Diavolezza
Diavolezza: 35km pistes, 2093-3006m, Switzerland's longest glacier descent. High-altitude powder paradise in Upper Engadine.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
17 Oct 2026
Closes
2 May 2027
Days open
197
Annual snow
5m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Diavolezza operates between 2093 and 3006 metres in the Val Bernina, delivering 913 metres of vertical drop across 35 kilometres of marked pistes and 10 additional kilometres of ski routes. The resort's two separate mountains, Diavolezza and Lagalb, offer 10 designated runs split 12% beginner, 65% intermediate and 23% advanced/expert terrain. The 10-kilometre Morteratsch glacier descent ranks as Switzerland's longest secured glacier run, whilst Lagalb's Minor slope holds an 86% gradient, making it Graubünden's steepest prepared piste. Sitting entirely above 2000 metres on north-facing terrain, the resort guarantees reliable snow conditions throughout its extended season.
Diavolezza caters primarily to intermediate and advanced skiers, with limited terrain for beginners beyond a small practice area at the base. The Diavolezza side features wide cruising runs and the signature glacier route past Piz Palü and Piz Bernina, whilst Lagalb delivers steeper, more technical terrain including the challenging La Rösa freeride descent into Val Poschiavo. Off-piste opportunities dominate the experience, with accessible sidecountry lines in Val Arlas and Val Minor drawing freeriders to this treeless, high-alpine environment. The resort's compact lift network means minimal crowds and quick access to untracked powder after storms.
Berghaus Diavolezza at 2978 metres provides on-mountain dining, overnight accommodation and an outdoor jacuzzi with direct glacier views. The summit station serves as base for full moon skiing events during Glüna Plaina and the Diavolezza Challenge ski touring route. Both mountains feature their own railway stations at the base, with Rhaetian Railway providing direct access via the UNESCO Bernina Line. The intimate scale and authentic mountain atmosphere contrast sharply with the busier St Moritz resorts just down the valley.
Diavolezza and Lagalb operate under local lift passes starting at CHF 38-70.50 per adult day ticket with dynamic pricing, or form part of the Upper Engadin regional pass covering Corvatsch, Corviglia and all St Moritz resorts across 350 kilometres of terrain plus free local trains and buses. The 2025-26 season runs from mid-October through early May, capitalising on the glacier's altitude advantage. This is expert-focused terrain for confident skiers seeking off-piste adventure, long cruising runs and some of Switzerland's most dramatic high-alpine scenery away from mainstream resort crowds.
913m
Vertical
10
Runs
35 km
Piste
5m
Annual snow
Engadin Pass
Pass
The Terrain
10 runs across 35 km of piste
Diavolezza sits entirely above 2,000 metres, with 10 runs and 35 kilometres of piste falling 913 metres from the 3,006-metre summit to a base at 2,093 metres. The split is 12% beginner, 65% intermediate, 20% advanced and 3% expert, so the mountain is pitched at confident skiers rather than first-timers. Two aerial trams, a quad chair, a T-bar and a surface lift handle the uphill work, and around 6 metres of annual snowfall settles on open, treeless slopes with little shelter from the weather. Snow reliability is the main selling point of the high-alpine setting.
The signature descent is the Morteratsch glacier route, an ungroomed run of roughly 10 kilometres that passes beneath Piz Palü and Piz Bernina before finishing at Morteratsch station. Treat it as a guided or well-informed outing. Across at Lagalb, the Minor slope is Graubünden's steepest prepared piste, while La Rösa gives firn-snow freeride towards Val Poschiavo. Learners find little here beyond a small practice area, so Diavolezza rewards advanced skiers and freeriders who want steep, open ground over lift-served variety. The Diavolezza side adds wide cruising runs, and sidecountry lines in Val Arlas reward those with avalanche training.
Terrain split
10
runs
10 runs across 4 grades
Beginner1 run · 12%
Intermediate7 runs · 65%
Advanced2 runs · 20%
Expert0 runs · 3%
Time it right
When to visit Diavolezza
Diavolezza operates from 18 November 2025 through 3 May 2026 for the 2025-26 season, with Lagalb running a shorter schedule from late December to mid-April. Early-season skiing in October and November typically operates weekends only until continuous operations begin in late December. The extended calendar exploits the glacier's altitude advantage, with skiing possible into late spring when lower resorts have closed. Morteratsch glacier runs remain skiable well into May under most seasonal conditions, though coverage varies annually based on snowfall and temperatures.
The resort's entirely above-2000-metre elevation and north-facing exposure deliver consistent snow quality throughout winter. Annual snowfall averages 6 metres at summit elevations, supplemented by 13.5 kilometres of snowmaking coverage across key runs. Cold temperatures preserve powder for days after storms, particularly on shaded aspects below Piz Palü and in the Val Minor bowl. Base depths at the lower stations typically hold 24-54 centimetres mid-season, whilst upper terrain maintains substantially deeper coverage. Glacier skiing ensures reliable spring conditions when valley resorts struggle with thin bases.
