GIAZETTA WALTHER, SUMMER 2021

a tt e z a Gi NUMBER 09

SUMMER 2021

SUMMER SEASON 11 JUNE TO 17 OCTOBER 2021

BALLS MAKEOVER LAKES GOOD DEEDS ALPINE FLORA FARFALLA www.hotelwalther.ch

r e h t l a W Hotel MOMENTS Dear Walther guests, dear readers, We all yearn for that perfect moment, that instant that

Start your hikes directly from the hotel and explore the

will be forever etched in our minds. Especially now, when

fascinating Alpine flora – public transport and all moun-

we have had to be patient for so long. Heading off to dis-

tain lifts open in the summer are included for stays of

tant shores will be hard this summer too. Too many forms

more than one night – breathtaking landscapes guaran-

to fill in, too many uncertainties. So we are opening our

teed. Our mountain bikes are free for you to use – E-bikes

eyes to what is nearby. A philosopher once said that one

are available for a fee. And to top off this list of offerings,

must allow one’s gaze to stop, in order to recognise the

the recent makeover at Hotel Steinbock adds an extra

important things. It is the simple things that are import-

special touch to each guest’s stay.

ant. Spending time in the countryside. Sharing moments together. Discovering new things, indoors and out. Tak-

Will we see you this summer? We hope that the current

ing time for yourself, and your loved ones. Having a good

Giazetta fills you with inspiration and ideas for your

time, but also being active, appreciating the beauty that

next holiday – be it sport-filled, relaxing or cultural that

surrounds us and taking some time to look after yourself.

you are looking for, you can be sure it will be a holiday

Trying out a new sport. A change of scenery is so thera-

filled with new experiences and discoveries with us

peutic – and this doesn’t mean having to travel halfway

here at the Hotel Walther.

around the world. The Engadin region offers an abundance of treasures just waiting to be explored.

The time is right. Enjoy the moment.

Did you know, for example, that there are over 90 lakes hidden around Pontresina? Vast, small... shimmering

Kind regards,

blue, green and turquoise. Some tempt you to swim; others to enjoy water sports or fishing. Have you ever heard of “forest bathing”? Are you a fan of ball sports? We have compiled a collection of a varied range of opport-

Anne-Rose & Thomas Walther

unities in the Upper Engadin ... making it is easy for you

and all the friendly staff

if you want to try something new.

We reserve the right to make changes! Due to the current situation, there may be adjustments to dates, offers and services. We adhere strictly to the current government guidelines, and we test our staff regularly.

We will be pleased to inform you personally of the current situation by telephone +41 81 839 36 36.

2 | Editorial

NEWS f e i r b n i

150 YEARS OF THE PONTRESINA MOUNTAIN GUIDE ASSOCIATION Mountaineering is a tradition in Pontresina. Pontresina has mountain climbing to thank in large part for its rise to fame as a popular holiday destination. On this 150th Anniversary, the Alpine Museum is hosting a special exhibition that includes informative display boards, a 20-minute video, stunning pictures and unique display items that tell the impressive story of the Mountain Guide Association, the development of the mountain guide profession, and mountaineering equipment. www.pontresina.ch/museumalpin Gian Luck, Director of the Pontresina Mountaineering School, is now president of the Graubünden Mountain Guide Association. Counting 86 mountain professionals, the school is one of the largest and oldest mountain sports providers in Graubünden. There is a wide range of offers especially for beginners, with simple tours and beautiful highlights. bergsteiger-pontresina.ch

SHINRIN-YOKU

DINO MARTELLI 45 YEARS OF SERVICE

“Table at the entrance”, “Mineral water at room temperature”, “No butter”, “Only half portion,” “Garlic The Japanese mindfulness practice of shinrin-yoku –

allergy”... Dino stored hundreds of titbits of infor-

in English, “forest bathing” – is just that: bathing in the

mation about his guests in his head. This passionate

forest. A simple walk through the woods is no longer

wine connoisseur managed to pull a wine that was

enough; bathing there is the new method of mind-

not in stock out of his hat in the blink of an eye.

fulness and well-being, physical and mental. Pause,

Countless New Year’s Eve parties and weddings have

squint at the sun flickering through the treetops, and

been celebrated in “his” restaurant. The considerate

fill your lungs with terpenes, the chemical messengers

host has welcomed many families over the years, and

produced by trees. This is especially enjoyable in the

four generations. At the end of the past winter sea-

Engadin, with its extensive Swiss stone-pine and larch

son, Dino Martelli, our longstanding Maître d’hôtel,

forests. Have you heard, for example, of the barefoot

retired. We thank Dino from the bottom of our hearts

path leading from Celerina through the Stazerwald

for his decades of valued cooperation and wish him

forest?

an eventful, wonderful summer. Grazie mille, auguri

https://bit.ly/3ukteME

e buona salute!

