We are local. Some of us were born here, then traveled around the world, and returned to our home mountains. Some came here to work for just one season and then stayed. The reason we are all here is simple: we are in love with the Engadin.
But as we all know „no one is perfect“ and Engadin has its minor minus too: the real flowering springtime is almost non existing here! Skiing on Diavolezza slopes in a T-shirt in May is definitely fun, but what is not less enjoyable for locals during the so-called „off-season“ is to admire a different landscape, taste a different cuisine and warm up in a different climate which is all just a short scenic drive away. Here is a short list of our top 5 favorite destinations for a long weekend escape out of the Engadin Valley.
Como Lake
Lago di Como is 70km away. Down Maloja pass, via Bregaglia valley, with a „doppio espresso“ stop in a picturesque town of Chiavenna, and here you are, 1h30 later, on the Northern shores of the beautiful Italian lake. This part, called Alto Lario is famous for its ideal conditions for wind and kite-surfing. Further south the historical villas and gardens will keep you busy for days long: Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Monastero, and Villa Melzi are all worth a visit, especially in springtime when azaleas are in full bloom. Lunch on the terrace of Ristorante Alle Darsene di Loppia just next to the gardens of Villa Melzi, an amazing private boat ride, an evening aperitivo right on the water at Giacomo al Lago: our dedicated concierge team will be happy to create for you an unforgettable weekend on the Lake.
Ascona, Lake Maggiore
Would you prefer to keep on discovering Switzerland, but with an Italian flair? Here is our tip number two: head over to Ascona. Take a scenic drive over Julier pass, then through the San Bernardino tunnel and 3 hours later you are at Ticino’s shores of Lago Maggiore. Enjoy a glass of Champagne on the promenade and some shopping in the lovely town of Ascona, take a boat ride to discover the beautiful Brissago islands and Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery, stay overnight in one of the luxury resorts, dine under the stars and the next day, take a SUP tour of the lake or discover the unique Verzasca valley. Just ask us and we will organize for you a perfect itinerary full of discoveries and picture-perfect moments!
Merano and South Tyrol
Well, this is actually our preferred escape for an early Autumn when the gardens of Merano and its surroundings are full of the tastiest apples in the world, but this beautiful destination works out perfectly well for a spring weekend too. The road over the Swiss National Park will take you in just 2h30 to Merano with its lovely center, thermal pools, never-ending hiking and biking trails, the must-visit gardens of Trauttmansdorff, beautiful hotels, and numerous gourmet restaurants.
City Life
Even absolute fans of nature need to dive from time to time into city life, especially when Engadin switches into „offseason“ mode. Shopping, going out, visiting museums, exhibitions, and well, zoos! Milan, Innsbruck, Zurich with their Via Montenapoleone, Teatro alla Scala, Swarowski Kristallwelten, Bahnofstrasse and classic züricher geschnetzeltes in Kronenhalle are 2h30 to 3 hours away. Usually, the more intense the program of those weekends, the happier we are to come back to the tranquility and freshest air of our dear Engadin Valley!
Samedan
Well, no, we will not speak here about Samedan as our escape destination in springtime, but we would like just to remind you that this town, located in a 10-minute drive from St. Moritz, is equipped with an infrastructure that is absolutely exceptional for mountain resorts: Engadin Airport where even a Boeing 737 can land. And this is your gate to any European resort or city for a beautiful spring weekend escape. Check the weather, let us know where you would like to go and your concierge will book a private flight and create your perfect itinerary!
NB Our exclusive concierge support is reserved for our rental guests and owners of properties managed by PPM St. Moritz.
Photo credits: Grand Hotel Tremezzo, IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz and Swarowski Kristallwelten Wattens
