Piz Ot

Piz Ot is a 3,246 m summit rising above Samedan in the Upper Engadine, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It belongs to the Albula Alps within the Rhaetian Alps and is the highest point of the ridge north of the Suvretta Pass. Its Romansh name simply means "high peak".

Where is Piz Ot?

The mountain stands west of Samedan, between the Engadine valley to the south and Val Bever to the north-east. Piz Padella, Piz Corviglia, Piz Nair and Las Trais Fluors lie in the same area, and the surrounding region holds St. Moritz, Celerina/Schlarigna and Samedan. The summit sits at roughly 46.543° N, 9.810° E. The Suvretta Pass, at 2,615 m, marks the ridge's southern neighbourhood.

How do you climb Piz Ot?

This is a proper mountain day, not a stroll. The Graubünden tourism portal rates the main route T4+ on the alpine hiking scale: occasionally pathless terrain that demands sure footing.

The route starts in the centre of Samedan, follows the Valletta valley, then climbs the south-eastern and eastern flanks. The trail is well trodden, rope-secured on the steep sections, and winds upward in many hairpin bends. Expect about 14.6 km and around 6 hours 20 minutes. Published ascent figures range from about 1,440 to 1,520 m, so plan on a full day.

You can descend the same way back to Samedan, or take a variant down via point 2777 m.

What can you see from the top?

From above 3,200 m the whole Upper Engadine opens up: the valley floor around St. Moritz with its lakes, the villages of Samedan and Celerina, and the surrounding ridgelines. You also look toward Piz Nair and Corviglia, the lift-served ski area, and the green slopes of Val Bever. Views are best under clear skies, so check the forecast the day before.

When should you go?

Summer and early autumn suit the route, once snow has left the slopes. Earlier in the season, snow patches can hide the path and make the roped sections and exposure more serious. Start in the morning, because afternoon cloud and thunderstorms build quickly at altitude.

What should you bring?

Sturdy hiking boots with a good sole, trekking poles, a helmet if others are above you, layers for changing weather, plenty of water and food, and a map or offline app track. Experience on steep, loose paths helps a great deal.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Piz Ot? The summit is 3,246 m above sea level. Some maps show 3,245 m because sources differ by a metre.

Where is the easiest place to start? Samedan. The route begins in the village centre and heads through the Valletta valley to the mountain's eastern slopes.

Is it a route for beginners? No. A T4+ rating means demanding mountain terrain, occasionally without a visible path, with rope-secured sections.

How long does it take? About 6 hours 20 minutes over 14.6 km, not counting long breaks.