Ibex Paradise Pontresina
The Ibex Paradise of Pontresina is a fascinating year-round experience centred on the so-called ‘King of the Alps’. A hiking paradise (bike-free zone) offering highlights and guided Ibex excursions at all times of the year. Each spring, when the meadows on the valley floor slowly turn green, and when there are still metres of snow up above, a special happening can be observed in Pontresina. The otherwise rather shy Ibex (Capricorn) comes down descend in whole herds to the edge of the valley villages to feed on the fresh blades of Spring grass. This is an unique opportunity to observe these majestic Alpine animals at close quarters.
When the weather turns warmer, the Ibex prefer the higher and cooler climes. Our so-called ‘animal alpinists’ then trek upwards in the direction of the Alp Languard and the Val Languard. In the warmest months, they even head up to the level of the Chamanna Segantini or the Chamanna Georgy, the highest mountain hut in the Grisons located at 3,175 metres above sea level. In the Autumn, they return down to the lower-lying crags and woodland above Pontresina for the oncoming winter.
Steinbock-Promenade
Along the Ibex (Capricorn) Promenade, there are seven information notices explaining interesting facts about the Ibex (Capricorn) - its habitat, the distribution of the population and its typical behaviour. Visitors can enjoy the sunshine and the view on the Ibex (Capricorn) sunloungers on the highest vantage point of the Walk (on the Crast'ota Sun Terrace). There are also deckchairs, woollen blankets, a large telescope and the weatherproof outdoor ibex book available free of charge.
The Ibex (Capricorn) Promenade is accessible all year round and is suitable for the whole family. The hiking trail is around one kilometre long and suitable for pushchairs. The access point is located above the village at the Santa Maria Mountain Church.
The Postbus Stop and the Surovas Rhaetian Railway Station are within walking distance of the access point. Ibex (Capricorn) fans arriving by private motor vehicle should use the Mulin and Rondo Public Car Parks.
Free Ibex guided tours
On a free guided tour lasting two to three hours, interested visitors can gain exciting insights into the world of the Ibex. In the Spring, the Ibex Rangers also provide daily information on Ibex rules of behaviour. From June, when the temperatures rise, the Ibex will be found at higher altitudes again. Pontresina Tourism offers the free summer Ibex tour from June through October.
- Winter Ibex (Capricorn) Tours: from February to April, every Tuesday
- Spring Ibex (Capricorn) Tours: from April to the beginning of June, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Summer & autumn Ibex (Capricorn) Tours: from June to October, Fridays
Easy
Ibex Promenade
On the Ibex Promenade from the church of Sta. Maria, a stroller-friendly hiking trail one kilometer long, children and adults receive entertaining information about the character of the animal, its habitat, and its distribution at seven stations.
1.25 km
20 m
28 hm
39 hm
Chairlift & Alp Languard
During the summer months, the Alp Languard Chairlift is the convenient way to get up to Alp Languard, and thus to the extensive and mountain bike-free hiking area of the Ibex (Capricorn) Paradise of Pontresina. Just below the Alp Languard Mountain Station, right by the Sun Terrace of the Alp Languard Mountain Restauran, visitors can learn more about the extinction and reintroduction of the Alpine Ibex (Capricorn). For example, in the Ibex (Capricorn) Gallery. This provides an interesting summer excursion destination at 2,325 metres above sea level. Just right for curious Ibex (Capricorn) fans, panorama lovers and hikers.
Eat and Drink
Mountain restaurant Alp Languard
Authentic mountain restaurant with rustic hut dishes
Chamanna Segantini
Popular excursion destination with a wide view of the Engadin lake landscape
Munt da la Bês-cha / Lower Schafberg
A special sun terrace at 2231 meters above sea level
Paradis hut
Mountain hut in the heart of the largest ibex colonies in Switzerland
Panoramic restaurant Muottas Muragl
Everything is easy in this place – except departure
Staibock Gazosa
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For families: On the trail of the Ibex
Ibex Gallery
In the Ibex (Capricorn) Gallery, visitors can learn more about the extinction and reintroduction of the Ibex (Capricorn). It is located directly at the Languard Mountain Station. The Alp Languard Chairlift takes Ibex (Capricorn) fans up to the altitude of 2,325 metres above sea level.
Ibex Playground
Just a short distance from the Alp Languard, young climbers can scramble on the Ibex (Capricorn) Playground: Who can walk, climb or run faster than the Ibex (Capricorn) or me? This summer playground is suitable for children aged 6 and older.
Ibex Book and Telescope
How does the Ibex (Capricorn) live at the cold time of the year and where do they access food? A large weatherproof outdoor Ibex book gives answers about the Ibex (Capricorn) and its winter habitat on the Crast'Ota Sun Terrace. A telescope is available on site to observe the wild animals in the Ibex (Capricorn) paradise from a safe distance or to take an unrestricted view into the Val Roseg. Sightings of deer, chamois and bearded vultures are also not uncommon.
For the Inquisitive: Three Ibex facts
The Ibex alpine goat was exterminated in Switzerland quite early on. Its lack of shyness and man's belief in the miraculous healing properties of the Ibex preparations were the cause of its extermination. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Italian King Vittorio Emanuele III managed to appropriate a few of the last individuals and smuggle them into Switzerland. All Ibexes surviving today in the Alps are descendants of such animals.
The Ibex is a type of goat. The mating season is in November. The groups disperse during the breeding season in June and the animals initially live in seclusion with their young. Groups of Ibex and flocks of goats are often found in completely different locations in the mountains.
The horns of the male individuals can grow over a metre in length. They grow steadily, with the tip being the oldest part. The horns are used for competing with other males and for imposing behaviour - but also for supporting the heavy head. And, of course, they are used for scratching when the thick winter coat falls out in clumps in the Spring, and the animals receive their Summer coat.
Get inspired
Discover the Ibex Paradise
Leisurely hike on the Paradis tour
Beautiful view of the Bernina massif and with a bit of luck you might see an ibex or two.
Paradis tour
Four mountain huts with the Steinbock Pass
Explore four mountain huts in the Capricorn Paradise in a playful way.
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Panorama trail Alp Languard–Muottas Muragl
This high-altitude trail through the ibex paradise offers wonderful views.
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Via Ferratas & Climbing Parks
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Accommodation in the ibex paradise
Chamanna Georgy
The Chamanna Georgy is located just 80 metres below Piz Languard at 3,175 metres above sea level. A high alpine hiking trail leads from the hut up to the summit of Piz Languard in 30 minutes on foot, where you are rewarded with a unique panoramic view. The hut provides a 20 bed sleeping accommodation. The canteen with its mountain book library and a large terrace with its unique view of the Bernina massif give the hut its special character.
Portaledge in Capricorn Paradise
Portaledge
Spend a night in a hanging tent on a rock face, above the valley with a breath-taking view. Under professional supervision, the Pontresina Mountaineering School provides nights in a portaledge.
