferdinand Hodler (1853–1918) visited the Engadin multiple times. Between 1907 and 1909 alone, he created at least nine paintings of the region.
What do Bündnerfleisch (air dried meat) and tuberculosis patients have in common? Both benefit from the fact that the sun kills germs. When Oscar Bernhard (1861-1939), a doctor from Samedan, observed how farmers dried meat in the sun for days to preserve it, he had an idea. He pushed sick people in their beds out onto the balcony in the sun and exposed their wounds. He soon noticed that their suffering was alleviated. This was the beginning of heliotherapy, the medical use of sunlight
In the 1930s, even bathrooms were equipped with UV lamps, so-called “light showers”. The artificial sun was supposed to help against the winter blues. This seems obvious, since we can observe the positive influence of the sun directly on ourselves. But where does it come from?
Scientists have found that the more time we spend in the sun, the more the happiness hormone serotonin is released. Sunlight also directly affects the production of vitamin D in our skin – a nutrient that we can only get in limited amounts from food. As well as boosting our mood, vitamin D strengthens the immune system and is essential for maintaining healthy bones.
OUT IN THE SUN
The positive effects of sunlight on the body.
Simply spending time outdoors has many benefits. Exposure to sunlight triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which reduce the stress hormone cortisol, lower blood pressure and lower heart rate, making us feel relaxed and happy.
The high altitude of the Engadin valley offers an additional benefit: the lower air pressure at this altitude allows the blood to be enriched with more oxygen. Top athletes use this natural ‘boost’ during altitude training to improve their performance.
While the electrical industry brought simulated sunlight into our homes in the inter-war period, altitude training no longer requires a trip to the mountains. Hypoxia training now mimics the oxygen-depleted mountain air. However, training with a hypoxia mask is hardly as enjoyable as training in the fresh mountain air.
7 TIPS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES
1. Spend at least half an hour outside during the day.
2. Avoid blue light from screens like TVs and smartphones for two hours before going to bed.
3. Keep your smartphone out of the bedroom and consider using a daylight alarm clock.
4. Eat a balanced diet and make sure you get enough vitamin D intake during the darker months.
5. Exercise regularly.
6. Socialise with friends.
7. Create your own wellness ritual.
Iconic Pontresina advertising poster from the 1930s
EXHIBITION TIP
A spectacle of light and shadow
For the first time, the cultural centres of the Engadin, from Zuoz to Maloja, are coming together to present a comprehensive joint exhibition on the theme of light and shadow.
Bright light illuminating the golden splendour of the larches, sharp shadows falling slowly and steadily over the villages and the soft cloud formations of the Maloja snake drifting lazily across the lake landscape – all this creates a breathtaking play of light and shadow, especially in autumn when the Engadine weather offers a dynamic visual spectacle.
Splendur e Sumbriva – Light and shadow in the Engadin
The joint exhibition “Splendur e Sumbriva”, presented by 14 Engadin museums, studios and archives from Zuoz to Maloja, St. Moritz to Pontresina, explores the theme of light and shadow in the Engadin. This multifaceted exhibition covers art, architecture, language, philosophy, mountaineering and everyday culture.
With an attractive season pass, visitors can explore the various exhibitions at their own pace and end the day with a well-deserved culinary experience.
WALTHER PACKAGE «SPLENDUR E SUMBRIVA»
Our services include:
• 3–5 nights in a comfortable room in your chosen category
• Balanced Walther breakfast
• Daily dinner at the Walther Culinarium, with a choice of 5 restaurants (subject to availability, drinks not included)
• «Splendur e sumbriva» ticket for 14 unique exhibitions
• Free use of local public transport by bus and train
• Arrival: available Sunday to Tuesday
The temporary exhibitions are open until mid-April 2025. For more information, visit cultura-engiadina.ch
Scan the QR code to access this offer.
Rates vary according to room category and additional services. Our room rates are dynamically calculated and may vary seasonally and based on hotel occupancy.
LUXURY
OF POWER, ILLNESS & PERSONAL MATURITY
INTERVIEW MIT DER INNOVATIVEN HOTELFLORISTIN
IF LUXURY BEGINS WHERE THE EVERYDAY NEED FOR PRODUCTS ENDS, THEN MOST OF US LIVE QUITE LUXURIOUSLY. BUT LUXURY IS ALSO A WAY OF DISTINGUISHING ONESELF FROM OTHERS. IT DEMANDS MORE AND MORE EXTRAVAGANCE –OR PERHAPS A RETURN TO TRUE VALUES.
