Piz Corvatsch

The Corvatsch cable car runs from Surlej to a top station at 3,303 metres, which makes it one of the highest lift-served viewpoints in eastern Switzerland, and the position matters more than the height: it stands on the western side of the Engadin looking across at the Bernina range, so Piz Bernina, Piz Palu and the Morteratsch and Roseg glaciers are laid out opposite rather than seen from below. The Engadin lake chain lies underneath. In winter it is a serious ski area with a long descent to Surlej and full-moon evening skiing on advertised dates. The summit of Piz Corvatsch itself, reached over Piz Murtel, is 3,451 metres. A glacier trail from the middle station explains the retreat of the Vadret dal Corvatsch with markers showing former ice positions.

What's there

• The Bernina range opposite - Piz Bernina, Piz Palu and two big glaciers.
• The Engadin lakes below - the whole chain from Sils to St Moritz.
• A 3,303-metre top station - among the highest lifts in eastern Switzerland.
• A marked glacier retreat trail - former ice positions signposted.

When to go

All year. Half a day.

What to expect

At this altitude cold and wind are serious even in August, and thin air affects some visitors. Cloud closes the view frequently with no refund. The lift is expensive. The summit building is functional rather than charming.

Nearby

Lake Silvaplana is at the base; Diavolezza faces it across the valley.

Key facts