News in brief | 3

03. FOOTBALL

01. SQUASH

02. POOL

BALL SPORTS IN THE ENGADIN

ALWAYS STAY ON THE BALL Ball games have always held the greatest fascination for people – not just on TV when,

like this year, the European Championships and the qualifiers for next year’s World Cup in Qatar are being broadcast. These sports also make for an exciting change as activities to do together, creating unforgettable moments for young and old alike during their holiday.

The variety of different types of ball sports is vast. Games are generally played between two parties (singles, doubles or teams) playing with a single ball. Play can involve the hands, the feet or a bat or racquet. Any other suitable object might be used as a ball. The shape of it is less im-

04. TENNIS

portant than its suitability for the particular game. It may be spherical, oval, disc or ring-shaped, fitted with flight stabilisers (feathers), braided, open, equipped with movable filling, hollow or solid. The various games

07. BADMINTON

are classified as invasion games (with or without sticks/bats), racquet games like tennis or badminton, bat-and-ball games (baseball or cricket) and target games, like golf. In addition to these, there are many ball games played with several balls. The Upper Engadin offers an astonishing variety of ball games in a small space. Here is a selection, to inspire you:

05. TABLE TENNIS

01. SQUASH

Two indoor squash courts are available all year round in the Tennis & Squash Centre St. Moritz.

T +41 81 833 15 00 www.tennis-stmoritz.ch

02. POOL

The young and young at heart can hang out in Bobby's Pub St. Moritz.

Along with pool tables, you can also enjoy a game of darts or table football.

bobbyspub.business.site

4 | Ball sports in the Engadin

06. GOLF

03. FOOTBALL

FC Celerina is probably Europe’s highest-altitude football club. The small, ambitious club was founded in 1950. They play in the top half of the Third Division of the League and there is also a women’s team. The club holds regular football camps. The “Cuntschett” sports ground near to Pontresina railway station, which also features two beach volleyball courts, is available for small matches.

www.fc-celerina.ch

04. TENNIS

Three clay tennis courts are available free of charge for Hotel Walther guests. We will be happy to reserve court time for you. There are further opportunities at the Surovas tennis courts, the Pontresina Sports Centre, the Tennisclub St. Moritz at the old Olympic ski jump, and the Tennis and Squash Centre St. Moritz.

05. TABLE TENNIS

08. BEACH BALL

There is a large table tennis table in our spacious games room.

06. GOLF

Golf has been played for over 125 years in the Engadin. The Samedan Golf Course is one of the first on the continent. The classic 18-hole course leaves nothing to be desired. The Engadine Golf Club at Zuoz-Madulain is no less exciting and varied. Walther guests receive a 20% reduction on their green fee at both courses. See also our “Flying High” golf offer on page 14.

09. POLO

www.engadin-golf.ch

07. BADMINTON

The Promulins arena in Samedan is the home of the Engiadina Badminton Club – and offers an excellent infrastructure.

promulins-arena.ch

08. BEACH BALL

Ball games on the beach. Our Alpine swimming lakes, the Lej da Staz and the Lej Marsch near St. Moritz are simply stunning!

10. CRICKET

09. POLO

The St. Moritz Polo Club offers the opportunity to learn the “Sport of Kings”... or at least dare to give it a try. Horses and equipment are provided. Cost CHF 200-/hour.

stmoritzpoloclub.com

10. CRICKET

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world – even if it is only a fringe sport in this country. The Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz has its own games master who teaches the sport to students. There is an annual Cricket Festival in Zuoz. It is fascinating, even if it takes time to understand the game.

www.cricketswitzerland.ch

11. BOWLING

11. BOWLING

You can go bowling in the Serlas Parc in S-chanf, which also features an indoor climbing hall (boulder room).

T +41 81 659 00 01 www.serlas.ch

12. BOULES, BOCCIA, PETANQUE

Whichever version you prefer, you can find it here. There are two pistes, including bowls hire in the Sportpavillon/Giardin in Pontresina, and another in St. Moritz-Bad.

13. BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Two volleyball courts are available at the “Cuntschett” near to Pontresina railway station. There is another at the Beach Club Sils right on the lake.

