Piz Umbrail and descent to Lai da Rims

In the summer months, a PostAuto runs from Sta. Maria up to Umbrail Pass. Just below the mountain hut Astras begins the ascent along the border to Italy. Along the way, we pass some relics of the Swiss border fortifications from World War I. After a scree field, a brief section requires a good head for heights. From Piz Umbrail, there is a magnificent view. Descent past Lai da Rims (2396 m above sea level) - the mountain lake is an ideal place for a rest. Along a stream, steep switchbacks descend until the road from Val Mora is reached. At Tschuccai, the path forks. We keep right and hike down Val Vau to Sta. Maria.