Experiences Ibexes & Co Pontresina's Ibex Paradise Pontresina's Ibex Paradise

Around 1,800 ibex can't be wrong: Graubünden's heraldic animal feels particularly at home in the mountains around Pontresina. It is no coincidence that one of the largest ibex colonies in the Alps lives on Piz Albris (3,166 m), just above Pontresina. In the ibex paradise of Pontresina, nature-loving guests are invited to track down ibex in a variety of ways all year round. Be it on individual hikes through the picturesque ibex adventure world or on a guided search for tracks with experienced Pontresina ibex guides.

When the meadows in the valley turn green, but the snow still lies up to the tree line - usually from the end of April to the beginning of June - a spring phenomenon can be observed in Pontresina like nowhere else: Year after year, the "King of the Alps" descends to the edge of the village to feed on the fresh blades of grass along the ibex promenade. Anyone staying in the Engadin mountain village during this period has a particularly good chance of admiring the animals at close quarters.

Ibex Paradise Pontresina The Ibex Paradise Pontresina is an all year round experience.

Climbing artist Ibex climb after the adults already a few hours after birth.

Ibex promenade On the ibex promenade starting from the church of Sta. Maria, seven stelae provide children and adults with entertaining information about the character of the animal, its habitat and its distribution.

Ibex Promenade

On the ibex promenade, which is accessible all year round and is a one-kilometre hiking trail suitable for pushchairs, children and adults can find out entertaining information about the ibex, ibex goat and ibex fawn at seven stops. Whether it's about the character of the ibex, their habitat or their distribution.

If you want to savour the sun at the highest point of the ibex promenade, the best place to enjoy the glacier and mountain panorama is from the large wood-carved ibex loungers (Crast'Ota sun terrace). The official access to the ibex promenade is located above the village of Giarsun, right next to the Sta. Maria church. The Post bus stop and the Surovas RhB railway station are within walking distance of the access point. Ibex fans arriving by private car should use the Mulin and Rondo public car parks.

On the trail with an ibex guide

The popular spring ibex tour is offered from around the end of April to the beginning of June (every Thursday and Saturday). Those interested can gain exciting insights into the world of ibex on one of the free guided tours lasting two to three hours. In addition, the Pontresina ibex rangers provide information on the ibex and other wild animals every day in spring. Useful spring observation tips can also be found online here.

From June, when the temperatures rise, the ibex can be found in the higher regions of the ibex paradise. Pontresina Tourism offers a free guided summer ibex excursion every Friday from June to October (excluding the Alp Languard chairlift ticket). An alpine ibex safari par excellence, surrounded by Piz Languard and Piz Albris, and peppered with other fascinating sightings of alpine wildlife.

Insider tip for winter guests: From February to April, there is also a winter ibex tour on Tuesdays. Ibex enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the winter habitat of the ibex and other Pontresina wildlife from a distance from experienced ibex guides.

Rules of behaviour in the ibex paradise

Guided ibex observations

Ibex book & telescope

How do ibex cope with the cold season and where do they find food? A large, weatherproof outdoor ibex book on the Crast'Ota sun terrace provides in-depth answers about the ibex and its winter habitat. A family-friendly telescope is available on site to observe the wild animals in the ibex paradise from a safe distance or to take a sharp look into Val Roseg. Wooden ibex loungers and cosy deckchairs invite you to relax and enjoy the mountain panorama.

Alp Languard and ibex gallery

During the summer months, the Alp Languard chairlift is the convenient way to get to Alp Languard and thus to the extensive and mountain bike-free hiking area of the ibex paradise of Pontresina. At the Alp Languard mountain station, right next to the mountain restaurant at 2,325 metres above sea level, visitors can learn more about the extinction and reintroduction of the Alpine ibex in the ibex gallery. An exciting summer destination for inquisitive ibex fans, panorama lovers and hikers.

Ibex Playground

Just a few meters from Alp Languard, young climbers can let off steam at the ibex playground: Who runs, climbs or runs faster - the ibex or me? The playground is suitable for children from 6 years.

Steinbock pass Discover the Ibex Paradise Pontresina in a playful way and visit the four mountain huts above Pontresina.

