Calling all adventurous ladies! Are you a solo female explorer seeking to hike with other women? Or maybe you’re a group of gals looking for an unforgettable experience together? Look no further!
Whether you’re a solo hiker craving the thrill of a self-discovery journey, or a group of friends eager to share incredible moments together, Ryder-Walker’s upcoming Guided Engadine Women’s Only Trek has something special for each of you.
A first in Ryder-Walker’s 40-year history supporting and guiding enthusiastic hikers on point-to-point adventures, our inaugural guided women’s trip is perfect for ladies who’d prefer to travel with other women while an experienced guide handles all the on-the-ground details.
An 8-day/7-night trip to Switzerland’s delightfully secluded Engadine Valley, it takes place June 20-27, 2024. The cost ($5,150 per person double occupancy; single supplement +$620) includes all accommodations, transportation, breakfasts, dinners, and luggage transfers during the tour.
During this spectacular adventure, you’ll explore the remarkable landscape and rich traditions of the remote En (Inn) River Valley in southeastern Switzerland. Unique in the world, the ancient, Latin-derived Romansch language, culture, and customs rooted there grew out of Roman presence in the area millennia ago. Today they provide us with our closest connection to the Roman Empire.
Home to a concentration of Switzerland’s ethnic Romansch (who represent just one percent the country’s total population) local pride in this ancient heritage is evident. Whether in the greetings of “allegra!” you’ll hear on the trails, through the fine examples of “sgraffiti” folk art decorating the buildings you’ll pass, or in the delicious tuorta da nusch (nut tart) that begs savoring at a high mountain hut, Romansch culture is on wide display.
Ryder-Walker’s curated itinerary begins near the Austrian border in the ancient Roman spa village of Scuol where Romansch is the official language.
“Romansch is such a beautiful language,” reports RW head guide Ken Fuhrer whose many trips to the region are among his most cherished. “I love to spend a little extra time at the grocery store and post office just to listen to the locals.”
Under three hours by train from the bustling gateway of Zurich, this quaint and time forgotten place of profound cultural significance will charm you with suggestions of fairy tales, enchantment, and long-gone history – all while still meeting your modern needs and expectations.
After settling into your well-appointed accommodation, you’ll meet your guides and fellow travelers during a welcome dinner and orientation in preparation to hit the trail the following morning.
One of the benefits of choosing the Engadine Trek for your next group travel adventure is its flexibility. Thanks to a remarkable trails network augmented with cable cars, funiculars, and chair lifts, hikers can select easier or harder hiking options almost daily – even on the fly if the weather changes.
What’s more, Ryder-Walker’s experienced guides have the skills and time-tested knowledge to ensure everyone gets to the day’s destination safely and enjoyably.
From Scuol we head southwest through the gentler terrain of the Lower Engadine before eventually encountering the peak and spire-punctuated Upper Engadine. There, you might suddenly suspect you’ve been transported to Italy.
Our route follows ancient footpaths linking quiet hamlets, ruins, and lively towns. It climbs to passes and summits, traverses the valley above sparkling lakes before plunging into the wild and dramatic Val Bregaglia, and finishes in the hillside hamlet of Soglio. In between, we visit tiny, historically protected Guarda and make our ways to pristine Sils Maria and the pleasant resort town of Pontresina.
Considered a moderately challenging itinerary with hike distances of up to 12 miles and elevation gains of 3,500 feet daily in its most challenging form, the Engadine Trek’s superior comfort level features refined, well-appointed accommodations throughout, and meals sure to satisfy discerning trekkers.
Even after so many years, we here at Ryder-Walker consider the Engadine Valley Switzerland’s best kept secret. In fact, we still pinch ourselves each time we visit, and know that you will too – particularly in the company of the intrepid women who will join you.
Ryder-Walker’s Maddie Crowell, who will be guiding the trip, is looking forward to the camaraderie and confidence she sees develop quickly on women’s-only excursions.
“There’s space to connect, ask questions without ego, and really engage with other female perspectives,” she explains. “I have seen the advantages of being able to grow and progress in an all-women mindset.”
Her Ryder-Walker co-guide Deanna Cyran concurs.
“Women’s groups allow women to be more open about their concerns and help build their confidence,” she agrees.
Beyond the incredible hiking and scenery, elevated accommodations, and authentic regional cuisine you’ll experience on Ryder-Walker’s Guided Engadine Women’s Only Trek, it’s also a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Plus, you’ll get to meet other like-minded women and even cultivate lasting friendships.
And after all, ladies, what could be better than that?
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