a tt e z a i G N° 11
SUMMER SEASON 9 JUNE TO 18 OCTOBER 2022
MOUNTAIN HUTS SUMMER SOUTH FISHING SURREALISM www.hotelwalther.ch
s y e n r u o j g n i t a Fascin untains o m e h t o int
Dear Walther Guests, dear Readers,
Travelling is a basic human need. Discovering new places
Head up to stay with us once again to unwind and slow
and cultures, experiencing new horizons – all contribute
down. In our family-run Grand Hotel, you will find all
to our personal growth. The individual appeal of the place
the amenities your heart desires. The breathtaking
we visit plays a role here. The sea, the desert, a city or
Alpine world, in all its glorious beauty, is right on your
the Alps – each offers its own unique experiences,
doorstep – as well as diverse sports and leisure oppor-
evoking different thoughts and feelings. The Engadin,
tunities in the Upper Engadin. Enjoy culture, cuisine,
renowned for its natural power, light, and breathtaking
and your «you time» in Pontresina.
scenery has been a great attraction for centuries – for painters, poets, and artists alike. The first visitor sought
Be inspired by the latest Giazetta and spend an eventful
the pristine mountains, a romantic notion of simplicity
or relaxing holiday with us at Hotel Walther.
and innocence. The local population still has strong connections to their roots, the landscape, and culture.
We look forward to your visit this summer!
The Upper Engadin is characterised by sophistication – it opens up to the south and is connected to the world via numerous passes. The reasons for a trip to our
A warm-hearted welcome,
Alpine world have remained unchanged: experiencing nature, taking time, and just becoming at one with nature and oneself. Simplicity, resonance and authentic values are all found up here, where the air is pure and
Anne-Rose & Thomas Walther
our thoughts are clear. We are able to take a step back
and our friendly employees
and gain foresight, new strength, and vitality through movement. Health: mental and physical. Real, authentic experiences that enable us to reconnect with nature are all the more important today, with society’s tendency towards the surreal, towards unreal experiences in fictional worlds, social media and the metaverse.
We would also be happy to advise you personally at +41 81 839 36 36. We look forward to your call!
2 | Editorial
f e i r b NEWS in
QUEEN ON THE CLAY COURT
CULTURAL SUMMER IN PONTRESINA
«Culture begins in the heart of each individual,» said Nestroy. The people of the Engadin appreciate and care for the exceptionally rich cultural heritage of this high valley. In our community, Pontresina Cultura has set itself the task of articulating the diverse local culture. This includes art and theatre, exhibitions, readings, film and photography, a children’s programme, and the cultivation of the Romansh language and customs. Thanks to Pontresina’s culture-friendly policies, more than 200 events have been held since the turn of the century. This summer, “Origen” will be held here, with various music events, and the “Summer Hotel Walther has three in-house clay tennis courts.
Triennale” will surprise with unusual interactions in
Clay is one of the four playing surfaces in tennis. It is
public spaces. www.cultura-pontresina.ch
mostly made from crushed brick, a recycled product. The best-known clay court tournament is the French Open in Paris, held on this surface since 1891. The surface is challenging. It is much slower than usual courts. The reason: the balls bounce off relatively high and lose speed. As a result, games often take longer than those played on hard surfaces or grass. Rafael Nadal is the undisputed king of clay – to date, he has won the French Open thirteen times and 57 other tournaments on clay. Due to the altitude, our clay courts offer ideal training conditions ... for example, before you participate in the French Open. Stefan Rogger: «Il prinzi da Puntraschigna» Art Trails 2011
FESTIVAL DA JAZZ IS BACK The Festival da Jazz is taking place for the 15th time this summer. From 7 to 31 July, the event will provide the best entertainment in St. Moritz and the surrounding region. After a two-year Covid break, the traditional main stage at the Dracula Club is finally open again. Various free concerts supplement the world-class programme in the Upper Engadin – the open air at Lej da Staz is a summer classic! In addition, young talents are encouraged at the festival in the “New Generation #JazzLab”. Sixty concerts in just under four weeks: Visiting a few (or all?) events is worthwhile. The program and further information are available here: www.festivaldajazz.ch
News in brief | 3
VIBRANT DIVERSITY FOR ALL TASTES THE WALTHER EXPERIENCE:
Hotel Walther caters for every taste and mood with the refreshing variety of facilities on offer at its family-run resort. Seventy individual rooms, from traditional to rustic, from soft to spicy – no two are the same; five restaurants, three garden terraces, a bar, smoking lounge, an abundance of public spaces, wellness and sports facilities, children’s paradise... all nestled amidst the stunning Engadin mountain landscape with its countless opportunities to experience sports, culture, leisure and nature. Our visiting personalities show how it’s done!
