Crasta Mora

This demanding hike leads to Bever's local mountain, Crasta Mora. From the viewpoint at around 2350 meters, there is a magnificent panoramic view over Val Bever as well as the middle Upper Engadin to the Bernina group. Some special features must be observed along the way. 

Crasta Mora rises north of Bever to an elevation of 2952 meters. Since time immemorial, the forest stretching from the village edge up to about 2200 to 2300 meters has been of great importance as a protection forest – safeguarding the village from natural hazards such as rockfalls or avalanches. Despite industrial logging, several forest fires, and avalanches, gaps were closed through reforestation in the 19th and 20th centuries; massive protective structures were also built. A reaction to the forest fires is the sophisticated protection concept, as part of which water sluices, helicopter landing pads, and also the trail network partly used on this hike were established on the slope of Crasta Mora. 

The route starts at Bever train station and initially leads through the old town center. For the first two kilometers, you can follow the long-distance trail "Via Engiadina" northwards very comfortably, which is marked with the Switzerland Mobility route number 87 and as a white-red-white mountain trail. At the village edge, you gradually gain altitude and follow the road used in winter for the sledging track. At point 1827, the "Via Engiadina" becomes a narrow path and leads at about the same height towards La Punt; initially, you stay on the alpine road to Crasta Mora, which here describes three 180-degree hairpin bends. 

The marking now changes; from here on, you should watch for green dots, which indicate the path in quick succession. Forest and clearings – dangerous avalanche paths in winter and spring – alternate, and you get repeated views into the valley. After just over an hour, a small forester’s hut appears; you can disregard the path ascending from below. About half the elevation gain is now done. 

The second stage requires more attention, for the first time after only a few hundred meters. At the fork, keep right on the path that continues up the mountain and is now marked white. In relentless zigzag, partly with short steep sections, you soon reach the water reservoir after another 45 minutes. From here, the cool water collected in a side valley flows down to the valley as firefighting water. Massive avalanche barriers testify to the challenges of some severe winters. 

Slightly above the water reservoir, beautiful meadows offer excellent opportunities for an extensive picnic. Those who study the surroundings carefully might even spot a chamois! The descent is along the same route in reverse – first via the white and then the green path to the Via Engiadina and then back into the village. Other marked paths within the forest fire protection concept can also be walked; information is on boards on site. Chesa Salis, Boutique Bistrot Bijoux, Bever Lodge, or Da Primo invite you to end your hike with a small refreshment.

Further information Engadin Tourism AG Via Maistra 1 CH-7500 St. Moritz Phone: +41 81 830 00 01 Email: allegra@engadin.ch Internet: www.engadin.ch