Ardez - Crap Putèr - Tarasp: Lower Engadin

I’d say this hike packs a one-two punch: golden larches throughout the whole of the Engadin valley (bam), combined with truly extraordinary views of the Engadin Alps (wa-BAM). But the reality is that it packs a million more punches…with maybe the biggest punch being that this trail and viewpoint seems to be a hidden, locals-only gem. While hordes of people flock to other areas of Switzerland for larches, the Lower Engadin remains delightfully calm. This hike requires quite a bit of effort, but I promise, it pays off. There is a moment, after the steepest climb of the trail, when the entire mountainside opens up to you, and if that view doesn’t make your heart catch in your throat, I don’t know what will.

Tip: You can do this trail either way, but I recommend starting in Ardez, and ending in Tarasp.

• Start: Ardez

• End: Tarasp

• Route: Ardez - Crap Puter - Alp Laisch - Tarasp

• Length and Rating: 14.5km, 1100m ascent/descent, 4-5 hours. Challenging