Private Point to Point trip in the Engadin Valley

Arrival:

Train: The Engadin valley can be reached by train from various European cities. For the Swiss section consider a holiday/visitors card from SBB for reduced rates. For details refer to Swiss Railway. From Zurich airport there is big chance you'll have to transfer in the main train station of Zurich and from there you'll continue on to Chur, you'll join the famous Rhaetian railway and then Sankt Moritz. Here is the link which goes directly to the train departing the airport at 17.19h and arrives in Sankt Moritz at 20.55h.

From there, I'll have arranged a taxi for Steve to be picked up and dropped off at the hotel in Maloja on Monday evening 25/01.

For Jess there will be taxi arranged on Tuesday 26/01 late in the evening.

Please do confirm with me what time you think you'll arrive in Sankt Mortiz so I can book the taxi at the correct time.

To find out more about the region visit: Pontresina and the Engadin valley

Departure:

Train: From Zernez you can take the train back to Sankt Moritz and from there make your way back to Zurich.

It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate. 

Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page. 

Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.

Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.

All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.

When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you may encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. 

You require clothing that allows freedom of movement, and mobility. Warm leggings or trousers that are made of stretch fabric are best. Layers are ideal for your upper body as they allow you to adjust your temperature. Alpine ski clothing is not appropriate as it is too bulky, too warm, and restricts movement.

Equipment

We use 'classic' style cross country track skis for this trip either ‘fishscales’ or ‘skintec’. You can choose to bring your own 'classic' track skis, however, do check with us first to ensure they are suitable. 

Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired at the start of the trip. The cost of hire is indicated in 'Trip Information'. If you are intending to hire you must inform us as soon as possible as equipment must be booked in advance. The type of ski supplied by the hire shop is provided in the 'Ski Rental' section of the Trip Information page. If in doubt about the suitability of your own skis please contact us.

• Rucksack - 15 to 20 litres with waist and chest strap.

• Waist belt - to carry just the essentials when the weather is settled

• Rucksack waterproof cover or liner to keep contents dry

• Water container - 1 litre, drink tubes and bottles stowed on the outside of your rucksack usually freeze in winter

Clothing 

• Waterproof jacket - essential, this must keep you dry during a day of continuous snowfall or at least as dry as any waterproof jacket ever keeps you!

• Waterproof trousers - in case of heavy snowfall

• Trousers - lightweight, windproof and warm 

• Thermal top - long sleeves

• Thin fleece - long sleeves

• Waistcoat - fleece/wind stopper 

• Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin)

• Warm hat

• Sun hat

• Head/ear band 

• Duvet jacket (or second warm layer)

• Scarf or 'Buff' for neck

• Socks - 2 or 3 pairs

Comfort

• Lip salve

• Sunscreen - essential

• Sunglasses - essential

• Snack bars/chocolate

• Tissues - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish

• Anti-bacterial hand wash

Personal First Aid

• Personal medication 

• Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)

• Painkillers/anti-inflammatory

• Glucose tablets/Energy gel

• 2 x Rehydration sachets - eg Dioralyte

• Throat lozenges

• Antiseptic cream/spray

Documentation 

• Mountain Rescue/Ski Insurance documents - compulsory

• Passport

• Credit card

• Cash - Euros

• GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover

Additional Items

• Slippers for use at accommodation

• Clothing for use at accommodation

• Travel Kettle if required 

• Swimwear for spa

• Camera/ Book/Music

• Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these

• Ear plugs - if room sharing

• Micro-spikes/boot grippers - optional, for icy conditions on the street/car park

Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet

Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit

I believe that both of you will be bringing your own equipment, please do let me know if you end up changing your mind, then I can look into organising rental equipment for you.

When creating private trips for guests your trip fee does not include the cost of additional expenses such as transport, accommodation or cable cars which may be required to complete your route due to itinerary changes. We aim to complete the agreed itinerary, however, in terms of both safety and enjoyment the route can only be followed when conditions/weather are appropriate. Your guide will make a decision on your route based on those conditions. Any decision by your guide will be final and indisputable. We therefore, if required, ask that you are prepared to cover these unforeseen expenses. It is rare that we need to apply this, but by operating on a case-by-case basis we avoid building these costs into your agreed trip price.

Your safety while skiing is our priority. All skiers are requested to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by the International Ski Federation, or FIS. The aim is to make you, the skier, aware of how to avoid risks, take responsibility and act thoughtfully while on the cross-country ski tracks. 

• Respect for others
  A cross-country skier must ski in such a manner that they do does endanger or prejudice others.

• Respect for signs, direction and running style
  Trail marking signs must be respected on any trail marked with an indicated direction. A skier shall proceed only in that indicated direction and ski in the indicated running style.

• Choice of trails and tracks
  On cross-country trails with more than one packed track, a skier should choose the right-hand track. Skiers in groups must keep in the right track behind each other. With free running style, skiers shall keep to their right-hand-side of the trail.

• Overtaking
  A skier is permitted to overtake and pass another skier to the left or right. A skier ahead is not obliged to give way to an overtaking skier, but should allow a faster skier to pass whenever this is possible.

• Encounter
  Cross-country skiers meeting while skiing opposite directions shall keep to their right. A descending skier has priority.

• Poles
  A cross-country skier shall make the utmost effort to keep their poles close to their body when near another skier.

• Control of speed
  A cross-country skier, and especially going downhill, shall always adapt their speed to personal ability and to the prevailing terrain and visibility and to the traffic on the course. Every skier should keep a safe distance from the skiers ahead. As a last resort, an intentional fall should be used to avoid collision.

• Keeping trails and tracks clear
  A skier who stops must leave the trail. In the case of a fall, they shall clear the trail without delay.

• Accident
  In case of an accident, everyone should render assistance.

• Identification
  Everybody at an accident, whether witnesses, responsible parties or not, must establish their identity. 

On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.

We go to great lengths to work with first-class ski instructors who are passionate about their work. They will be a BASI qualified, or equivalent, Nordic Ski Instructor. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors and is one of Europe's leading examining boards for those choosing a career in snow sports. For some trips your ski instructor will hold the national qualification required for the country you are visiting. All are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.

In the majority of cases your instructor will also be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culture and traditions. Your instructor has complete discretion to make a decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. You can learn more about our guides and instructors at About Us. 

On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required.

As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), do let me know how many bags you will have in the end. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.

The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.

Winter mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In winter the weather can be everything from clear blue skies, and glorious sunshine, to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for all conditions. In December and January they can range from -10°Celsius (14°F) to 3°Celsius (37.4F), in February from -5°Celsius (23°F) to 7°Celsius (44.6°F), and in March from 0°Celsius (32°F) to 13°Celsius (55.4°F). 

Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem.  If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups. 

In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue.  If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.

Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.

Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not.  Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size. 

Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.

We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.

The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.

You can read our Sustainable Travel Policy here.

Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained. 

If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our winter activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here.

We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel:

Best Strength Workout for XC Skiing | Physio-Approved Ski Prep Exercises

Cross-Country Ski Warm-Up Guide | Essential Mobility & Activation Exercises

Cool Down for XC Skiers | Prevent Injury & Boost Recovery

Or if you would like to read our blog on suggestions for preparing for either cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing click here

Lunches are not included in your trip fee, allowing you to choose the trail food you enjoy while helping to reduce food waste. Lunches are generally picnic-style, with a packed lunch, snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the day. Your guide/instructor will advise you where to buy supplies locally or help you order a picnic from your accommodation. Occasionally, there may also be an opportunity to stop at a café or restaurant along the trail. Please pay for any lunches or drinks ordered from your accommodation the evening before, to avoid delays in the morning.