12. BOULES, BOCCIA, PETANQUE

13. BEACH VOLLEYBALL Ball sports in the Engadin | 5

MAKEOVER AT THE STEINBOCK Sympathetic redesign in keeping with the traditional

Opened as long ago as 1651, the Steinbock is Pontresina’s oldest hotel. Under family ownership for three generations now, it is also personally managed by the Walther family. The new design of the ground floor brings the magic of the Engadine mountain landscape indoors; a harmonious blend of indoors and outdoors – fauna, flora and the colours of nature have been introduced into the public spaces. The artistic interplay of local traditions, natural materials, and cheeky decorations and handicrafts creates a comfortable sense of informality.

The new Steinbock is lively, convivial and contemporary – guaranteed to appeal to all generations. .

AN OPEN HEART Walls have disappeared. The lobby, reception area and beating heart of the hotel are now open plan. Everything has a more personal touch, with proximity between guests and hosts, immediately making guests feel welcome. The paving invites visitors to move about freely and explore the building.

The walls in the corridors are built in traditional style, using limestone, but have been plastered with new patterns.

ORANGERY & HUNTING LODGE The newly designed front featuring glazing bars brings light into the lobby area and opens access to the garden in the summer. The space seems larger and invites you to stop a while and relax. Local trophies, old pictures, guns, meticulous detail and all sorts of knickknacks and treasures tell in-

Lobby as Orangery & Hunting Lodge

teresting stories. Ibex, foxes, snow hares, deer and marmots have left their footprints on the carpets as though they have just wandered through. Not unusual! After all, the ibex come in herds in May, right up to the edge of the village. A rare natural spectacle that you can experience up close and personal with an overnight stay at the Steinbock. The hotel is open for eleven months in the year – including May.

COLANI STÜBLI …

The traditional Colani Stübli has only been gently freshened up, ensuring that the cosiness of the stone-pine room with its typical Engadine carved chairs has been maintained. Carefully selected curtains and materials bring a soft touch and create seamless harmony with the other rooms.

Open-plan Reception

… FLORA & FARFALLA The Flora, with its two rows of windows, has been reinvigorated using cheerful and bright natural tones. The perfect place for breakfast or dinner. The walls feature no less than 63 pressed flower herbaria, lined up with Engadin mountain flowers – inspired by classic textbooks. The fabrics are teeming with plants and beetles. The interior of the Farfalla has been inspired by butterflies, with abstract carpets featuring butterfly patterns, delicate flower paintings and an impressive collection of mounted butterflies on loan from the Alpine Museum. The monumental chandelier made of deer antlers gives the room the finishing touch and creates a link back to the lobby.

You can select from the tempting Steinbock Menu in all three rooms, as the fancy takes you.

6 | Makeover

Flora with Herbaria

Flora details

New plasterwork throughout the corridors

Engadin hunting tradition

Farfalla butterfly room

Colani Stübli renovated

Classic herbaria

ABOUT THE NEW DESIGN

HOTEL STEINBOCK

The ground floor of Pontresina’s oldest hotel is an exquisite

The family-run 3-Star hotel is a historical Engadin building

blend of orangery and hunter’s lodge. Lamps, floor tiles,

and is the oldest hotel in Pontresina. The hotel is open 11

carpets and furnishings; the materials have all been chosen

months in the year and so is ideal for a short break in the

with a great deal of thought and consideration for the his-

mountains. Guests can also benefit from the excellent infra-

tory and the region. The traditional has been reinterpreted

structure offered by the Hotel Walther.

and reassembled, with anything not “genuine” or “original” being removed.

BOOK THE STEINBOCK NATURE EXPERIENCE Springtime packages on the trail of Switzerland’s

“It was important to us to keep what was tried and proven,

biggest ibex colony.

build on our roots and create something new for the future.

Bookable until the start of June 2021, arrival Sun or Mon

The Steinbock is still the Steinbock – just more open, fresher and more beautiful.”

As was the case back in 2017 for the renovation of the Hotel Walther, the redesign was planned by Virginia Maissen, a Zürich interior designer with Graubünden roots. With the materials and carpets designed specifically for the Hotel Steinbock, the unique plasterwork and decorative objects,

IN A DOUBLE ROOM FROM CHF 255 / PERSON SINGLE ROOM FROM CHF 315 Includes: • 2 nights including use of the Wellness Area and pool • 2x hearty breakfasts from the Steinbock buffet • 1x 4-course evening meal on the day of arrival • 1 rucksack packed with watcher’s provisions

she has succeeded in emphasising the traditional while at

• 1 Steinbock “Ibex Soap" to enjoy after the adventure

the same time creating a fresh and individual look for the

T +41 81 839 36 26 www.hotelsteinbock.ch

Hotel Steinbock.