In its simplest form, luxury refers to things and experiences that go beyond the essential and are often difficult to access. It includes goods and services sought after for their exclusivity, quality, or rarity. Luxury has always been closely tied to social status, serving as a symbol of power, wealth, and influence.
Luxury as a symbol of power
Historically, luxury was reserved for the elite. In ancient times, kings, nobles, and priests displayed their wealth through magnificent palaces, opulent clothing, and rare foods. Luxury in this period was not only material but also deeply symbolic, serving to make one’s social status visible and clearly defined. Religious institutions, such as the Catholic Church, also used splendour and luxury to reinforce their power and authority. The Palace of Versailles, built by Louis XIV, the Sun King, is perhaps one of the most famous examples of this opulent lifestyle.
Luxury becomes democratic
The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century ushered in a partial democratisation of luxury. With the advent of mass production, many previously exclusive goods became accessible to a wider population. Wealthy merchants and the emerging middle class could now afford luxury items that had previously been reserved for the upper classes.
In the 20th century, with the rise of global consumer brands, luxury became even more accessible. Iconic fashion brands such as Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton produced goods in ever-increasing quantities while maintaining their exclusive image through strategic marketing. Luxury became something you could buy, while the desire for individual self-expression grew, with luxury goods increasingly used to reflect personal taste and uniqueness.
Simple, sensually aesthetic products, such as a minimalist aluminium bicycle or a vegetable-tanned leather bag, are seen as authentic and honest. A curated shopping experience reinforces this feeling, giving consumers a sense of belonging to an exclusive circle.
Despite this, luxury has always been associated with rarity, exclusivity and the desire to stand out with unique, highquality products.
Luxury as a social and cultural value
Luxury is not just a consumer trend; it is a deeply rooted social and cultural symbol. In most societies, luxury serves a dual purpose: it is both a reward or expression of success and a marker of social distinction.
In Western societies, luxury is closely associated with notions of ownership and personal achievement, whereas in Asian cultures, such as China or Japan, it is more closely associated with tradition, craftsmanship and family honour. In these cultures, luxury is less about individuality and more a sign of respect and social status.
Luxury
becomes immaterial and sustainable
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift from material possessions to immaterial values. Time, peace, health and unique experiences are becoming increasingly important. Many now see luxury not just as the ownership of goods, but as the freedom to have time for oneself or to enjoy enriching experiences.
Sustainability has also become a key facet of modern luxury. As consumers become more conscious, many are placing greater emphasis on ethical production and environmental responsibility. Forward-thinking brands are responding with transparent supply chains, sustainable materials and ecofriendly manufacturing processes.
Craftsmanship, tradition and product longevity are now central to the concept of luxury. The desire for conscious consumption and a sense of responsibility has made sustainability a new status symbol, reflecting a shift towards a more mindful, sustainable lifestyle and away from mass production and disposable goods.
Luxury and travel
For a long time, travel was considered a luxury, and the Hotel Walther was originally built as the Pontresina Palace to serve a wealthy clientele. Even then, guests were looking for proximity to nature, reflection, tranquillity, an escape from the pressures of everyday life and the authenticity of the simple mountain lifestyle - values that are still relevant today. Holidays at Hotel Walther now focus on these new values: finding time for yourself and your loved ones, embracing slowness and pleasure, relaxing in the clean mountain air and reconnecting with nature and yourself.
MUCH MORE THAN A WARM BED
A stay at our family-run Grand Hotel offers much more than a night's accommodation. You’ll be immersed in a captivating world of rich history, exquisite design with thoughtful details, attentive service and warm hospitality. As a guest of the Walther, you'll enjoy a range of unique benefits and a high standard of holiday experience. The Upper Engadin is one of the most stunning and diverse winter destinations in the Alps, and Pontresina is arguably the most beloved mountain village in Switzerland.
