Travel independently to Zuoz, the first vantage point from which you can see the high, glaciated peaks of the Upper Engadine. Settle into a marvelous, old-world hotel centrally located on Zuoz’s main street.

The Es-cha Hut boasts one of the finest viewpoints
in the Alps, and the high to it makes for a moderately
challenging first day, before your peak-bagging begins
in earnest.

The hike begins from Zuoz, ascending on pristine trails
far away from any crowds. Ascend into the alpine,
climbing towards the Muot Ot, “Muot” being the
Romansh word for hill. Just beyond the mound, find
the Chamanna d’Es-cha, a picturesque hut offering a
wonderful alpine lunch at today’s highpoint. Continue
along the ridge from there to the Fuorcla Gualdauna
(“Gualdauna Pass”), where your descent back to Zuoz
begins. Eventually, you rejoin your morning’s trail
to complete the “lollipop-loop” back to your hotel.

Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain: 3000/2900 ft.

Today presents the Summit Series’ first summit option: Piz Padella. Take a cable car up from Schlarigna/Celerina to find your trail as it ascends to the rocky summit. Loop around and descend through Alp Spinas, catching the historic Bernina Express to Pontresina and your warm, welcoming inn.

Distance: 7.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1900 ft./3700 ft.

Ride a lift out of Pontresina to cut off some ascent from your next summit attempt, the proud peak of Piz Languard. A well located alpine hut for lunch, spectacular views, opportunities to spot Steinbock, and some relatively remote walking on the way to Bernina Suot, make for a special day in the Engadine.

Distance: 7.6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2900 ft./3700 ft.

Begin with a gentle ascent up one of the Alps’ most pristine valleys; a region carved by glaciers over the millennia. You hike all the way to the head of the valley, where a charismatic hut rests on the edge of a moraine adjacent to a quickly receding glacier. Descend to Sils Maria and a superb old-world hotel.

Distance: 11.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3350/900 ft.

The goal of today’s hike is the lofty summit of Piz Lunghin—one of the finest vantage points for soaking in the dramatic, glacial-carved peaks of the Bregaglia. After taking in the views, descend to the village of Sils and return to your elegant hotel.

Distance: up to 8.25 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3100 ft.

High above the Val Bregaglia, ascend to a scenic pass
overlooking your final destination, the storybook
village of Soglio, often called one of the most beautiful
villages in Switzerland. Descend through a landscape
dotted with rustic yet still active farms and tiny
alpine hamlets, where life has changed little over the
centuries. This evening, enjoy a final dinner featuring
regional specialties as the fading light casts a warm
alpenglow across the dramatic granite spires of the
Bregaglia.

Distance: 9.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1600/2700 ft.

Milan is the closest gateway city. Typically, same day flights out of Zürich cannot be met.