Diavolezza

Diavolezza sits at 2,978 metres on the eastern side of the Bernina pass, directly opposite the north faces of Piz Palu and Piz Bernina and above the Pers and Morteratsch glaciers, which is the reason it exists as a destination: the mountains are across the gap rather than overhead, so the whole scene is visible from the terrace with no walking at all. The ski-mountaineering descent over the Pers and Morteratsch glaciers to the valley is a classic spring outing, guided and roped because of crevasses. There is a mountain hotel at the top for sunrise. The Bernina railway, itself a World Heritage line, passes the base station, and the Morteratsch glacier walk starts one stop away.

What you actually see

• Piz Palu and Piz Bernina opposite - the north faces straight across the gap.
• Two glaciers below - the Pers and Morteratsch joining underneath.
• A summit hotel - the sunrise option at nearly 3,000 metres.
• The Bernina railway at the base - the World Heritage line past the station.

When to go

All year; spring for the glacier descent, any clear day for the view. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Cold and wind are severe at this altitude and the terrace is exposed. Cloud on the Bernina is frequent. The glacier descent is mountaineering and needs a guide, rope and equipment - it is not a ski run. The hotel books out for sunrise.

Nearby

Morteratsch glacier is one rail stop away; Pontresina is down the valley.