… in the Hotel Steinbock | 7

Standup paddleboarding on Lake Sils

FASCINATION ENGADIN MOUNTAIN LAKES They are named Lej Alv, Lej Zuppo, Lej Ovis-chel, Lej da l’Ova Cotschna, Lejin Rhodonit, Lej da la Tscheppa, Leg Grevasalvas, Lägh da Bitabergh or Lägh da Cavloc. Together with the four large lakes of the Upper Engadin lake plateau, the St. Moritz region counts over 90 lakes. Large and small, hidden in the forest, surrounded by scree – stunning Alpine lakes, shimmering blue, green or turquoise. Each one different, each unique. This fascinating landscape is a remnant of the Ice Age when the ice masses of the different glaciers cut their paths through the area and gouged out countless hollows. Come with us on a journey of discovery and find out all sorts of interesting facts about the Engadin lakes and the abundance of leisure and sports opportunities in and on the water.

THE FOUR LARGE ENGADIN LAKES Lej da San Murezzan (St. Moritzersee) This deep-blue mountain lake is located completely within

Lej da Silvaplauna (Silvaplanersee) Graubünden’s second largest lake is a paradise for water sports

the district from which it gets its name. The river Inn flows

fans. Sailors, kitesurfers and windsurfers enjoy ideal conditions

through the last of the large Engadin lakes, famous for their

here due to the Maloja wind, which blows regularly. The lake is

international sailing regattas. Circuits around the lake are

also home to international competitions in all three sports. Even

popular with elite sportsmen and women in altitude training

in summer, the water temperature seldom exceeds 17 degrees.

(fast laps) as well as with those who prefer a more gentle walk.

ELEVATION: 1791 meters above sea level LENGTH: 3 km, WIDTH: 1.4 km AREA: 3.1 km2 MAXIMUM DEPTH: 78 m

The route around the lake is four kilometres long.

ELEVATION: 1768 meters above sea level LENGTH: 1.6 km, WIDTH: 600 m AREA: 0.78 km2 MAXIMUM DEPTH: 44 m Lej da Champfèr (Champfèrersee)

Lej da Segl (Silsersee) Nestling between mountains and bordered by forests lies the largest and probably most beautiful of Engadin’s lakes. Hikers

This cold, crystal-clear mountain lake is popular with anglers. It

can navigate the 17-kilometre-long path around it in around

is the smallest of the Upper Engadin lakes. In the south, bordered

5 hours. Trips to the enchanting peninsular of Chastè near

only by a peninsular, it continues in to the Silvaplana lake.

Sils-Maria or to the hamlet Isola are also popular. The two

ELEVATION: 1790 meters above sea level LENGTH: 1 km, WIDTH: 400 m, AREA: ca. 0.16 km2

small Chaviolas islands lie to the southeast of Lake Sils. The

8 | Mountain lakes in the Engadin

lake is popular with water sports fans who enjoy a wealth

of activities here: sailing, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, standup paddleboarding, rowing, and even diving – everything is possible. This mountain lake even offers its own boat

Chastè peninsula, view towards Maloja

trips – the most high-altitude cruise in all of Europe.

ELEVATION: 1797 meters above sea level LENGTH: 5 km, WIDTH: 1.5 km AREA: 4.1 km2 MAXIMUM DEPTH: 71 m

ENGADIN BATHING LAKES Visitors can enjoy swimming in all of the lakes, provided they take note of the water temperature and are suitably equipped.

The warmest are the smaller moor lakes, due to their darker colour. The two most popular are listed here.

Lej da Staz Europe’s highest-altitude beach is located in a forest clearing around 40 minutes’ walk from Pontresina, Celerina and St. Moritz.

A variety of barbecue areas can be enjoyed around the moor

WATER SPORT St. Moritz Sailing Club Standup paddleboarding, boat hire, lessons

lake, and wooden walkways enable access to the water. The res-

T +41 81 833 40 56 www.scstm.ch

taurant Lej da Staz offers a terrace and takeaway service.

Swiss Kitesurf Silvaplana

Lej Marsch

Kitesurfing lessons including rental

The Lej Marsch is also surrounded by nature. You can reach it in

T +41 81 828 97 67 www.kitesailing.ch

only a few minutes from the old Olympic ski jump in St. Moritz.

Windsurfing Silvaplana

The swimming lake is bordered by a wide selection of barbecue areas.