TOM HIRSCHER Travel journalist, author, and blogger combined the search for inspiration with a week of “workcation”.
ROOM? He shared one of the new “Spice Dream” Deluxe Rooms with his girlfriend (from CHF 430).
MOST LIKED? Easy-going in the lobby while working and reading. Restaurants: the Art Nouveau Hall, tagliata in La Trattoria ... and Flora at the Steinbock for a change.
DISCOVERIES? Exploring new art in the galleries, Super Mountain Café, Festival da Jazz, walking to Lej da Staz, late night in one hotel bar or another.
ANTONINA MORALES The successful ecologist and politician spent an active week with a friend in the mountains of the Upper Engadin.
ROOM? Single Room Superior (from CHF 185). MOST LIKED? Walther breakfast in the vibrant Art Nouveau Hall, relaxing in the Aqua Viva after a day in nature.
DISCOVERIES? Easy hikes around Pontresina. Certainly hit Muottas Muragl and the Segantini hut at least once. A train ride on the UNESCO route to Val Poschiavo with Pizzoccheri food. Visit to the Alpine Museum.
4 | The Walther Experience
FORREST GALINDO FOX The entrepreneur and asset manager came to meet clients in the Engadin and combined the trip with a few days off.
ROOM? A suite with space and ambience that he also uses for work (from CHF 630).
MOST LIKED? Privacy, service, and infrastructure. Gastronomy with little snacks in between. The British-inspired Cigar Lounge.
DISCOVERIES? Automobile events such as the British Classic Car Meeting, the St. Moritz Automobile Week, or the Passione Engadina. The golf course Zuoz.
ELLA-GRACE HINTON Stayed at the Walther for three days for a family celebration.
ROOM? Junior Suite with her husband (from CHF 510). MOST LIKED? The contemporary, relaxed Grand Hotel ambience, garden, and sun terraces. Treatments in the wellness space.
DISCOVERIES? Top-of-the-line shopping in St Moritz. Muzeum Susch by Grazyna Kulczyk. Fondue at the Gondolezza.
BEVERLY LIZARD The sports and yoga teacher and activist wanted to get active in the Alpine air.
ROOM? Double Room for single occupancy (CHF 240). MOST LIKED? The substantial breakfast buffet. The direct connection to hiking and bike trails. The unbelievable sports options in the Upper Engadin.
DISCOVERIES? The St. Moritz Running Festival. Lake Silvaplana with its range of water sports. Selection of sports shops with the latest equipment.
The Walther Experience | 5
MEG HAMPTON A psychology student who accompanied her mother into the mountains for four days.
ROOM? Superior Room (from CHF 390). MOST LIKED? Wellness and outdoor areas. Teatime in the lobby. Antipasti and homemade pasta at La Trattoria.
DISCOVERIES? Alpine flora and Mili-Weber house. Hiking in the Swiss National Park. Engadin specialities in the villages.
PAULA LUISA DELGADO The architect enjoyed a week in the Engadin.
ROOM? Deluxe Room with her boyfriend (from CHF 430). MOST LIKED? The informal Grand Hotel ambience. The new interior at the Walther and Steinbock. The club sandwich at the hotel bar.
DISCOVERIES? New art in the Upper Engadin galleries, the Jazz Festival, Val Roseg on an e-bike, and a relaxing pine oil massage at the Aqua Viva Spa.
NELSON ROBINSON Retired banker and notorious charmer.
ROOM? Double Room Standard Classic (from CHF 320).
