Brenna GothVisit a Swiss ski resort and you’ll see kids barely old enough to walk confidently navigating the slopes. As a new arrival from the Arizona desert, I have few childhood memories of snow and even less experience with winter sports.
So when I planned a trip to the Swiss Alps this winter, I wondered how best to spend my time. I was particularly interested in gentler options I could try while my husband was off skiing.
I came away from our visit to La Punt Chamues-ch with a list of snow-based activities I’m eager to try again. The village, near St. Moritz in the Engadin region, offered the perfect home base for trying new sports and enjoying the surroundings.
If you’re also a winter rookie like me, here are five ideas to enjoy the snow in Switzerland.
1. Cross-Country Skiing in La Punt
I had never put on skis before arriving in La Punt.
I was nervous to try it for the first time as an adult - and especially worried about injuring myself. I decided cross-country skiing would be a more comfortable start than the downhill alternative.
The logistics in La Punt couldn’t be more convenient. Our accommodation was along the cross-country ski trails that run in the area. We were also a short walk from Colani Sport, which quickly became our go-to for equipment and lessons.
Colani Sport offers lessons for both the classic and skating style of cross-country skiing. I sought advice in person on which style to choose and whether my travelmates could join me.
The prices vary depending on the length of the lesson, whether you need equipment, and the number of participants. They had plenty of availability for my group of five.
We returned to the store ahead of our 85-minute lesson to be fitted for skis and other gear. Our instructor was skilled at navigating the various levels in our group and helping me as a complete novice. I learned some basic techniques to walk uphill and downhill in skis and glide on the path.
I wasn’t a natural, but I’m glad I tried it.
The instructor gave me some tips on where to return for the most beginner-friendly practice. I tried again on my own the next day and gained a bit more confidence. The private lesson was worth booking, and I’d do it again in the future if I want to continue trying the sport.
2. Snowshoeing near the Morteratsch Glacier
Snowshoeing was more my speed. It was also new to me but just as intuitive as hiking.
There are plenty of trails within a short trip of La Punt, but only a few of them were open during my visit. Make sure to check the conditions in advance.
We tried the Morteratsch snowshoe route, which is rated as easy.
It was ideal for a beginner. I had no issues navigating the small ups and downs and rocky areas. There were a few areas where the snowshoes were necessary to keep from sinking, but several members of my group did much of the trail in normal hiking boots without issue.
Why I loved this route:
- It's beginner-friendly with manageable elevation gains.
- There's a scenic, direct line of sight to the glacier.
- It's peaceful and far more quiet than the ski slopes.
The views through the valley to the Morteratsch glacier were spectacular on a sunny day. You can walk to the same endpoint using a path that doesn’t require snowshoes, but the snowshoe trail is much more peaceful. It gave the feeling of walking through an untouched landscape rather than a designated hiking trail.
I plan to continue snowshoeing in Switzerland and especially appreciated the low barrier to entry. The equipment is inexpensive compared to other activities, and trying a trail requires little advanced planning. We were lucky that our accommodations included snowshoes and poles, but I’m considering buying some of my own.
3. Sledding and Tobogganing in the Alps
Sledding in La Punt made me feel like a kid again. I went at least once as a child but have more memories riding blocks of ice down grassy hills during the scorching Phoenix summers.
Our accommodation included a wooden sled that looked straight out of a storybook. Colani Sport came back in handy for us to rent additional, sportier sleds.
We found two easy sledding options that we could walk to in La Punt. A local road and walking path that follows a stream offers picturesque views and enough of an incline to get some downhill speed. We did need to be aware of vehicle traffic and spent plenty of time walking the sleds between sections.
There were shorter and steeper options near the Müsella children's ski lift, and along the cross-country ski path. The family-friendly toboggan hill was nearly empty during our stay, making it a convenient choice for some quick runs.
It was fun to improve my sledding technique during my stay and practice steering. This was another easy and low-intensity way to enjoy being outdoors!
4. Enjoy Winter Hiking on Groomed Trails
I decided after my cross-country lesson to skip downhill skiing this trip. But I didn’t want to be left out when my travel companions planned a ski day in St. Moritz. I considered parking myself at one of the restaurants on the slopes until I found a winter hike that aligned with their plans.
Unlike snowshoeing, the winter hiking trails don’t require special equipment. They are groomed paths of compact snow, though waterproof boots are still recommended.
I slept in later than the skiers in my group, and made my way from La Punt to Marguns using a bus and a gondola. I met them for an early lunch in Marguns after their first few hours of skiing.
Then I set off for the trail between Marguns and Chantarella. I quickly checked in with the ski patrol beforehand, who told me the trail was in good condition except for some icy portions that required holding onto hand ropes.
I was wowed by the whole experience.
It was mostly a gentle walk with stunning mountain views. I was charmed to find plenty of benches with blankets and felt safe due to the well-marked trail. I took my time during the steep and slippery sections and made it without issue.
My travelmates skied to meet me in Chantarella for a quick hello before they continued on. I took the funicular to St. Moritz and explored the town before heading back to La Punt.
5. Relax in a Swiss Spa or Mineral Bath
A wellness day was the perfect treat after all the new activities. There are plenty of baths, saunas, and spas in the area surrounding La Punt.
I chose the nearby Mineralbad Samedan. They offer massages and other treatments, but I just spent a few hours enjoying the facilities. The five levels include bathing and steam rooms.
I particularly enjoyed the mountain views from inside and the rooftop bath. Bring a book if you want to enjoy the cozy relaxation rooms.
The facility offers a discounted price for those who enter in the evening, so it could also be a good après-ski option.
Bonus: Explore Engadin Architecture
I never tired of walking through La Punt to admire the traditional Engadin houses with their stone walls and artwork. For those even more interested in the history and culture of the region, you could try a tour or museum.
A few lazy morning strolls to the bakery and afternoons with coffee and a book at home struck the right balance for my winter holiday.
Quick Comparison: Winter Activities for Non-Skiers
| Activity | Best For... | Difficulty Level | Essential Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-Country Skiing | Fitness & Gliding | Moderate | Skis, Poles (Rentable) |
| Snowshoeing | Deep Snow Views | Easy | Snowshoes (Rentable) |
| Sledding | Family Fun | Easy | Sled, Helmet, Boots |
| Winter Hiking | Relaxed Sightseeing | Easy | Waterproof Boots |
| Thermal Spa | Recovery & Relaxing | None | Swimsuit |
FAQs about Winter Sports in La Punt
Dimitri Burkhard
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