Overview
Piz Languard seen from the south |
Piz Languard is one of the highest mountains of the
Livigno Alps. At 3262m it stands on a north-to south running ridge directly opposite of the
Bernina Group. The lack of direct neighbours of similar heights makes it one of the best lookout peaks in the whole
Engadin region of Switzerland. On a clear day you can see as far as
Gran Paradiso, 234km (145miles) away! On the other hand, the mid range panorama is impressive as well and there are few places where you can study climbers on the
Biancograt ridge better than on its summit.
Moreover,
Piz Languard is very easy to reach. There is a chair lift from
Pontresina, aptly named "Languard", which takes you up to 2300m so that a mere 950m need to be scaled. A regular hiking trail takes you right up to the base at 2900m and at more than 3200m the mountain hut
Chamanna Georgy offers food, drink and accommodation. The return trip takes little more than 5 hours (maybe less). Consequently,
Piz Languard is one of the most popular 3000ers of the Alps.
From the hut, the remaining 150m are the most difficult and exposed part of the route. However, a multitude of red-and-white signs ensure that you won't be able to lose your way, even in foggy conditions. But you wouldn't want to climb the mountain in these ...
Thanks to the short duration of the actual acsent many hikers explore the meadows beneath the mountain in
Val Vanguard, often visiting
Lai Languard an emerald green lake between our mountain and neighbouring
Piz Albris. There is another cable-car at
Muottas Muragl, some 4km to the north-west of the mountain. The trail leading there is famous for the herds of Ibexes living there and is aptly named "Steinbockweg".
360° Summit Panorama
360° summit panorama Piz Languard, skipping the summit pyramid ;-)
Getting There
The Albula Alps above St. Moritz, seen right after the start of the ascent to Piz Languard
The trailheads at either
Muottas Muragl or
Pontresina are easy to reach. Both are located on B29, which heads from
Samedan / St. Moritz towards
Bernina Pass. Follow the signs to St. Moritz and right after / before
Samedan at the roundabout take the exit towards Pontresina. The cable train to Muottas Muragl is located directly after the roundabout while Pontresina is a few km to the south.
Red Tape
The Bernina Group seen from Piz Languard
There is little parking space in
Pontresina. Beside the chair lift there is a tiny parking lot with some 15 spaces, in the village itself you can find some parking decks but all parking requires fees. For a day you will have to pay around 10 CHF.
When To Climb
The Silvretta Group seen from Piz Languard, in between Livigno Alps and Sesvenna Group
Regular hiking season is from July through October. In winter you can either ski-tour the summit or go with full winter equipment (ice axe, crampons). The hut is only open duringthe summer season.
Accommodation
Refuge
The refuge right beneath the summit is
Chamanna Georgy
Accomm: 24 beds
Open: only in summer
Tel.: Tel. +41 (0)78 670 95 79
Mail: info@georgy-huette.ch
Camping
Morterasch Camping
Plauns 13
CH-7504 Pontresina
Tel.: 081 842 62 85
Fax: 081 834 51 36
E-Mail.: mail@camping-morteratsch.ch
Hotels and Apartments
www.pontresina.chMountain Conditions
Maps & Books
Maps
- Oberengadin / Alta Engadina
1 : 40.000
WK 99
Kompass Verlag
ISBN: 978-3-85026-909-4
Books
- Oberengadin
Rudolf & Siegrun Weiss
Rother Verlag
ISBN: 978-3-7633-4042-2