MOST LIKED? The included Walther benefits. The many public areas, especially the bar with live music.
DISCOVERIES? Engadin Golf – the first golf club on the continent. Excursions to Chiavenna and Lake Como. Angus beef at La Trattoria.
6 | The Walther Experience
FANTASTIC JOURNEYS DOWN SOUTH
The Upper Engadine is located on the southern side of the Alps and is closely linked historically and culturally to the southern valleys. The geographical proximity and excellent accessibility open up an entire range of exhilarating experiences for our guests at the Walther. We recommend four exciting trips to the nearby south. 1
2
Village of Soglio in Bergell
On the UNESCO route to Poschiavo
3
4
Ristorante Crotasc in Mese
Palazzo Salis in Tirano
1. CULTURAL TOUR OF VAL BREGAGLIA
3. WINE & GROTTI IN CHIAVENNA (ITALY)
Along the Upper Engadin lakes, down the Maloja Pass to
From 1,800 to just over 200 m above sea level to the charming
Stampa, through chestnut forests to the mountain village of
little town of Chiavenna with its alleys, grottos, and restaurants.
Soglio.
Visit:
Visit: Museo Ciäsa Granda and Atelier Giacometti in Stampa.
Palazzo Vertemate Franchi just before Chiavenna in
Piuro – a Renaissance masterpiece. palazzovertemate.it
ciaesagranda.ch
Dining: For example, Ristorante Crotasc in Mese with
Palazzo Castelmur with its splendid interiors.
wine shop by Mamete Prevostini. ristorantecrotasc.com
palazzo-castelmur.ch
Travel time: One-way 56 km, around 1 hour by car.
Dining: At the historic Palazzo Salis in Soglio or the typical Stüa Granda. palazzosalis.ch, stuagranda.ch.
Travel time: One-way 45 km, just under 1 hour by car (or PostBus from St. Moritz).
2. POSCHIAVO & GLACIER MILLS Culinary excursion to lovely Poschiavo.
Visit: Stopover in Cavaglia to visit the imposing glacier garden. bernina-glaciers.ch
4. TIRANO IN VALTELLINA (ITALY) On the UNESCO rail route from the glaciers to the palm trees.
Visit: Sanctuary of Madonna di Tirano, market on Thursdays, Palazzo Salis. palazzosalis.com
Dining: In the historic centre and around the train station and piazza.
Travel time: With the Bernina Express, around 2 hours.
Dining: Shop and enjoy typical Puschlav specialities – for
For more information and tips for excursions, contact
example, in the historic Ristorante Albrici on the piazza.
our reception desk.
hotelalbrici.ch
Travel time: From Surovas train station on the Bernina Express 1 hour 17 minutes (one-way without stopping in Cavaglia).
Trips down south | 7
LEGEND: 1. HOTEL WALTHER 2. WALTHER LOBBY 3. ART NOUVEAU HALL 4. LA TRATTORIA 5. BAR & SMOKER'S LOUNGE 6. WALTHER TERRACE 7. ENTRANCE & RECEPTION 8. AQUA VIVA WELLNESS WITH SWIMMING POOL 9. HOTEL STEINBOCK 10. STEINBOCK TERRACE 11. STEINBOCK GUESTROOMS 12. GONDOLEZZA 13. PARKING GARAGE 14. TENNIS COURTS
8 | Walther Resort & Activity Map
RESORT & ACTIVITY MAP
HOTEL WALTHER
Kalender Sommer 2020 ||11 9
FASCINATION FLY FISHING At least since the release of the drama film “A River Runs Through It” with Brad Pitt in 1992, fly fishing has developed from a marginal phenomenon to quite a hype – even here in the Engadin. The story of two brothers, Norman and Paul Maclean, who have fundamentally different characters, includes particularly beautiful fishing scenes on the river in Montana. Director Robert Redford, who worked on the screenplay for several years, has said that the greatest difficulty he had in adapting the 1976 novel of the same name was making sure that he captured the beauty of the language and the depth of the emotions. The slew of awards and Oscar nominations the movie received shows that the American director succeeded with masterly skill.
