Diavolezza Lagalb is the perfect ski destination for Powderhounds. It is an 'inbounds backcountry' ski resort in the truest sense of the description. It may not be for everyone, but still has something for everyone!!

If you are NOT into off piste skiing or snowboarding, then Diavolezza Lagalb should still appeal as a train based day trip taking in the views, riding the long piste trails & eating a fine lunch. If, on the other hand you ARE into riding the off piste - giddy up - you have arrived in freeride heaven.

Transport wise, both ski hills have their own free car parking, bus stops & of course a train station each on the brilliant Bernina Express train line between St Moritz & Tirano Italy. The local train & bus is included in multi-day region lift passes, allowing easy transport between Lagalb & Morteratsch (the bottom of the glacier run).

And speaking of the glacier run, the marked but not maintained trail down the Pers & Morteratsch glaciers is 10km long. Whilst it has similarities to glacier routes in Austria (like the excellent Taschachtal variant at Pitztal Glacier), the trail is quite tame and can get skied out quickly. The valley toward the exit is spectacular though. Don't forget to look back.

Even though physically separated, it is possible to ski to Lagalb from Diavolezza utilising a trail and long surface conveyor, before one needs to take skis off for the short walk across the road to the cable car base. From Lagalb, after crossing the road, it is possible to ski to the Diavolezza base on a cross country trail that involves a little bit of pushing & skating. No big deal.......this isn't some soft intermediates hill after all!

The resort is only let down by the sometimes (OK, often) crowded Diavolezza cable car. But that is a small price to pay for access to this great ski hill. The cable car does limit the numbers on the slopes at any time, so after exiting at the summit, if you just wait a moment or get going like a 'bat out of hell', you'll experience the blissful silence & relative emptiness of this realm.

Both Diavolezza & Lagalb have fabulous restaurants on their respective summits. Quiet Lagalb gets the points over busier Diavolezza. The cafe at the bottom of Diavolezza is a nice spot for snacks and drinks. The building also houses a ski rental & retail shop.

We spent a night up in the Diavolezza Berghaus. Basic but comfortable lodgings came with a simple but delicious dinner. The sense of isolation is palpable as the last cable car disappears down the hill. 

A cold night dawned beautifully with the sun slowly creeping across the peaks of Piz Palu & the Pers glacier whilst we ate a buffet breakfast. Our gear was sent down the lift as we got first turns down the groomed and into the off piste. We also stayed in St Moritz, which everyone should do at least once in their powder stained lives - it is rightfully an icon of world skiing. 

Anyone who loves skiing powder and exploring nooks & crannies on a deserted ski hill will love Diavolezza Lagalb. Beginners need not apply!

See our video here

Two great ski hills for lovers of off-piste adventure away from the glitz of St Moritz, yet only a short train ride away from there & Italy. Stay on the mountain at Diavolezza for the full experience. See our video here