Splugen (1457m) to Zillis (945m)
14 Mar 2016
Stage: S22
Map: Swiss TOPO 1:50,000 257S Safiental
Time: 5.37hrs (dept 06.47 / arrive 12.24)
Distance: 24.6km (ascent 886m / descent 1354m)
Weather: hot and sunny
Notes: This was not the first choice of route and was only taken due to the hotel at Innerferrera being closed (see notes in alternate route options). However this turned out to be an interesting and enjoyable day. Travel east from Splugen to Sufers 1428m. Head north on a forest road to gain a plateau at a height of a little over 2000m. Follow this NE for approx 4km to the hamlet of Burtgas 1802m. From here an access road leads down the wooded slopes to the east. Follow the valley north to Donat and cross the river to Zillis. At only 945m this is one of the lowest points on the crossing of Switzerland
Accommodation: There are one or two places in Zillis that might be open in winter. We stayed at the Hotel Alte Poste.
Zillis (945m) to Savognin (1210m)
15 Mar 2016
Stage: S23
Maps: Swiss TOPO 1:50,000 257S Safiental & 258S Bergun
Time: 8.50hrs (dept 05.08 / arrive 13.58)
Distance: 26.4km (ascent 2411m / descent 2114m)
Weather: starting clear becoming overcast
Notes: From Reischen take the forest path shown as a ski route on the Swiss map. This leads to Piz Curver 2972m. This is a popular ski peak and there may be ski tracks. The descent from the summit heading eastwards is not obvious and drops down from a point a few hundred meters NE of the top. Descend eastwards to Alp Foppa 2004m before taking a rising traverse east to join the Savognin ski area.
Accommodation: There are several hotels in Savognin. We stayed at the Hotel Danilo.
Supply options: Savognin has a supermarket and several shops.
Savognin (1210m) to Preda (1730m)
16 Mar 2016
Stage: S24
Map: Swiss TOPO 1:50,000 258S Bergün
Time: 8.26hrs (dept 05.51 / arrive 14.17)
Distance: 23.2km (ascent 1742m / descent 1155m)
Weather: hot and sunny
Notes: Follow the valley floor SE to Tinizong 1232m (no accommodation). Climb eastwards on a forest road to Alp Viglia 1997m then turn north towards Fourcla da Tschitta 2831m. This pass is simple on both sides. Descend without difficulty to join the main valley at Nax 1747m. If aiming to continue via the Engadin/Silvretta route it is possible to head north and reach Bergün in one hour. If aiming to continue via Livigno turn south and overnight at Preda.
Accommodation: The hotel Kulm at Preda is an established ski touring base.
Preda (1730m) to Bergün (1390m)
17 Mar 2016
Stage: S25
Map: Swiss TOPO 1:50,000 258S Bergün
Time: 1.12hrs (dept 08.20 / arrive 09.32)
Distance: 7.8km (ascent 92m / descent 428m)
Weather: hot and sunny
Notes: A very short and easy stage. Early in the season the road is groomed and maintained as a popular sledge descent. Later in the season it is cleared of snow for vehicle access.
Accommodation: There are several hotels in Bergün. We stayed at the Kurhaus.
Supply options: Bergün has a few small shops.