Craig Sheffer and Brad Pitt in director Robert Redford’s film A River Runs Through It. Columbia Pictures, 1992
10 | Fascination fly fishing
Fly fishing early in the morning on Lake St. Moritz. Foto: Filip Zuan
WHAT MAKES FLY FISHING SO SPECIAL?
PRACTICAL TIPS
The fascination of fly fishing lies in the way it is done. With the
Lüzza Campell, a mountain doctor from Pontresina and a pas-
help of the fly line, an artificial fly imitating an insect is pre-
sionate fly fisherman, recommends novices take a course first:
sented to the fish on or under water. The rhythmic swinging of
“The technique isn’t easy. You benefit from the knowledge of
the rod allows the fly fisherman to get into a flow. Stepping into
a guide. And good equipment, especially a good fishing rod,
the water and consciously observing the vegetation induces a
helps with the first attempts.”
meditative state. The feeling of “being one” with oneself and the elements ensues. The film “A River Runs Through It” did a particularly good job of capturing this feeling. Get up early and enjoy the tranquillity of a morning in the mountains. Last but not least, the attraction of fishing lies in having a good time, be it alone or with friends, and feeling nature in all its intensity.
Beginners
Permits Fishing permits for shore fishing are issued by the Grisons Cantonal Hunting and Fishing Inspectorate (kantonales Jagdund Fischereiinspektorat Graubünden). The municipalities are responsible for boat fishing. The permits can now also be purchased online at www.gr.ch. For fishing for up to two
FLY FISHING ON THE MOUNTAIN LAKE
weeks, no SaNa permit (fishing exam) is required.
The Engadin boasts rich fishing grounds and is one of the most
Lej Nair and Lej Pitschen
beautiful fishing regions in Europe. The altitude makes for the
Guests who pay their visitors’ tax in Pontresina can fish for free
best conditions in standing and running water. The warmer
at these two lakes.
small lakes and ponds are especially popular playgrounds for trout – and fishers. There are plenty of these around Pontresina. Some of the highlights particularly enjoyed by fly fishers include Lej Languard and the mountain lakes Lej Nair and Lej Pitschen below Lago Bianco on the Bernina Pass. Even if you are staying for a few weeks, you won’t have to head to one body of water twice! A 15-day fishing permit enables you to fish all 460 bodies of water in Grisons.
Personal Guide Fly-fishing tips and tricks from Werner Locher, fly-fishing guide from Pontresina. Contact T +41 79 461 80 34. Fishing rods Custom-designed rods with tailor-made cork grips, all of the highest quality, manufactured by Renato Vitalini from Scuol. v-stickflyrods.com More information Pontresina Tourist Information, T +41 81 838 83 00 Fishing supplies: www.engadinfisch.ch
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HUT HOPPING … AROUND PONTRESINA The mountain world around Pontresina is simply unique. So you should make it part of every stay to climb or drive up to one or the other peaks and enjoy the fabulous panorama. If you stay two nights or more, transport on the mountain railways is included, leaving you some room in the budget to indulge in the hospitality offered by the numerous friendly mountain huts. We have put together some culinary day trips around Pontresina for you. www.pontresina.ch.
ALP LANGUARD
CHAMANNA SEGANTINI
The closest hut directly and easily accessible from the village of Pontresina.
Simple hut at 2,731 m above sea level, named after the famous painter Giovanni Segantini, who died here in 1899.
HOW DO I GET UP THERE? With the curved chairlift in about 15 minutes or by foot on steep paths in about an hour.
HOW DO I GET UP THERE? From Alp Languard or Muottas Muragl by foot up a bumpy trail.
CUISINE? Hut cuisine with snacks, daily menu.
CUISINE? Simple hut food and cakes.
Local and well-maintained.
Self-service.
HIGHLIGHTS? Alp breakfast. Hike towards
HIGHLIGHTS? A fantastic view, which
Piz Languard to the ibex paradise. #alp languard
also inspired the painter Segantini. segantinihuette.ch
12 | Pontresina hut hopping
MUNT DA LA BÊS-CHA Simple, family-run mountain hut on the lower Schafberg above Pontresina.
