Alp Languard to Chamanna Paradis and Lake Languard

Distance: 2.3 - 4.3 miles

near St Moritz in Eastern Switzerland
By: Diane Greer

The Morteratsch Glacier and glacier-clad peaks of the Bernina Range

The Morteratsch Glacier and glacier-clad peaks of the Bernina Range

 

A short but rewarding climb to Paradis Hut delivers panoramic views of the Bernina peaks, Albula Alps, and surrounding valleys in just over a mile. Extend the day by hiking to Lej Languard, a tranquil lake nestled beneath rugged peaks at the head of the Languard Valley.

  • Distance: 2.3 - 4.3 miles (Loop)
  • Elevation: 7,631-ft. at Trailhead
    Maximum elevation - 8,525-ft.
  • Elevation Gain: 894-ft.
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Basecamp: St Moritz
  • Region: Eastern Switzerland

 

Trail Description - Alp Languard to Chamanna Paradis and Lake Languard

In just under a mile the trail to the Paradis Hut crests a scenic ridge with views stretching from the glacier-clad Bernina peaks towering above the Morteratsch Valley to the south, to the rugged Albula Alps rising above the Upper Engadine Valley to the north. Closer at hand, a wall of mountains anchored by Piz Muragl and Piz Languard rises across the Languard Valley to the east. The remaining 0.3 mile walk to the hut follows the ridge crest with more great views. The hut, with its lovely terrace, is perfect for lingering on clear days to soak in the panoramic views.

For a longer day, descend from the ridge and climb through alpine meadows to Lej Languard (Lake Languard), nestled amid scree slopes at the head of the Languard Valley. From the southwest end of the lake, distant views extend to the peaks of the Albula Range. This is a lovely spot for a picnic or simply to enjoy the alpine setting.

The return from both destinations traverses the meadows along the valley floor to the chairlift at Alp Languard. Since this hike stays relatively low, it’s a good option when weather is uncertain or clouds obscure the high country.

The 2.3 miles round-trip hike to the hut gains 800-ft. The loop hike visiting the hut and Lej Languard (Lake Laguard) gains over 1,200-ft. in 4.3 miles.

Description - Alp Languard to Lej Languard Loop

The Alp Languard chairlift gains 1,600-ft. as it whisks hikers from Pontresina to Alp Languard (7,631-ft.). At the top, fabulous views encompass the Albula Alps towering above the Upper Engadine Valley to the north, while glacier-clad Piz Palu and Piz Zupo soar above the Morteratsch Valley to the south. Piz Albris rises above Val Languard to the southeast.

To Paradis Hut

Behind the lift find the yellow trails signs and head east/southeast toward Chna Paradis (Paradis Hut). Initially you will be sharing the trail with hikers climbing to the Segantini Hut, Piz Languard and Fuorcla Pischa.

The path climbs immediately, quickly passing the trail branching left to the Segantini Hut. At 0.2 miles reach a “Y” intersection and take the left fork toward Chna Paradis and Lej Languard (Lake Languard). (The right heads toward Piz Languard and Fuorcla Pischa.)

The grade abates as the trail heads up the Languard Valley. At 0.4 miles arrive at a second “Y” intersection. Take the right fork toward the Paradis Hut. (The left, heading to Lej Languard and Fuorcla Pischa, is our return route.). The path descends on moderate grades, crosses a small bridge over the Ova da Languard (Languard stream) and then climbs a grassy slope on moderately-steep switchbacks to the Paradis ridge crest at 0.9 miles.

Here great views open south to the glacier-clad Bernina Range towering above the Morteratsch Valley, with the Morteratsch Glacier spilling down the slopes of Piz Bernina and Piz Zupo. To the north, the jagged Albula Alps rise above St. Moritz and Celerina, nestled on the valley floor. To the east, a massive wall of peaks, including Piz Muragl, Piz Clux and Piz Languard, rim the Bernina Valley.

When you are done enjoying the views, turn left and continue the stiff climb up the ridge crest toward the Paradis Hut. (The trail to the right drops down to Alp Languard.) The ascent is slow as you stop often to admire the 360-degree views.

At 1.3 miles reach the Paradis Hut (8,333-ft.), a cozy refuge with a scenic terrace serving refreshments amid spectacular views. The surrounding scenic meadows are a great place of a picnic or simply to soak in the views. This is a great turnaround point for a 2.8 miles round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 800-ft.

