Piz Cotschen

Piz Cotschen is a 3,029 m summit in the Silvretta Alps above Scuol, in the Lower Engadine of Graubünden, Switzerland. The mountain rises north of the villages of Guarda and Ardez, between the Val Tuoi and Val Tasna valleys. Its Romansh name means "red", a nod to the colour of its rock. It stands out among the lower ridges of the region.

Where is Piz Cotschen?

The peak belongs to the Silvretta group, which runs along the Swiss-Austrian border. Val Tuoi lies on one side and Val Tasna on the other. The closest villages are Guarda (1,654 m) and Ardez, while Scuol, home to the Motta Naluns ski area, is the main base for the region.

Can you climb it?

Yes, but it is a trip for experienced mountain walkers. The SAC route portal lists the normal route along the south-east ridge from Guarda at T5 difficulty. Expect about 4.5 hours up with roughly 1,430 m of ascent, and around 3 hours down. The summit ridge involves scrambling, with one section of grade II, on steep and brittle rock.

Graubünden Tourism describes a variant from Ardez via the Chamonna Maranguns and Chamonna Cler huts: about 7.8 km, around 1,525 m of climbing and just under four hours. It also follows the south-east ridge. Ski tourers stop at a winter summit at 2,972 m, while the true top sits at 3,029 m. If you prefer to split the outing in two, sleep at Chamonna Cler.

What easier routes pass below the summit?

If the top is out of reach, several trails and bike routes skirt the slopes of Piz Cotschen:

• Via Engiadina, stage 8 (Guarda to Ardez): 13.8 km, about 4 h 45 min, highest point 2,181 m at Murtera Dadoura.
• Chamonna Tuoi CAS to Ardez: 12.7 km, about 4 h 20 min, top point 2,620 m, passing beneath the peak down to Alp Sura.
• Murtera Bike (SchweizMobil no. 446): a loop from Ardez via Alp Sura to Guarda, 16 km, about 3 hours and 780 m of climbing.

When to go

The summer ascent is usually feasible from midsummer to early autumn, once the snow has gone; snowfields can linger on higher sections into the early summer months. In winter the mountain draws ski tourers heading for the lower summit. Check the weather and avalanche bulletin before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Piz Cotschen?

The main summit is 3,029 m above sea level. Some sources give 3,031 m, but the SAC and Graubünden route descriptions use 3,029 m.

Where should I start?

Most often in Guarda (1,654 m) or Ardez. Both are a short ride from Scuol by Rhaetian Railway or car.

Do I need climbing gear?

The summer route is graded T5 and includes one grade II passage on loose rock. Mountaineering experience is required, and a guide is a sensible choice if you are unsure.

Is there a place to stay nearby?

Yes, Chamonna Cler lets you split the trip over two days.