About Diavolezza
Standing at an altitude of 2,978 meters (9,770 feet) above sea level, Diavolezza—which translates to 'The She-Devil'—is one of Switzerland's most breathtaking alpine destinations. Located in the Engadin valley near St. Moritz, Diavolezza offers visitors a front-row seat to the high-alpine world of the Bernina Massif, including the iconic Piz Bernina (the highest peak in the Eastern Alps at 4,049 meters) and the legendary Piz Palü.
Whether visiting in winter or summer, Diavolezza provides unforgettable mountain experiences:
- Glacier Skiing & Winter Sports: Home to an 8-kilometer glacier run down to Morteratsch, offering one of the longest unsquared glacier ski routes in the Alps.
- Alpine Hiking & Mountaineering: High-altitude trails, via ferratas (Piz Trovat), and guided glacier walks over the Pers and Morteratsch glaciers.
- Highest Jacuzzi in Europe: Relax in a heated outdoor hot tub at 3,000 meters while gazing at snowy peaks.
- Virtual Reality Experience: The Virtual Diavolezza project allows visitors to witness the glacier's transformation through interactive VR technology.
History
The name Diavolezza originates from local folklore. According to ancient Engadin legend, a beautiful mountain fairy or 'she-devil' lived high among the rocks and glaciers. Hunters who followed her enchanting presence were lured into deep crevasses and never seen again, giving the mountain its sinister yet captivating name.
In modern history, Diavolezza transitioned from a remote mountaineering challenge into an accessible high-alpine hub with the opening of the first aerial tramway in 1956. Over the decades, the cable car system has been modernized to handle thousands of tourists and winter sports enthusiasts daily.
Today, Diavolezza also serves as an essential focal point for climate research and glacier observation, showcasing the changing dynamics of the Pers and Morteratsch glaciers.