HOW DO I GET UP THERE? From Alp Languard via Philosophenweg in the direction of Muottas Muragl in about an hour. CUISINE? Hut food – simple but good. HIGHLIGHTS? The heartfelt simplicity. Panorama overlooking St. Moritz. schaf berg.ch
RESTAURANT ROSEG GLETSCHER
ALP SCHAUKÄSEREI MORTERATSCH
MORTERATSCH RESTAURANT
Lavish dining rooms, self-service, and hunting vibes in the Val Roseg.
A wonderful place in the heart of nature near Morteratsch train station.
Typical mountain fare and a dedicated team right by the train station.
HOW DO I GET THERE? With a horse-
HOW DO I GET THERE? It’s just one stop by train from Surovas. Easy 4 km by bike, or by foot.
HOW DO I GET THERE? Just one stop by
CUISINE? Regional products, cheese,
CUISINE? Diverse regional dishes
drawn carriage from Pontresina train station through the picturesque Val Roseg, by bike, or by foot.
CUISINE? Self-service or traditional menu. Wide selection.
HIGHLIGHTS? The dessert buffet. A walk to Roseg Glacier. roseg-gletscher.ch
train from Surovas. Easy 4 km by bike or by foot.
charcuterie boards, and cakes.
and a surprise or two.
HIGHLIGHTS? Alp brunch and charcuterie
HIGHLIGHTS? Hike to the Morteratsch
boards for lunch or Z'Vieri. Great for kids too. Cheese shop. alp-schaukaeserei.ch
glacier tongue. This is a popular meeting point for mountaineers and hikers. morteratsch.ch
BERNINAHAUS RESTAURANT
BAHNHOFBUFFET OSPIZIO BERNINA
An old inn with over 500 years of history on the Bernina Pass road.
The restaurant at the highest railway crossing in Europe (2,253 m above sea level) primarily boasts railway-related historical charm.
HOW DO I GET THERE? With the RhB (the Berninahaus has its own train station), by foot or by bike on a challenging route (approx. 10 km). CUISINE? Diverse menu featuring many regional specialities.
HIGHLIGHTS? The old rooms. Living history is palpable. berninahaus.ch
HOW DO I GET UP THERE? By train from Surovas railway station.
CUISINE? Simple dishes and snacks. HIGHLIGHTS? View of Lake Bianco and the breathtaking glacier world. The train ride on the UNESCO route to Alp Grüm. ospiziobernina.com
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WALTHER BENEFITS
ENJOY A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES THAT ADD AN EXTRA TOUCH TO YOUR STAY AT OUR FAMILY GRAND HOTEL Culinary art
Added value
• Walther breakfast buffet
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building
• Gourmet menu (half board plus)
• Family-owned – family-run
• Afternoon cake from our in-house bakery
• Free use of public transport (railway and bus) in the
• Walther lounge menu from noon to 10:30 p.m. available in the entire hotel • Lots of variety thanks to the Walther Culinarium • Walther Bar with live music and smoker's lounge
Upper Engadin from 2 nights’ stay • Summer: all 13 open mountain railways free of charge • Transfer between the hotel and Pontresina train station (8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
• Steinbock Gaststuben and Gondolezza next door
• Children’s play paradise, cots, strollers, high chairs,
Well-being
• Hotel garage (CHF 18/day)
• AQUA VIVA featuring sauna, steam bath, stone grotto,
• Electric car charging station (plugnroll.com)
armbands, changing mats, baby monitors, etc. available
cristallino, Engadin herb chamber, mountain stream foot
• Jet Wash facility
bath with waterfall, adventure showers, relaxation room
• Four-legged friends welcome! Dog beds and bowls
• Indoor pool with jacuzzi • Massages and treatments
available • Service and VAT included, visitors’ tax not included
• Solarium • Fluffy hotel bathrobes in each room
Sports • Three clay tennis courts • Rental of new e-mountain bikes for a fee, mountain bikes free of charge, washing station, lockable bike room, ecc. • Walther backpack during your stay, including hiking sticks • 20% discount on green fees for Samedan and Zuoz-Madulain golf courses • Chessboard in the garden • Large lawns
Dynamic Pricing Our room prices are calculated “dynamically”. The rates vary depending on the season and occupancy situation. The current daily prices can be found on our website. You select your room, indicate your arrival and departure dates, individual additional services, and receive your tariff. At www.hotelwalther.ch, we guarantee the best available room rates – at refundable or cheaper, non-refundable rates. The following applies: The earlier you book and the longer you stay, the more exciting the price. By the way: Our new terms and conditions offer you maximum flexibility and planning security. We are happy to advise you personally. Give us a call! T +41 81 839 36 36, www.hotelwalther.ch
14 | Walther Benefits
s k c WALTHER a p r e m m u S
YOU & ME
WALTHER (CULINARIUM) EXPERIENCE
For all lovers, BFFs, mothers and daughters ... The ideal gift
Atmosphere, indulgence and variety not only for gourmets.
