SNOWSHOETREKKING VAL MÜSTAIR – S-CHARL

Day 1 Tschierv is the first village on the south side of the Ofenpass and the starting point for today's introductory tour. In Romansh, Tschierv means deer. And with a little luck, you might just spot the local heraldic animal. Especially in winter, deer can often be found in the forests of the valleys. The trail winds through the snow-covered mountain forest, around the trees and leads at a leisurely pace up towards Funtauna Grossa. On the way, there is the opportunity to get to know the emergency equipment at an avalanche training site. Then it's time to descend to Fuldera, where the bus will take you back to the hotel. (Walking time without rests: approx. 3 hours, distance: 5.9 km, ascent/descent: 420/430 altitude meters).

Day 2 The ride by postal bus to Buffalora at the Ofen Pass is both pleasant and beautiful. Incidentally, this region is home to old mines where iron ore was mined in the Middle Ages and gave the pass its name. Buffalora is the southern entry point to the national park. However, the park is not accessible in winter. Today's tour therefore leads in the opposite direction. The impressive landscape is characterized by sparse pine forests and the wide plateau of Jufplaun, framed by the Munt Buffalora on the right and the almost symmetrical pyramid of Piz Daint on the left. From the highest point, the view sweeps over to the lonely Val Mora, which is connected to Val Müstair by a pass, but whose waters drain into Lake Livigno. (Walking time: 4 h, distance: 10.5 km, ascent/descent: 450/450 altitude meters).

Day 3 The hamlet of Lü is beautifully situated on the south side, high above the main valley. The name is derived from the Latin word “lux”, which means light and probably refers to the light-flooded location on the sun terrace. The hike leads out of the valley, keeping to the heights, through sparse forest areas and over pastures. The view of the mountain range on the opposite side is impressive. And in the background, King Ortler, at 3,905 meters the highest peak in South Tyrol and the surrounding area, towers over the area. From Craistas, the trail descends back to the valley floor to Santa Maria Val Müstair. A visit to the 1,200-year-old Benedictine monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Johann offers a fascinating insight into the life of the Benedictine nuns. (Walking time: 3 hours, distance: 8.7 km, ascent/descent: 170/720 altitude meters).

Day 4 Today you will bid a somewhat wistful farewell to the hidden, contrasting Val Müstair. Today's tour starts from Alp da Munt in the direction of S-charl in the Lower Engadine. Through the lonely mountain world and over the Fuorcla Funtana da S-charl you will reach Tamangur Dadaint and the God Tamangur, the “Swiss stone pine forest over there”. It may sound very simple, but in fact it is the highest continuous Swiss stone pine forest in Europe. At around 2200 m, the gnarled trees defy the adverse conditions in a wild, archaic form. Later, you will reach the former mining village of S-charl, which is only accessible on foot or by horse-drawn sleigh in winter. Look forward to a cozy evening in the Swiss stone pine furnished dining room of the hotel. (Walking time: 4.25 h, distance: 11.5 km, ascent/descent: 320/630 altitude meters).

Day 5 After a hearty breakfast, you will gain insights into the former Schmelzera mine, where lead and silver were mined from the rock. In its heyday in the 1820s, around 8,000 kg of lead and 200 kg of silver were mined. However, operations ceased in the mid-19th century. After this insight into the underworld back in the bright daylight, the tour concludes with a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the wild Clemgia Gorge to Scuol, where the tour ends. (The tour to the Schmelzera takes 1.5 to 2 hours and is undertaken without snowshoes).