HIDDEN LAKES

Windsurfer rental, standup paddleboarding, lessons

T +41 81 828 93 64 www.windsurfing-silvaplana.ch

WASSERSPORT EVENTS 2021 Öttillö Swimrun Engadin 2021

Lagh da Saoseo

Sat 10 – Sun 11.07.2021 otilloswimrun.com

A turquoise-blue mountain idyll in the Val di Campo. You can

Vanora Engadin Wind by Dakine 2021

access this lake, located in a side valley of the Valposchiavo, via a two-hour hike from La Rösa.

Tue 17 – Sun 22.08.2021 www.engadinwind.ch

Lej Nair und Lej Zuppo These two small lakes – the “black” one and the “hidden” one – are located above the Lej Marsch and are bordered by forest.

Lej da la Fuorcla Mountain lake on the Corvatsch at 2490 m above sea level between the Station Murtèl and the Fuorcla Surlej, offering grandiose views over the Bernina range.

Lägh da Bitabergh

SWIMMING RULES!

This hidden mountain lake in the district of the Bergell is

Physical condition

ringed by mighty pines. Turn left into the car parks before the Maloja Pass. From here, it is about 30 minutes to the destination.

Lägh da Cavloc The Cavloccio Lake can be reached in about an hour from the same starting point near Maloja. Mostly surrounded by pines,

Do not enter the water under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicines or with a too full/too empty stomach!

Temperature Do not jump into cold water if you are overheated!

the southern part looks almost like a beach. The Restaurant

Long distances

Cavloccio offers day trippers Graubünden specialities throug-

Never swim long distances alone!

hout the summer months.

Jumping into water Do not jump into cloudy or unfamiliar water!

Swimming in mountain lakes is unsupervised and is always at your own risk!

|9

THE ALPINE FLORA IN THE ENGADIN from aromatic to multicoloured St. Moritz and the entire Engadin region are renowned for their botanical richness. Mighty stone pines, some nearly 1000 years old, sit stoically, majestically throughout the forests; bilberries and cranberries tempt man and wildlife alike with their sweet aromas; and sometimes entire slopes and forests are covered with a profusion of colourful flowers.

The mountain avens, for example, is frequently encountered, its woody shoots creeping along the ground, thereby protecting it from erosion. And the purple mountain saxifraga oppositifolia, which blooms up to 4,500 metres above sea level and can withstand temperatures down to -40°C. The Swiss androsace, which likes to cling onto rock walls, is somewhat rarer, as is the pygmy buttercup. This strictly pro-

Mountain avens

tected plant is an arctic relic of the Ice Age and is only found in Switzerland in the Swiss National Park. There are also gentian, arnica, yarrow, primrose and edelweiss, various species of thistle, lady’s slipper, blue poppy, and, and, and...

In total well over 500 species, 44 of which are protected.

BOOK TIP Alpenpflanzen

by Norbert Griebl Freya Verlag ISBN 978-3-99025-185-0

Saxifraga oppositifolia

10 | Alpine flora in the Engadin Gentian

IN A STANDARD DOUBLE ROOM FROM CHF 61 5 P. P.

FROM THE GRAND HOTEL TO THE RUSTIC MOUNTAIN HUT

SIMPLY LUXURIOUS

IN A STANDARD SINGLE ROOM FROM CHF 635

Guests of Hotel Walther in Pontresina don’t miss out on

specialities invite you to linger. Immerse yourself in a perfect

anything. Whether enjoying sunny days full of experiences;

mountain experience with an overnight stay in a mountain hut –

spending cosy hours on the stylish ground floor with its lobby,

under star-studded skies, framed by four-thousand-metre-high

bar, smokers’ lounge, and art nouveau hall; recharging their

peaks and glaciers. This summer, we are offering you this

energy with a pampering session at the Aqua Viva Spa or in-

luxuriously simple highlight in the form of a package deal with

dulging in culinary delights in one of the four restaurants –

Chamanna da Boval.

we offer it all, and you are spoilt for choice. Luxury is an integral part of the diverse facilities we offer. And should you

Chamanna da Boval – 2’495 metres above sea level

crave a change of scenery, you can go for a hike and spend a

Chamanna da Boval (Boval Hut) in the Morteratsch Valley lies

night in a mountain hut.

above the Morteratsch glacier. From the hut, you can take in the stunning views of the surrounding high mountain landscape

