The walk to this glacier is simply beautiful and certainly one of my favourite things to do in the area. It is sad to see the signposts indicating the erosion of the glacier over time, but in my opinion the glacier is still a majestic sight, and the mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to the journey. We have only visited in winter, but even in snowy and icy conditions it is well worth a trip.
We took the cross-country ski track out here with our guide - it's breathtaking. When you get to the viewpoint you can leave your skis and walk up to the end of the glacier, as well as see an ice cave and the impressive ice 'walls' of the end of the glacier. However, there are posts marking the end of the glacier and the year - it's incredibly sad how fast the glacier has melted and receded - even from the view point in 2010, it has receded a further 100m or so - a stark reminder of what is happening to our climate. That said, this place is not to be missed (while it is still here...) - absolutely beautiful, and definitely worth the ski/walk out here.
This excursion is always worthwhile, in Summer, fall or Winter. It is amazing to see how the glacier has moved in the last century.
One of the few places where one can learn about the effects of climate change, through a 1 hour walk one sees the retraction of a alpine glacier over a hunderd of years.
Summertime pass on the Bernina Railway, but have once skied all the way from Pontresina, which is a good workout! Amazing to see the no of black poles indicating 100 year intervals of the glacier front as it retreats up the valley. Be quick!
Wish I had the time to visit here more than once. About an hour's walk on flat trail takes you right up to a melting glacier. Fact that it has rocks consistently falling from it was exhilarating (and scary.)Sad that it is receding.
For those who are not into extensive hikes with lots of elevation gain, the Morteratsch Valley Trail from the train station to the toe of the Morteratsch Glacier is a great choice. The trail is wide and in good condition and ascends gradually along the valley bottom. Early October, when the larches are turning gold, it is an easy and absolutely spectactular half-day walk. Looking for something more demanding, then continue on to the Boval Hut for an even better view of the glaciers and mountains of the Bernina range.
very nice valley but shocking to see how quick the glaciers melt... took some great pictures though.
From the Monteratsch Hotel it is about a three km walk up to the base of the glacier. The walking path is very easy walk in summer, alongside the glacial river, through an area covered in wildflowers. The tree line in the valley gives an indication of how deep the glacier once was. Markers all along the valley show the extent of the retreat of the glacier since 1878. Once at the glacier we chose not to climb up any higher, having seen several chunks of ice fall. Another great view of the glacier can be had from the top at the Diavolezza ChairLift
We have hiked on glaciers, been at the mouths of glaciers where we leave in the state of Washington, USA. But, never have we see the history of the recession of a glacier so well marked. Impactful.