Paradise Round Humorous anecdotes from the Pontresin gamekeeper Daniel Godli about the ibex, attached to 7 benches in the direction of the Paradishütte.

Ibex playground Who walks, climbs or runs faster - the ibex or me?

Ibex Pass

With the Ibex Pass, hikers have the opportunity to explore the Ibex Paradise Pontresina in a playful way by visiting the four mountain huts "Unterer Schafberg", "Chamanna Paradis", "Chamanna Segantini" and "Chamanna Georgy" and getting a stamp for their pass. If they also solve the respective hut riddle, the diligent Ibex Paradise hikers receive a small reward on site. The Ibex Pass is available at Pontresina Tourist Information and at the Languard valley and mountain stations.

Paradis Round

Hikers who arrive at the Alp Languard mountain station are spoilt for choice: should they stop off on the terrace of the cosy Alp Languard mountain restaurant? Or should it be an excursion to one of the surrounding mountain huts? The Paradisrunde hike, including a visit to the Chamanna Paradis, is ideal for families. With a bit of luck, you might spot an ibex or two on the Paradisrunde, which offers wonderful views of the Bernina massif.

Tip: It's worth stopping at the benches. Hikers can read humorous anecdotes about the ibex from retired Pontresina gamekeeper Daniel Godli on the information boards attached to the seven benches from Alp Languard in the direction of Chamanna Paradis.

Panorama trail

This high-altitude trail through the centre of the ibex paradise delights with magnificent views: On Alp Languard, the Bernina massif is very close and on Muottas Muragl you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Engadin lake district.

The chairlift to the ibex paradise

Ibex in Pontresina

Via ferrata La Resgia, Languard, Piz Trovat I und II

Climbing, almost like the ibexes. From around June to October, the four via ferratas in Pontresina are an exciting way to get to grips with the fascination of climbing. Thanks to permanently installed wire ropes and artificial hold points, even beginners can enjoy climbing on the rocks. The La Resgia via ferrata is located at the end of Pontresina (towards the Bernina Pass on the left side of the valley), the end point is just above the Alp Languard mountain restaurant, right in the heart of Pontresina's ibex paradise. An optional extension, the Languard via ferrata, awaits as a short but challenging additional route. If you also want to tackle this via ferrata, first follow the hiking trail uphill from the exit of the Resgia via ferrata towards Alp Languard until you see the signpost on the right: Via ferrata Languard. Climb briefly up a grassy slope to the start. Then it's time to get down to business, with short overhanging climbs alternating with airy crossings.

Want to go even higher and even climb a via ferrata on the high alpine Diavolezza? On Piz Trovat, the Piz Trovat I and II via ferratas also await climbing enthusiasts. 300 metres in altitude, 500 footholds, 600 metres of wire rope and a 35-metre-long Tyrolienne surrounded by the glacier world of the Alpine Festival Hall.

Inexperienced climbers are recommended to tackle the via ferrata under expert supervision.

High ropes course

Surrounded by tree tops climbing through zip lines, ropeways, balance beams and other challenges, this is the Pontresina high ropes course. It is surrouned by the stunning nature around Pontresina where you can test your climing and balance capacity.

Crag Languard

The Languard climbing garden is located on the same rock face as the Languard via ferrata and not far from the Alp Languard mountain station. With several shorter routes, it is also suitable for climbing training with children. Alternatively, there is also a climbing garden suitable for families in Val Morteratsch. Climbing courses can be booked via the Bergsteigerschule Pontresina.

Hiking on ridgeway Panoramic view on the ridgeway at the Ibex Paradise Pontresina.

Via ferratas Via ferrata means iron path and descripes very well the character of a via ferrata.

Overnight stays

Chamanna Georgy

The Chamanna Georgy is situated only 80 metres underneath the Piz Languard at 3'175 metres above sea level. A hiking trail with a high alpine flair leads to the peak of Piz Languard, where you can enjoy a unique panorama. The hut is equiped with 20 beds, a dining room with a library with mountain books and a big terrace with a stunning view on the Bernina-Massif.

Portaledge

Sleeping in a hanging tent in a rock face, high above the valley with a breathtaking clear view. The mountaineering school in Pontresina offers overnights in a «Portaledge» under professional supervision.