The region around Pontresina is one of the most popular desti-

including Piz Boval, Piz Palü, Piz Bernina, and Piz Bianco. Cha-

nations for hikers. On the one hand, Piz Bernina and Piz Palü are

manna Boval is located 5.2 km from Morteratsch Railway Station

two of the most famous mountains in the Eastern Alps; on the

and can be reached in about two hours via the Hüttenweg. The

other hand, well-known artists such as Giovanni Segantini have

elevation gain on the trail is approximately 600 metres. The hike

raved about and been inspired by the magic and power of the

is easy except for a few spots. Ropes are attached to each of the

mountainous panorama. Hikers can enjoy refreshments on the

slightly demanding passages and are easy to hold on to.

numerous observation terraces, where the panorama and local

www.boval.ch

MOUNTAIN HUT EXPERIENCE

Two luxurious nights with all the bells and whistles at your “base camp”, Hotel Walther. In between, climb up to Chamanna da Boval at 2,495 m above sea level. Be pampered at the Grand Hotel on the first day – and sleep peacefully between peaks and glaciers the next.

Our services • 2 nights in a comfortable hotel room • 2x breakfast buffet and gourmet dinner included (half-board experience) • 1 overnight stay in a hut on Chamanna da Boval including Alpine dinner and mountaineer's breakfast • 1 power picnic for the hike to the Boval Hut • Hiking poles rental Additional services included • Free rides on the mountain railways that are open in summer • Free use of regional public transport by bus & train • Including VAT; visitor’s tax not included

You do not need to worry about that • A convenient backpack will be provided • When you vacate your “base camp” at Hotel Walther for your stay at the Boval Hut, all you need to do is pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel for your night on the mountain. You can safely leave the rest of the "luxury" in your hotel room.

• Slippers are available in the hut. A freshly laundered indoor sleeping bag will also be waiting for you at the hut as a Walther guest.

Bookable from mid-June to mid-October You are free to choose which of the three nights you would like to spend in the Boval Hut. We check the availability with the hut keeper for you. In the event that the planned night at the hut has to be cancelled at short notice due to weather conditions, you will find shelter in your comfortable “base camp”. This plan B for the day includes only breakfast, not halfboard.

Mountain Hut experience: Kalender simple and Sommer luxurious 2020 | 11

Interview with Thomas C. Walther

PRICING AT THE HOTEL WALTHER

Booking patterns are becoming shorter-notice, planning is ever more difficult, and demands in terms of holiday experience are growing. Added to this are societal changes and government restrictions during these times of the coronavirus. This does not make it easy for the mountain-hotel industry. We spoke to Thomas C. Walther about offers and price setting in a family-run hotel.

What are the different room categories at the Hotel Walther?

There are basically five (Standard, Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suite and Suite). As the hotel was built in 1907, the rooms are very different within each category.

Some have a balcony, others don’t; there are bay windows or vestibules, parquet floor or carpet, separate bath tub or shower. The same applies to the single rooms. There are also various combinations of adjoining rooms for families. Although each room is different, we do our utmost to ensure that guests’ requests are met in terms of favourite rooms, wishes and preferences.

What is the basis on which room prices are calculated?

What motivated you to work with your dynamic prices?

I don’t really think it is right to speak of a “room price” in a

There were several reasons. For one thing, as in every sector,

holiday hotel. I don’t simply book a place to sleep and then view

the market was becoming more dynamic and more strongly felt.

everything else that goes on around that as incidental, or even

Then our season times also changed. Christmas, for example, no

unnecessary. It is about the whole experience: the well-kept

longer automatically means high season. High season is whene-

public facilities, the ambience, the love and care in each detail,

ver demand is “high” – and, as we found out last summer, thank-

the wellness facilities, the other included benefits, the service

fully that can be in June or in October.

and so on ... So, I prefer to speak of the “price of a stay”. We have been working for a few years with a dynamic pricing system

What is your experience with dynamic pricing?

similar to the one we have long been familiar with now in the

Entirely positive. The initial investment is costly, of course, until

airline industry. The price for a stay varies depending on capa-

all the settings are made, the fine-tuning is done, and goodness

city and demand. Our price structures also take into account

knows how many circumstances can be reacted to. You just have

comparisons with the services of our competitors and what is

to always keep on the ball. Especially in pricing, “dynamic” means

available in the region.

“movement brought about by external forces”. In our case, these forces are, as I said earlier, the market.

What added value do you offer your guests?

