Bernina Trek (4 days)

A 4-day trek in the Bernina massif where we will pass “Fuorclas”, climb one or more “Piz” and stay in three different “Chamanna”.

The trek requires good physical fitness and to be able to walk up to 8 hours. The main hike is following well marked trails (white-red, T3) without major difficulties. For the adventurous there will be opportunities for some rock scrambling.

Itinerary

Day 1: 900m 0m 13km 5 hours
We take the train from Geneva to Spinas. This train ride by itself is already worth the trip as we will be traveling on the Unesco World Cultural Heritage Albula/Bernina railway passing the iconic Landwasser viaduct. Arriving in Spinas we hike (under the watch of many marmots) through Val Bever to Chamanna Jenatsch (2653m) where we spend the night.

Day 2: 850m 1700m 25km 9 hours
This is our longest day. We leave the hut early after breakfast to ascend the Fuorcla Suvretta (2966m) and following the panoramic trail passing Lej (lake) Suvretta down to Silvaplana. We take the cable car to the Corvatsch middle station (Murtèl) and ascend the Fuorcla Surlej with the breathtaking panorama over the Bernina massif. After another 3-4 hours we will arrive at Chamanna Coaz (2610m).

Day 3: 650m 650m 13km 5 hours
Today is a shorter day, so we have some time to explore the surroundings of the hut. Options include a glacier experience trail, a hike to a nearby mountain lake, ascend Piz dal Lej Alv (3195m, T4+, 2-3h) or simply relax on the terrace. After an early lunch we will start our hike via the Val Roseg to the Tschierva hut (2584m).

Day 4: 0m 800m 12km 4 hours
We will use the morning to get a close-up view of Piz Bernina and its famous Bianco ridge. If conditions are perfect, those with enough energy, could consider ascending Piz Tschierva. After lunch we will descend via Val Roseg to Pontresina from where we take a train back to Geneva.

Equipment

• Usual hiking equipment including rain gear, warm layer and gloves
• Hut sleeping bag (“sac à viande”) and toiletries
• Minimum one picnic for the first day + snacks (extra picnics can also be bought in huts)
• Buy your one-way train ticket (or day pass) before departure
• Optional:
  • Demi-tarif and alpine club membership card if available
  • Bathing suit for the brave ones (there are several lakes on the way)
  • Sandals or flip-flops for the train ride can be comfy (otherwise huts provide slippers)
  • Thermos bottle (huts usually provide tea for the day in the morning)

Costs

• Train tickets and cable car: ~170 CHF with demi-tarif
• Ski Club tax: 20 CHF (60 CHF non-members)
• Huts (demi-pension):
  • Jenatsch: 81 CHF (69 CHF alpine club members)
  • Coaz: 116 CHF (84 CHF alpine club members)
  • Tschierva: 84 CHF (72 CHF alpine club members)

Signup

• The hike is fully booked. No further sign-ups are accepted.
• Hike leader: Frank Winklmeier (scig@winklmeier.name), Assistant: Maica Trabanco
• Sign-up via email with the following information:
  • Full name
  • Mobile phone number
  • Are you a Ski Club (SCIG) member of the current 2024/25 season?
  • Are you a CAS (or other alpine club) member?
  • Do you have any dietary constraints for dinner at the huts?
  • If I don’t know you personally, what comparable hikes have you done before?

To secure your spot a deposit of CHF 150 is required by Monday, 01 Jul 2024. Payment details will be communicated after sign-up.

Transport

• Thursday Aug 1st IC 1 6:42 Genève – 12:38 Spinas (via Zürich, Chur)
• We meet on the platform towards the end of the train.
• Return via train from Pontresina on Aug 4th (late arrival in Geneva between 21-23h)