Via Engiadina, Stage 12: Tschlin – Vinadi. Ascending above Tschlin the trail traverses three shallow side valleys before descending through gorges to reach Vinadi near the border with Austria. I thought this stage would be easy, but the steep technical descents made it challenging for me. But that’s it, that’s all 12 stages hiked this summer. 🎉 Naturally I followed this up with one last visit to Bogn Engiadina Scuol before hopping three trains and a bus home.

Stats: 12.67km, 325m ⬆️ / 778m ⬇️, 3h37m, 18°C ☀️.
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Via Engiadina, Stage 11: Sent – Tschlin. Explored the Val Sinestra, this time within the treeline, and then traversed the southern slopes of Piz Arina before descending into the village of Tschlin. Although it was 18°C went I set out, the feels like temperature was 31°C at the end. Fortunately I was able to relax and cool off at Bogn Engiadina Scuol again after the hike.

Stats: 17.06km, 608m ⬆️ / 522m ⬇️, 4h44m, 18°C ☀️.
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Via Engiadina, Stage 10: Ftan – Sent. Easiest stage yet because it already started at altitude. I explored the Val Clozza and then slowly descended into the village of Sent. After the hike I cooled off at my favorite spa in the world: Bogn Engiadina Scuol. Next up: Val Sinestra.

Stats: 13.06km, 235m ⬆️ / 870m ⬇️, 4h0m, 15°C ☀️.
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Via Engiadina, Stage 9: Ardez – Ftan. Yet another ascent into a side valley, Val Tasna, above the treeline and then traverse; only this time I took a chairlift down to the Engadine village of Ftan. The weather is getting hotter. My ankle is still holding up. Tomorrow: Val Clozza.

Stats: 14.61km, 866m ⬆️ / 281m ⬇️, 4h54m, 14°C ☀️.
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Via Engiadina, Stage 8: Guarda – Ardez. Another lovely ascent into a side valley up above the treeline and traverse across the mountainside before descending into an Engiadine village (Ardez) to spend the night. My ankle felt better today. Tomorrow I ascend into the next side valley.

Stats: 14.55km, 645m ⬆️ / 836m ⬇️, 5h35m, 11°C ☁️.
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Via Engiadina, Stage 7: Lavin – Guarda. Lovely ascent and then traverse of the slopes of Piz Chapisun above the treeline. It took me a lot longer to traverse and come down than it did to hike up because my ankle was bothering me. Tomorrow’s hike does something similar but with the next side valley.

Stats: 15.38km, 982m ⬆️ / 757m ⬇️, 6h15m, 13°C ☀️.
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Via Engiadina, Stage 6 (Modified): Zernez – Lavin. Added a detour to visit the Fortezza Rohan ruins above Susch. Lovely hike along the banks of the river Inn.

Stats: 13.39km, 479m ⬆️ / 540m ⬇️, 4h5m, 8°C ☁️.
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Via Engiadina, Stage 5: Zuoz – Zernez. Once you ascend out of Zuoz to Acla Laret, the stage consists mostly of gentle ascents and descents on gravel roads through forests and pastures that cross from the Upper to Lower Engadine. Today’s weather was perfect for me.

Stats: 20.11km, 629m ⬆️ / 883m ⬇️, 5h25m, 7°C ⛅️.
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Via Engiadina, Stage 4: Bever – Zuoz. Quite different from the previous three stages as this one kept entirely below the tree line. Mostly gentle rolling ascents and descents as you traverse the valley side through forests and pastures. The fields of wildflowers as I approached Zuoz were off the chain. The stage both begins and ends in typical upper Engadine villages.

Stats: 12km, 491m ascent / 477m descent, 3h30m, 11°C ☀️
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Via Engiadina, Stage 3 (Modified): Signal – Bever. Fantastic scenery above Corviglia and during the traverse between Marguns and Alp Muntatsch. Lots of marmots whistling to each other. I just got off the mountain before the rain and maybe an hour before the hail and violent thunderstorms.

Stats: 17.2km, 639m ascent / 1,060m descent, 5h19m, 14°C ⛅️
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