To Lej Languard

Behind the hut, descend from the ridge on moderate grades toward Lej Languard and Fuorcla Pischa accompanied by fine views of Piz Muragl and Piz Languard rising to the east. Piz Albris and the Languard Ridge rise above the Languard Valley to the southeast.

At 1.7 miles pass a trail branching left to Alp Languard. Our trail continues toward Lake Languard on easy grades, briefly traveling beside Lej Languard’s outlet stream before crossing a bridge over the stream.

Past the stream, climb steeply up a grassy slope. At an unmarked junction, at 1.9 miles, turn right and continue the steep ascent toward the lake basin accompanied by nice views of the outlet stream cascading down a rocky channel. Just before reaching the basin, ignore the trail to the left ascending toward Piz Languard and the Segantini Hut. Soon our trail crests the bench cradling Lej Languard. The path now travels through alpine meadows, crossing a braided stream along the way. A waterfall spills down the steep slopes above the path.

At 2.2 miles pass a trail, branching left and climbing to Fuorcla Pischa and Bernina Suot. Just beyond, at 2.3 miles, arrive at the beautiful turquoise blue Lej Languard (8,510-ft.) nestled beneath steep scree covered slopes and alpine meadows. From the southwest end of the lake distant views extend to Albula Alps.

Return to Alp Languard

After enjoying the lake, retrace your steps, dropping from the bench to the unmarked junction 2.8 miles. Take the right fork (essentially straight ahead), descending the Languard Valley on moderate grades accompanied by more views of the Albula peaks to the north. Ignore any trails to the right climbing toward Piz Languard.

At 3.2 miles pass an unmarked trail going left toward Paradis Hut. The grade eases as you continue down the valley on easy grades to the beginning of the loop at 3.9 miles. Follow the signs back to Alp Languard, reaching the chairlift and restaurant at 4.3 miles.

After taking in the views and possibly enjoying refreshments at the restaurant, take the six-minute chairlift ride down to Pontresina. Alternatively, a trail drops steeply down the hillside to Pontresina, losing over 1,600-ft. in 1.8 miles. Total elevation gain for the hike is 1,200-ft.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile - Alp Languard to Chamanna Paradis and Lake Languard

Driving Directions

From St. Moritz to Alp Languard: At the St. Moritz Bahnhof, board a #4 bus in the direction of the Pontresina Post and get off at Pontresina Post. If you are not staying near the train station, go to the SBB website/SBB app to start the trips from the closest bus stop near your accommodations. The destination you want is Pontresina (Sesselb. Languard).

From Pontresina Post, walk northwest on Via Maistra, the main street in Pontesina to the walkway on the north of the Hotel Schweizerhof, a peach colored building on the right. Turn right an ascend the side walk and then some steps up to the next street. You can now see the chairlift station. Signs will mark the turn to the chairlift. Cross the street and go up the access road to reach the ticket office and entry to the Sesselbahn Languard (Languard Chairlift) to Alp Languard. The bus ride and walk should take 23 minutes.

Pontresina Rondo is another stop convenient to the lift station. If you get off a bus at Rondo, walk southeast on Via Maistra, the main street in Pontresina, for one block to Via da Scoula. Here you will see a street branching left off Via Maistra called Via Cruscheda. Walk up Cruscheda and then turn left to reach the bottom station for the Sesselbahn Languard (Languard Chairlift) to Alp Languard. Signs will mark the turn to the chairlift. The bus ride and the walk should take 20-25 minutes depending on connections.

You can also take the train from St. Moritz bound for Tirano and get off at Pontresina Bahnhof. Exit the train station and turn right, walking along the road which turns into Via da la Staziun. The road soon crosses a bridge over a river. Beyond the crossing turn right at the “Y” intersection and ascend to cross the highway and then the River Flax. Continue up the road a short distance and cross Via Da Mulin. Just beyond turn right on a walkway (La Senda) that climbs to Via Maistra, the main street in Pontresina.

Turn left (northeast) and walk up Via Maistra. Soon you will pass the Hotel Schweizerhof, a peach-colored building on the right. At the north end of the hotel turn right (east/northeast) and ascend a sidewalk and steps. At the top of the stairs, cross the street and continue heading east/northeast on the side street, past the car park to the bottom station of the Languard chairlift.

Bus and trains schedules are available at the SBB website/SBB app. Check the St. Moritz Mountain Adventure website for information on the Alp Languard Chairlift operating dates and hours.

 

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