Together with the Hotel Steinbock and the Gondolezza, we regard

Have you got a personal favourite room?

ourselves as a small resort. Within a radius of only 30 metres,

Hmm, that’s a good question. Even if we are constantly altering,

the guest can find both the comforts of our family-run 4-Star

renovating and improving, the tower rooms on the sixth floor, al-

Superior Grand Hotel with 70 rooms (we are a member of the

though not the newest, have a special charm for me. The Swiss

Relais & Châteaux Association), and the cosy charms of the

stone pine, typical in the Engadin, the uninterrupted views over

Steinbock, a 3-Star guesthouse dating from 1651 with its

the forest and the mountains, the distant but visible Rhaetian

32 rooms. The guest thus has a free choice of five restau-

Railway, the rushing of the Bernina streams... This overall offering

rants, with numerous additional facilities including hotel bar,

gives you an immense feeling of peace and security.

swimming pool and spa for relaxation, tennis courts, a large underground garage, etc. We love our roots, but we are also moving with the times and developing our offer continually.

12 | Pricing at the Hotel

ACTIONS NOT WORDS

Sustainability in practice at the Hotel Walther Respect of nature and our valuable resources, environmental awareness, and sustainable actions are very important to us and have long been anchored in the Hotel Walther mission statement. We stand for family values, certainty and reliability in a quickly changing, complex, globalised world. We are convinced that many small actions are already having an effect. We do everything we can – each and every day!

EMISSIONS FOOD & BEVERAGE We work with regional and seasonal products. Many of them (pasta in the Trattoria, patisseries, beverages) are homemade or come from local suppliers (GlacierFondue, Engadine beers, Poschiavo organic tea, etc.)

PURCHASING Wherever possible, we purchase locally and seasonally. We work with local suppliers and try to ensure short delivery routes. Purchasing initiatives with other hotels reduce transport.

We purchase cleaning and washing materials in bulk containers.

We use the waste heat in the swimming pool to heat the water. The acoustic ceiling panels in the hotel bar absorb noise. Active participation in programmes to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency.

RECYCLING & WASTE DISPOSAL Wherever possible we try to avoid waste. Focused training is provided to our staff to avoid raw organic waste and so reduce food waste. Strict sorting of all waste. Food waste goes into the biogas system (renewable energy, CO2-neutral).

Candle stubs are recycled. .

STAFF Training and ongoing training, development of staff and trainees. Benefits and incentives. Long-term employment contracts.

PAPER We avoid unnecessary printing, print double-sided or process electronically with suitable infrastructure.

WATER Water-saving taps throughout the hotel. Toilets with reduced flush. Annual training. Support of the «mortalive.ch» project.

HOTEL ROOMS ELECTRICITY Three-quarters of the lighting has already been converted to LED. We use movement sensors and timer switches. PCs, printers and other devices are switched off when not in use. We use a current-spike regulator with defined current spikes.

Soap in sustainable large dispenser bottles – 100% recyclable. Sustainable laundry management. Avoidance of plastic packaging.

KITCHEN Continuous investment in appliances and machines (electrical efficiency, quality, cleaning). Oil filter device.

Sustainability training, etc.

BUILDING & RENOVATION Careful renovations with local tradesmen. Good window insulation. Fire prevention and excellent procedures.

COMMUNICATION Digital internal and external communication. Minimal postage.

GDPR regulations.

MOBILITY Free use of public transport (bus and train) as well as mountain lifts in the summer for guests staying more than one night. Mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes (for a fee) for guests. Shuttle service.

PROJECTS FOR THE FUTURE We support the Special Olympics and the MortAlive project to protect the Morteratsch glacier. We are always promoting sustainable projects in the hotel.

Sustainability | 13

3 NIGHTS IN A STANDARD DOUBLE ROOM FROM CHF 64 5 P. P. IN A SINGLE RO OM FROM CHF 70 5

Flying high with the WALTHER Golf package

Stay with us this summer at the Hotel Walther and play as much golf as often as you wish. The green fee for the two Engadin golf courses at Samedan and Zuoz-Madulain is included.

As well as the green fee, you also benefit from a variety of special touches that will guarantee a relaxed stay.

Included in the price: • 3 nights with breakfast • Welcome energy shot • Unlimited green fees for the two Engadine 18-hole golf courses at Samedan and Zuoz-Madulain • Restaurant voucher at CHF 25 • Walther facilities as listed

Additional Walther services: • Free travel aboard the open summer mountain lifts • Free use of regional public transport on buses and trains • Including VAT, visitors tax not included DRIVE, BUT NOT HOME! The green fee for the two Engadin golf courses is included for each additional night – unlimited!

You will find more offers on our website www.hotelwalther.ch

GIFT VOUCHERS

OFFER HAPPY MOMENTS!