January through March offer peak powder potential, with February delivering the most stable weather windows for off-piste exploration. Early season October-November attracts ski touring enthusiasts and locals chasing first tracks, whilst April-May spring skiing benefits from longer days and softer snow. Midweek visits outside Swiss school holidays guarantee quieter slopes and shorter lift queues. Weather can turn fierce when storms funnel through the Bernina Pass, with wind and low visibility occasionally shutting operations.
Glüna Plaina full moon skiing events run select evenings throughout winter, with illuminated descents from Diavolezza accompanied by on-mountain dining at CHF 45 per ticket. The Diavolezza Challenge ski touring route operates as a timed training course for both beginners and experienced alpinists. No major competitions or festivals anchor the calendar, keeping the focus on pure skiing rather than spectacle. Summer operations remain limited to cable car sightseeing access and alpine hiking rather than glacier skiing.
Season 2026 - 2027
17 Oct 2026
Opens
2 May 2027
Closes
197
Days open
5 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Diavolezza
Daily snow reports at Diavolezza go back to 1996, 30 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
70 cm
Snowiest day
4 Apr 2019
384 cm
This winter · 2025-26
so far
498 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Diavolezza, and where to stay
Diavolezza sits in the Val Bernina within Graubünden canton, 17 kilometres southeast of St Moritz in Switzerland's Upper Engadine valley. The base stations rest at 2093 metres on the Bernina Pass road connecting the Engadin with Italy's Valtellina, surrounded by the 4049-metre Piz Bernina and the Morteratsch and Pers glaciers. The resort operates within Pontresina municipality, though it sits isolated from valley settlements. The dramatic Bernina massif forms the backdrop, with Piz Palü's distinctive triple summit dominating the skyline. This is true high-alpine terrain, treeless and exposed to the elements.
Pontresina lies 10 kilometres northwest, Celerina 14 kilometres and St Moritz 17 kilometres by road, making all three viable accommodation bases. Samedan sits 15 kilometres away near the valley floor at 1700 metres elevation. The cosmopolitan resort of St Moritz offers luxury lodging and dining, whilst Pontresina provides a quieter, more traditional mountain village atmosphere. Zuoz, Bever and La Punt serve as alternative bases further down the Engadine valley. The region's Romansch cultural heritage persists in architecture and place names, though tourism has brought international influences.
Access from the northwest follows the Julier Pass (2284 metres) via Silvaplana, remaining open year-round as the primary route from Chur and Zurich. The Bernina Pass road (2328 metres) connects southward to Poschiavo and Tirano in Italy, though winter closures occasionally restrict access. From the east, the Flüela Pass typically closes November through May, forcing traffic through the Vereina rail tunnel or via the Lower Engadine. Drive times from Zurich reach approximately 3 hours covering 200 kilometres, whilst Milan sits 3.5 hours distant.
Zurich Airport lies 200 kilometres northwest with train connections via Chur requiring 3.5-4.5 hours and at least two changes. Milan Malpensa Airport sits 180 kilometres south, approximately 3 hours 40 minutes by car. Munich Airport reaches 4 hours northeast. The Bernina Diavolezza railway station sits directly at the lift base, served by Rhaetian Railway's Bernina Line linking St Moritz with Tirano on the UNESCO World Heritage Albula/Bernina route. Regular trains eliminate car dependency for day visitors from the Engadine valley.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Diavolezza, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Diavolezza's ski season?
Diavolezza's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from October 17 through May 2. That window is roughly 197 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Switzerland, Europe often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Diavolezza have?
Diavolezza lists about 35 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 10 named runs. That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Diavolezza?
Trail grading at Diavolezza breaks down roughly as 12% beginner, 65% intermediate, 20% advanced, 3% expert. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Blue/Red) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Diavolezza have?
Diavolezza operates 5 lifts across 4 lift types. The fleet includes 2 aerial trams, 1 quad chair, 1 t-bar, and 1 surface lift.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Diavolezza?
Base elevation at Diavolezza is about 2,093 m (6,867 ft), with the summit around 3,006 m (9,862 ft), giving roughly 913 m (2,995 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Diavolezza get each season?
Diavolezza averages about 498 cm (196 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Does Diavolezza accept the Engadin Pass?
Diavolezza is affiliated with the Engadin Pass. Pass holders should confirm current season benefits, blackout dates, and reservation rules on the pass issuer's site. Policies change year to year and can differ between international and domestic products.
If you are not on Engadin Pass, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Diavolezza lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans CHF 18 to CHF 115, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (multi-day passes, season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Diavolezza before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 2 live mountain webcams, an interactive live trail map and a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Diavolezza so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Diavolezza have a trail map?
Yes. A live interactive map embeds current lift and run status when the provider supplies it, which is useful on-morning for seeing what is actually spinning. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Diavolezza. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Diavolezza located?
Diavolezza sits in Switzerland, Europe. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
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