for some «Together time».
We pay special attention to our cuisine and spoil you as
For example: 2 nights in a Standard Double Room from CHF 440 per person Included in the price: • 2 nights in the selected room category
well with delightful meals, but also with a unique atmosphere: Grand moments in the Art Nouveau Hall, happy Italianità with homemade pasta in our La Trattoria, cosmopolitan snacking in the lobby and on the garden terrace, savoury dishes and classics in the Steinbock dining rooms, or fondue and raclette glacier cheese in the Gondolezza.
• Upgrade to the next room-category level subject to availability on the day of arrival
For example:
• Breakfast – buffet in the Grand Restaurant – or served in the room
from CHF 1'035 per person
• Welcome aperitif: a glass of delicious Walther Franciacorta at the hotel bar
Included in the price:
• A 5-course dinner in the Art Nouveau Hall (excluding drinks) • 20% discount on all massages
5 nights in a Standard Double Room
• 5 nights in the selected room category “with arrival on Sunday” • Breakfast – Buffet at the Grand Restaurant • Daily dinner in the Walther Culinarium with 5 restaurants (offers to choose from based on availability, drinks not included)
For information, details, and other packages, such as our popular “Simply Luxurious Offer” with overnight stays in a mountain hut, visit our website, or give us a call. We would be happy to assist you.
NEW WALTHER WEBSITE PLEASE DROP BY …
We are currently working at full speed on our new Walther and Steinbock website. Both should be online in early summer. Just drop by and discover our two hotels from a new and refreshing perspective. We are already looking forward to your feedback. hotelwalther.ch, hotelsteinbock.ch
Walther summer packages | 15
WALTHER
CROSSWORDS SUMMER 2022 2
1 Engadin music event
3
1
2 Well-known actor
5
3 From one place to another … 4 Trendy sports
4
5 Hotel in Pontresina
20
6 Bergell village
21 7
7 Side valley near Pontresina 8 Italian speaking valley close to Engadin (in german)
6 9
19 8
9 Adventage
18
10 King of the clay court
17
11 Snack
12
16
12 Breakfast and lunch
10 11
13 Mainstreet in Pontresina 14 Hut in Romantsch 13
15 Engadin glacier 15
16 Museum in Bregaglia 17 Well-known local painter 18 You catch fish with it 19 Italian manor 20 Where the glacial mills are 21 You play tennis here
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Who dares to participate in the Walther Crossword Challenge? Just fill in the crossword, then transfer the letters from the orange squares in the right order. The solution is a neighbouring community of Pontresina. By the way: You’ll find most of the answers in this Giazetta. Solution
Five winners every month in summer. The first 5 of the month to present the fully completed crossword, including the correct final answer, to the reception win an
Collect moments – not things! Keep in touch with us and follow us on Instagram! #walthermoments #grandmoments #lieblingsmomente #bergsommer
The next winter season begins on 9 December 2022 and ends on 10 April 2023. Hotel Walther · Via Maistra 215 · CH-7504 Pontresina · Telefon +41 81 839 36 36 · www.hotelwalther.ch Also part of the Walther family: Gondolezza & Hotel Steinbock, Pontresina · www.hotelsteinbock.ch
www.spotwerbung.ch
aperitif for two.