Vna – Zuort: Winter hike in Val Sinestra

The fact that we trudged through Val Sinestra last Saturday is based on a coincidence. The small side valley of the Lower Engadine would probably have gone unnoticed by me for a long time if we hadn’t dealt extensively with the “Cullas da Vnà” a few days before our planned weekend in the Scuol region anyway due to a culinary photo shoot. What sounds exotic is actually a fine speciality from the mountain village of the same name, which is located above Ramosch at the entrance to Val Sinestra. Curious – I didn’t know this eastern tip of the Engadine at all – we spontaneously planned a detour to Val Sinestra in our Scuol weekend. A good decision.

When we arrive, the last shreds of fog are still clawing at the valley flanks. But even the village tour through Vnà is an experience. With signs attached to the walls of houses, expressions in Romansh can be compared with the German, English and Italian words. We leave the village behind us and trudge through the crunching snow towards the end of the valley. The amounts of snow are far from abundant. Here and there, perky grasses peek out and under the fir trees the forest floor has remained dry. The clouds slowly dissipate and gradually reveal the peaks of the Lower Engadine. Beautiful views! The path leads us in a leisurely up and down through fir forests. The silence is striking. No car noise, no planes, no birdsong can be heard back here in Val Sinestra. Only once does the sound of a helicopter’s rotor reach us from the Inn Valley.

As beautiful as the path is, we secretly have only one destination on this day – the hamlet of Zuort. The inn, stable, chalet and chapel appear in a clearing in front of us. The history of the historical complex can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. We are greeted by a cheeky dog, who watches us at the forest clearing and accompanies us to the inn. And since it pulls a little too hard around our ears on the sun terrace, we make ourselves comfortable in the rustic dining room – next to the tiled stove – and share a plate of cheese, salsiz, salami and Graubünden dried meat.

As we start our way back, Val Sinestra presents itself in bright sunshine. The last clouds have dissipated and the beautiful panorama has been revealed. And Vnà lives up to the reputation of the picturesque Lower Engadine mountain villages in the late afternoon light. Luckily, the “Cullas da Vnà” and my curiosity led us here.

Practical information and tips for the winter hike from Vnà to Zort

The route can be found on the map below. The hike from the Vnà Jalmèr post bus station to the Zuort farm and back is about 9 kilometres long, includes an ascent of 250 metres in altitude and a descent of 250 metres in altitude. The trail is groomed and snowshoes are not necessary in normal snow conditions. The pure runtime is around 2.5 hours. The starting point can be reached from Scuol in about 30 minutes with the post bus line in the direction of Samnaun with a change in “Ramosch Fermada”. Depending on the time of day, the Vnà – Ramosch line is only served every two hours (check the timetable in advance).

The Zuort farm is open daily. More information about the farm and opening hours can be found here.