With our Walther gift vouchers, you can surprise your loved ones with a relaxing break, homemade pasta at “La Trattoria”, a massage, flowers, or champagne. The voucher recipient can choose the experience they want. Order conveniently and easily online with print@home.

Giving brings joy!

14 | Flying high

WELCOME TO PONTRESINA

A BRIEF PORTRAIT

Camerata Pontresina

Ibexes at the edge of the village

Sightseeing

Nature and mountain world

Guests at the Hotel Walther are always enthralled by the charm

Towering above all of this is the Piz Bernina (4049 m) – the high-

of this historic mountain village: lovingly restored Engadin

est summit in the Eastern Alps. Part of the range that includes

houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries; hotel-palaces

Palü (3900 m), Roseg (3937 m) and the summit ridge Bellavista,

from the Belle Epoque; and architectural gems dating from even

the view is monumental and breathtakingly beautiful. In addi-

earlier. One of the most beautiful sacred buildings is Sta. Maria

tion to the unspoilt nature throughout the region there is a fas-

Sepulchral Church (11th century) with its impressive frescoes

cinating animal world. A trademark of Pontresina, with Switzer-

dating from the 13th and 15th centuries. Other must-sees are the

land’s largest population living here, is the ibex. Majestic and

five-pointed Spaniola Tower (12th/13th century) and the Punt

proud, these beautiful animals can be seen in the Albris area.

Veglia Roseg and Punt Veglia Bernina bridges, from which the village gets its name. The historical Pontresina is subdivided into four areas: Laret, San Spiert, Giarsun and Carlihof. The new district of Muragl is situated towards Samedan. In total, Pontresina counts around 2000 inhabitants. They welcome up to 116'000 guests from all over the world each year.

High-Alpine attractions The high-altitude Alpine location makes the region a Mecca for activities that are often seen as a somewhat unattainable luxury elsewhere: ice climbing on metres-long icicles; snow-kiting on the frozen Lago Bianco; hiking and cycling along striking glacier courses and mountain ranges on perfectly maintained and sign-

Situation and climate

posted routes. Romantic mountain lakes, aromatic Alpine

Pontresina sits on a south-facing Alpine mountain terrace at

meadows, and extensive stone-pine and larch forests abound.

1800 metres above sea level, well protected from the Maloja wind, which is well-known in the Engadin – and sitting

The Bernina Express also stops in Pontresina: The start of a

almost exactly at the centre of a triangle formed between

spectacular rail journey from the glacier world of the Bernina

Zürich, Milan and Munich.

down to the palms of Tirano in Italy – deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pontresina is a recognised “climatic spa of stimulus Class 2”. The cool, dry and clean air, coupled with the plentiful hours of daily

www.bernina-glaciers.ch

sunshine are hugely beneficial and have a stimulating effect on the nervous system, breathing, metabolism and efficiency. Many elite sports people use the area for altitude training.

Frescoes in Sta. Maria Church

Pontresina looking towards St. Moritz

Pontresina in brief | 15

WALTHER

CROSSWORDS

2 3

1

4

1 Not just words ...

18

2 Team sport

19

3 Engadin peninsular 17

4 Infamous

Pontresina hunter

5 (horizontal) Served in the Colani Stübli

5

20 16

5 (vertical) Ball sport 6 one of the new dining

21

rooms in the Hotel Steinbock

7 Lake near Maloja

6 14

8 Flows through

23

15

the Engadin

22

9 Popular Engadin holiday village

10 Hamlet on the Lake Sils 11 Cruises up and down the Lake Sils

8

13

7

12 You can get them in the Trattoria

10

9

13 Climbing hall in S-chanf

–

14 Turquoise

11

mountain lake

15 Japanese mindfulness

12

movement

16 First name of our interior designer

17 Highest mountain

in the Eastern Alps

18 Joys of water

Who will participate on the Walther Crossword Challenge?

19 Sparkling wine

Simply fill in the crossword puzzle, then transfer the letters in the orange fields

20 Included in

below, in the right order. The answer word describes a typical Engadin custom.

our golf offer

Most of the answers can be found in this Giazetta.

21 Animal on the Grau-

bünden coat of arms (german word)

22 The Romansch name

Solution word

for lake

Five winners every month in the summer. The first five every month to hand

23 Mountain hut in the

in a correctly completed crossword puzzle with the correct solution word to the Reception desk will win drinks for two.

Collect moments – not things!

Stay in touch with us and follow us on Instagram! #walthermoments #grandmoments #lieblingsmomente #bergsommer

The next winter season starts on 10 December 2021 and lasts until 18 April 2022.

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

Bernina region