WALTHER BENEFITS
Ambience
• Spacious Art Nouveau ambience with modern interior design
• Ample space and cosy spots to relax
• Beautifully landscaped outdoor area
• Well-appointed, charming rooms
Dining room, bar, and smoking lounge
• Walther’s extensive breakfast buffet
• Gourmet menu selection (Half board plus)
• Afternoon cakes from our in-house bakery
• Walther lounge menu available throughout the day
• Diverse dining options with the Walther Culinarium
• Walther Bar with live music and smoking room
• Steinbock Restaurants and Gondolezza fondue nearby
Aqua Viva
• Aqua Viva wellness area with sauna, steam bath, Cristallino stone grotto, Engadin herb room, mountain stream footbath with waterfall, special showers and relaxation room
• Indoor pool with whirlpool
• Massages and other treatments available
• Fluffy bathrobes and slippers in every room
Additional benefits
• Free high speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• Selection of non-alcoholic beverages in the minibar
• Family owned and operated
• Free use of public transport in the Upper Engadin (for stays of 2 nights or more)
• Free access to Upper Engadin mountain railways in summer (for stays of 2 nights or more)
• Winter offer Sleep + Ski for CHF 47 per night
• Heated ski room with individual lockers
• Shuttle service between the hotel and Pontresina railway station (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Children’s play area, baby bed, stroller, highchair, and more available
• Private garage (CHF 18/day)
• Electric car charging station (plugnroll.com)
• Jet Wash facility
• Four-legged friends are welcome (CHF 15/day) with dog bed and bowl provided
DYNAMIC PRICING
Our room rates are dynamically calculated and vary according to season and occupancy. Current daily rates are available on our website, where you can select your room, booking dates and any additional services to obtain an accurate rate. Our booking platform guarantees the best room rates available – either with flexible cancellation options or at a lower rate with non-refundable terms. In addition, our terms and conditions give you maximum flexibility and peace of mind when planning your stay.
We would be delighted to assist you personally. Feel free to give us a call! T +41 81 839 36 36, www.hotelwalther.ch
WALTHERWinter Offers
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, DINING & PLEASURE
END OF SEASON & EASTER
April in the Upper Engadin promises the perfect finale to your winter sports season: sunny, mild days, wide open slopes and a tranquil alpine atmosphere. With the Sleep + Ski package from just CHF 47 per day, you can enjoy morning runs on soft, slushy snow, followed by a relaxing lunch on the sunny terraces of mountain restaurants. Pontresina has lined up a variety of events for this time of year, and the Festival da Jazz St. Moritz is adding to the festivities with a special Easter concert programme in all our venues. At the Hotel Walther we’ll be welcoming the Easter Bunny to celebrate the holiday together. It’s a wonderful way to end the winter season, which continues in full swing until 21 April 2025.
Pontresina is a cross-country skier’s paradise, with its dreamy snow-covered landscapes, crisp air, superb trails, excellent infrastructure and wealth of expertise. Our culinary package is perfect for both beginners and advanced skiers in your preferred style – classic or skating. Cross-country skiing promotes endurance and, with its dynamic movements, supports your health and well-being.
In the mornings you’ll receive expert instruction from cross-country professionals, and in the afternoons you'll be free to practise what you’ve learned at your own pace.
Just strap on your cross-country ski boots at the hotel – the trail is just a short walk away. After a day’s skiing, relax in our Aqua Viva spa and wellness area, complete with swimming pool.
This package is available for 3 or 6 nights.
Mountain railways spring operating times
• Corvatsch cableway until 27 April 2025
• Diavolezza cableway until 4 May 2025
• Lagalb with mountain restaurant until 21 April 2025
hotelwalther.ch, Telefon +41 81 839 36 36.
For detailed information and additional packages, please visit our website or give us a call. We would be delighted to assist you personally.
Panoramic view from the Lagalb mountain restaurant
WALTHER CROSSWORDS WINTER 2024/25
1 Walther's earlier name
2 Where the wealth lies
3 Prominent Walther guest
4 Feeling at the Grand Hotel
5 Natural beauty spots in the Engadin
6 First name of a famous artist from Val Bregaglia
7 We hold this in high regard
8 Inspiration for artists
9 More of them have been renovated
10 Short Italian coffee
11 A public holiday towards the end of winter
12 Winter sports event
13 Mountaineer
14 Skiing discipline
15 German philosopher
16 Is immaterial these days
17 Shy predator in the Alps
18 Nocturnal bird of prey
19 Event at White Turf
Who will dare take on the Walther Crossword Challenge? Just complete the crossword puzzle, then enter the letters into the orange boxes below in the correct order. The solution word is the name of a famous family of artists from the canton of Grisons. By the way: most of the answers can be found in this Giazetta.
Five winners every month throughout the winter. The first five correctly filled-in crosswords together with the correct solution word that are presented at reception will win an aperitif for two.
Collect
moments – not things!
Keep in touch with us and follow us on Instagram! #walthermoments #grandmoments #lieblingsmomente #bergwinter
The next summer season lasts from 6th June until 19th October 2025.
