Eye-to-eye with the king of the Alps

spring is Languard in Pontresina, in the sign of Capricorn: Above the village, in the Val, lives one of the largest colonies in the Alps. Between mid-March and the beginning of June, when in the high altitudes still have snow, the meadows in the valley, however, already green, the animals in search of food up to the village, where you can graze or playful Fight effortlessly observe.

For many guests, this is a unique natural spectacle for the Locals is a recurring Highlight. Thus, village residents report that they have already counted up to 30 animals on a Meadow at the edge of the village.

Family-friendly world of experience

In Switzerland, an estimated 15'000 stone blocks, of which slightly less than half in the Canton of Graubünden and around 1800 in the Val Languard. The colony on the Piz Albris is considered to be unique in Switzerland".

After the stone wild at the beginning of the 19th century. Century, among other things, because of the supposed healing powers of the horns and other parts of the body was far exterminated, they were established from 1920 onwards, in the Engadine national Park, which led to the emergence of Albris colony, above Pontresina.

the coat of arms in honour of the Grisons, the beast, the upper Engadin municipality of 2017 has opened the world of experience "Capricorn-Paradise Pontresina". In addition to a child-friendly themes, promenade, car, close to the village with entertaining information on the nature, habitat and distribution of animals there are on the Alp Languard, a gallery and a Playground:

right next to the chairlift mountain station at 2332 metres above sea level, can compete with kids in a Competition against the clever "king of the Alps". With the "ibex Pass," will get guests in a playful way tips for routes and huts in the area. Because as soon as the temperatures rise, the animals again in the higher realms, where you can watch them with a bit of luck on sheep mountain or on the Pass, Fuorcla Pischa from the trail.

free guided tours with local experts

to spot ibex, it takes a lot of patience and experienced sense. With her grey-brown fur, the animals in the Alpine environment are often difficult to see. The local Hiking guide and mountain guide Marco Salis, who accompanied us from the Alp Languard to Muottas Muragl, makes us a strong smell and the rustle of branches carefully. And indeed, Only a few meters from the trail far, juts out from behind a rock with a majestic horns of almost one Meter length.

A few minutes later, a magnificent specimen of a Capricorn is shown in its full Size. "An old animal," says Salis after a look through his spotting scope. This is one of the numerous nodes in the Horn recognizable – enough food, there is an average of two per year.

Like her husband, Christine Salis offers specialized Capricorn excursions. Who wants to watch the stone blocks directly behind Pontresina in the spring together with the experienced Hiking guide, can from 23. April to early June, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, book on-site guide. The participation is free of charge (registration required). (Editorial Tamedia)

Created: 01.04.2019, 15:12 PM