The Corvatsch cable car

Touching the Sky: Discover the Iconic Corvatch Cable Car

Nestled in the breathtaking Upper Engadin region of Switzerland, the Corvatsch cable car offers an inspiring gateway to a fairy-tale alpine world. Rising majestically beside the 4,408-metre Piz Bernina—the only peak above 4,000 metres in the canton of Graubünden—Mighty Piz Corvatsch dominates the landscape. Taking this legendary cable car transports travelers from the valley up to an astonishing 3,303 metres above sea level, making its mountain station the highest in the entire canton. Whether you are chasing powder snow or seeking serene summer vistas, the Corvatch cable car promises an unforgettable adventure above the clouds.

A Tapestry of Time: The History of Corvatsch

The story of human fascination with this majestic peak stretches back well over a century. Long before modern engineering conquered the slopes, the pioneering spirit was ignited in 1899, when Philip Mark and Claudio Saratz made history as the first people to scale Piz Corvatsch on skis.

By the 1950s, visionary planning began for a cable car that would make these high-altitude realms accessible to all. This monumental engineering feat culminated on 23 March 1963, with the opening of the first section, closely followed by the second section and ski lifts later that year on 8 and 23 December 1963. The summit restaurant opened its doors shortly after in 1964, welcoming awestruck travelers to dine at the roof of the world. Over the decades, the infrastructure evolved. To keep pace with modern safety and comfort, a comprehensive modernization project saw the demolition of the old second-section cable car and the triumphant opening of a brand-new cable car system on 22 November 2008.

Alpine Highlights: What Awaits You at 3,303 Metres

Riding the Corvatch cable car opens up a world of extraordinary experiences across all seasons:

• Breathtaking 360-Degree Views: At the summit, Restaurant 3303 allows visitors to soak in sweeping panoramic vistas of the surrounding glaciers and peaks completely sheltered from the high-altitude winds.
• World-Class Winter Sports: Corvatsch is a dream for snow enthusiasts, offering powder snow until the end of April across 120 kilometres of impeccably groomed slopes. Every Friday night plays host to “Snow Night,” inviting skiers to tackle Switzerland’s longest illuminated slope.
• The Legendary Hahnensee Run: Known as the “king of ski runs,” the descent from Corvatsch down to St. Moritz is one of the most legendary tracks in the entire Engadin valley.
• Summer Wonderland: When the snow melts, 80 kilometres of hiking trails emerge. Highlights include the Water Trail featuring six pristine Lejins (Romansh for lakes) and the scenic Via Gastronomica.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that the Corvatch mountain station holds a delicious secret? Perched at an breath-taking 3,303 metres above sea level, it is not only the highest station in Graubünden, but it is also home to the ORMA Whisky Distillery, proudly recognized as the highest whisky distillery in the world! Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the distillery, combining high-altitude exploration with the art of fine spirit crafting.

From its rich pioneering history to its modern engineering marvels, the Corvatch cable car remains a crown jewel of the Swiss Alps. It invites every traveler to pause, look out over the endless peaks, and connect with the raw, inspiring beauty of nature.