Snowy ridges, steep ascents to the summits, and spectacular glaciers around Pontresina. Mountaineers with simple equipment, the safety rope knotted around their waists, or tired hikers sitting relaxed in front of a hut.
Such are the historical scenes depicted in the images of photographer Andreas Pedrett. His photographs, all taken from 1933-1953, convey an impressive picture of yesteryear’s alpinism. Andreas Pedrett’s entire photo archive is on display at the Dokumentationsbibliothek St. Moritz [Documentation Library]. It includes approximately 15,000 negatives, glass panes, and original prints. Visitors can view the original photos with a stereoscope and embark on a journey back to the golden age of mountaineering.
Alpinism in Pontresina in the Engadine
The mountain village of Pontresina is the base camp of the Engadine.
Museum Alpin in Pontresina
For visitors keen to learn more about alpinism, a visit to the Alpine Museum is a must. Located in Pontresina on Chesa Delnon, the museum is in a stately Engadine house dating from 1716. The museum shows the development of the small farming village of Pontresina to today's mountain resort. The exhibitions about summer and winter tourism are a true highlight, providing fantastic insights into the pioneering days of mountaineering, the conquest of the Bernina Range, and modern alpinism. The exhibitions on the development of SAC huts and the multimedia "mountain experience" that features pictures of Jette Langhans are also well worth seeing.
Alpinism special for beginners and advanced mountaineers
Bernina Range for yourself? Let’s go! In the months of June, September and October, for stays from two nights, Pontresina offers an Alpinism Special. After arrival in Pontresina, you stay in the accommodation of your choice – hotel, apartment, youth hostel, or campsite, and choose a tour from the Bergsteigerschule Pontresina. On your selected activity day, you will start with an equipment check before setting out on your mountaineering adventure. During your adventure, you will climb a cliff along the waterfall on the via ferrata La Resgia, hike with crampons and secured by a rope across the imposing Cambrena glacier right up to the Crap Pers. Want a little more? Then choose the tour along the eastern flank up to the Piz Palü. No worries – even beginners will get their money’s worth: During a mountaineering course, newcomers learn how to safely manipulate crampons, ice axe, and rope.