So many fun winter activities, so little time! Bredeson Outdoor Adventures will be returning to one of our favorite haunts, Pontresina, Switzerland, for a winter sports extravaganza from March 2 - 9, 2009. Pontresina lies a few miles from St. Moritz in the high Engadine Valley near the Austrian and Italian borders surrounded by the majestic Bernina peaks. The terrain is perfect for every winter sport imaginable: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing and snow boarding are just a few of the activities that you can enjoy in the area. We'll also have a chance to watch the Engadine Ski Marathon, one of the world's premier cross country ski races, and enjoy (if we wish) Nordic walking on cleared winter trails, sledding and sleigh rides. Indoor sports will include dining in cozy restaurants, visiting Pontresina's wonderful indoor pool and spa, sipping hot mulled wine, cafe sitting and pastry eating.
Bredeson Outdoor Adventures will provide Swiss Rail Passes that we'll use to travel to Pontresina, as well as to our daily fun. Our hotel will be an intimate, elegant family-run hotel with fabulous service that is located right in the heart of the charming high mountain town of Pontresina. We'll lead daily cross country skiing or snowshoe outings. We'll also arrange for ski passes and transportation to the slopes for those who wish to downhill ski or snow board.
Highlights:
- 200 miles of well-maintained, tracked cross country skiing trails
- A large array of idyllic snowshoeing trails
- Fabulous downhill skiing and snow boarding accessible by bus directly to the slopes
- Daily guided snowshoeing or cross country skiing outings
- Full service information and planning provided for any outings you wish to do on your own
- A host of other fun outdoor winter activities available, including - Nordic walking, sledding or sleigh rides
- Old World ambiance and architecture in the beautiful Engadine Valley
- Transportation connections to medieval villages allowing you to start out snowshoeing or skiing in the morning and go as far as you wish, returning to the hotel by bus or train
- Charming three-star hotel with fabulous food
- Swiss Rail Pass allowing you to travel by train through the snowy mountains to Pontresina and also to your daily fun
- Nearby St. Moritz offering shopping and nightlife
- Wonderful indoor pool and spa in Pontresina
- The Engadin Ski Marathon (watch or participate if you wish!)
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Zurich - Pontresina
Independent arrival in Zurich and travel by train to Pontresina in time for welcome drinks, dinner and an orientation to the week's adventures.
Day 2: Zuoz
Cross country ski or snowshoe to Zuoz, one of best preserved towns in the Engadine Valley, and take the train back.
Day 3: Moerteratsch Valley
Today we cross country ski or snowshoe to Moerteratsch, where can touch the glacier and view the signposts of glacial recession.
Day 4: Val Fex
We'll explore the remote, car-free and serenely beautiful mountain valley Val Fex on today's outing. Val Fex is one of the highest inhabited valleys in Switzerland. We'll travel past small settlements, as well as charming restaurants that will lure us in for lunch.
Day 5: Independent Exploration
Today is your "day off" to visit the pool, go ice skating, go on a sleigh ride, or perhaps travel to the idyllic village of Soglio. We'll provide trail suggestions for those who can't get enough skiing or snowshoeing and wish to participate in these activities as well today.
Day 6: Roseg Valley
We'll ski or snowshoe through through the scenic Roseg Valley today. At the end of the valley we'll see the impressive Roseg Glacier towering above us. We have the choice of taking a sleigh ride back to town or skiing or snowshoeing back.
Day 7: Engadine Ski Marathon
The Engadine Ski Marathon is an exciting and wonderful event, and is one of the world's premier cross country ski races. We'll watch the race today. If you wish, you can also participate. Choices include the full race or shorter variations. Inspired by the race, we'll also go for a short ski or snowshoe afterwards.
Day 8: Depart
We'll board the train today, returning to Zurich and home.
Note: we will base our choice of guided daily activities on the preferences of the group. If there are both cross country skiers and snowshoer, we will offer both on a daily basis, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We will provide the logistical support for snow boarders and downhill skiers, making arrangements for lift passes and providing transportation information. This trip provides for both guided and self-guided participation combined with a convivial and delicious shared dinner together at the end of the day.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 7 nights hotel accommodations including breakfast
- Welcome drinks on the first night
- 6 multi-course gourmet dinners
- Swiss Rail Pass
- Sleigh ride in Roseg Valley
- A visit to the Pontresina pool/spa
- Expert, bilingual guide services throughout the trip, including daily guided cross country skiing and snowshoeing outings
- Assistance in setting up snow boarding, downhill skiing and other independent activities
- Cultural and historical information shared informally during outings and evenings
- Travel brochures and ski/snowshoe maps
Price Excludes:
- Air travel
- Lunches and one dinner
- Gratuities for your guide(s). A gratuity for your guide(s) is at your discretion, but the standard for a job well done is approximately $10 USD per person per guide per day
- All beverages with dinner
- Lift passes for downhill skiing and snow boarding
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Switzerland
Skiing & Snowboarding
Snowshoeing
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