SILS LIVE — 17:20
Nothing beats cross-country skiing in the Engadin. In Sils, you can enjoy nature at its best. It's an extraordinary experience, every time. Gaby and Bruno Birrer have been spending holidays in Sils for 30 years and have experienced everything from blazing sunshine to driving snow.
The expanse of the frozen Lake Sils
«Cross-country skiing in Sils is not only good for your heart – it touches your soul. You forget everything the moment you start gliding across the white expanse of Lej da Segl. Five kilometres of pure joy.» Bruno Birrer is a former triathlete who took part in the Hawaiian Ironman. Today he simply enjoys life. He leaves the sporting ambition to his wife, Gaby. «She races in the Engadin Skimarathon and the women's race.»
«I cherish every single step. Here I am a part of nature.»
«Bearded vultures are circling overhead. I see chamois and red deer. Here I am a part of nature.» Whether with deep-blue skies, relentless Maloja wind, or thick flurries of snow: Gaby and Bruno Birrer are on their skis no matter what. «Every day we spend up here is a gift.» Sils in the Engadin has been their second home for 30 years.
What sustains this love?
«I feel joy the moment I set off, hear my heart beating in the silence and take in the countryside around me. I just can't get enough of it.» Bruno's favourite trail? «If you start off in Sils, the Engadin has trails for skiers of all abilities. For example, the challenging circular trail La Palza or the six-kilometre trail to Plaun Vadret in the Fex Valley. It's just like a winter fairy tale. My favourite trail is, and will always be, the trail across the frozen Lake Sils.»
Interactive cross-country skiing map
Getting to their paradise
When Gaby and Bruno Birrer travel to Sils, they literally walk there: they always get off the train in St. Moritz and hike to their second home. «It helps you get acclimatised to the altitude up here.» But it is also their way of acknowledging how lucky they are: «We receive such a friendly welcome here that we want to savour our arrival every step of the way.»
Bruno & Gaby`s Tips
- Take a break
«In the Pensione Lagrev restaurant in Isola: Enjoy home-made polenta with cheese.» - Lake run
«Glide along Lake Silvaplana on the cross-country ski trail to Surlej through the snow-covered larch forest and often directly along the shores of the glassy or frozen lake.» - Black ice walk
«Enjoy a unique experience on one of the frozen lakes in the Engadin, at your own risk.» - Winter fairy tale Val Fex
«Leave your skis at home for a change and explore the winter landscape on the groomed winter hiking trails.»
Discover more about cross-country skiing
For further information click here
Useful links
Interactive map
There are 220 varied kilometres of cross-country trails to discover.
Ski trail report
See which ski trails are in operation in the Engadin.
Cross-country ski courses
The Swiss cross-country ski school Corvatsch has courses to suit everyone.
Rent, buy and service
The local sport shops provide a full service as well as much more.
