Bivio and Parc Ela: lakes, passes and pure nature

FULLY BOOKED (waiting list)! Historic passes, imposing summits, shimmering lakes, alpine pastures, fascinating geology, shady forests, an amazing diversity of alpine flowers… A hotel-based week of varied hiking amidst the breath-taking scenery of Parc Ela, the largest natural park in Switzerland and a unique biotope to explore on foot. We stay in the very comfortable and welcoming Hotel Post in Bivio, a small village situated on the historic Julier and Septimer pass routes. I look forward to sharing this wonderful region with you!

Type of hiking

• 6 days of guided hikes (Monday to Saturday), with discovery of the local flora and fauna, geology, history and culture.
• Hikes at level 3*, for enthusiastic walkers on good form; max. 1000‒1200 m up and down and 3‒7 hours’ walking per day (excluding breaks).
• Technical level: mostly T2 (Swiss Alpine Club grading), with rare short sections at T3.

Meet at the hotel in Bivio on the evening of Sunday 4 August.

Examples of day tours

Choice will depend on the local weather conditions and capacities of the group.

• Alp Flix: from the shady forest paths of the Veia Surmirana over the Kanonensattel to Alp Flix; discovery of this high plateau and unique biotope, with its meadows, moorland and lakes.
• Spectacular pass route into the Engadine: over a rocky, alpine pass high above the turquoise Engadine lakes; down to the lakeside via the charming hamlet of Grevasalvas.
• Bleis Muntaneala: a steep climb to a less-frequented peak, offering panoramic views in all directions.
• Geological tour: steep green pastures, wild rocky landscapes, a cool lake at 2700 m; discovery of geological history as we pass rock formations from the Tethys ocean and ancient African continent.
• Three-pass circuit: from Bivio via the Valletta da Beiva and scenic Lake Columban to Fuorcla da la Valletta, perched high above the valley of Avers and Walser village of Juf; high-level traverse to Forcellina with its green serpentinite rocks; descent to the historic Roman Septimer Pass and back to Bivio.
• Val d’Err circuit: beautiful calm valley with a rich flora (fire lilies, edelweiss, orchids), surrounded by 3000-m peaks (Piz Mitgel, Piz d’Err, Piz Ela).

Price and booking

CHF 1420 per person  (min. 6, max. 10 participants), including: 6 days’ guided hikes; 6 nights’ accommodation in double rooms with half-board (4-course dinner); hotel sauna; Ela Card giving free use of local buses.

Price excludes: transport (except with Ela Card), insurance, picnic lunches, drinks, single-room supplement. Please allow about CHF 30 for possible additional minibus transport.

Simply click on the “Book now” button to reserve your place. Booking deadline: 30 June 2024.

Please carefully read my updated Terms and Conditions before signing up.