Piz Scalottas

Piz Scalottas (2,323 m) is a summit of the Plessur Alps rising above Lenzerheide, in the municipality of Vaz/Obervaz, canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It is one of the best-known viewpoints in the Arosa Lenzerheide region and stays busy year-round: skiers use it in winter, hikers and mountain bikers in summer.

How do you get up Piz Scalottas?

You do not have to climb from the valley floor. Two chairlift sections run from Lenzerheide, first to Tgantieni and then almost to the top. The local sports bus serves the valley stations, and the lifts follow seasonal timetables, so check current operating hours before you go. Bikes ride up too, which makes the summit a favourite starting point for downhill trails.

What can you see from the top?

The panorama covers the whole Lenzerheide valley and the neighbouring ranges. To the east you see Parpaner Rothorn and Lenzerhorn, to the west the Heinzenberg ridge, and to the south Piz Mitgel, Tinzenhorn and Piz Ela. On a clear day it is worth planning a long stop. Two mountain eateries serve walkers along the route: the Scalottas restaurant and the Junehütte.

Which trails start at Scalottas?

The classic outing is the ridge walk from Scalottas over Piz Danis to the Stätzerhorn. Hikers report roughly 7.4 km, about 580 m of ascent and around 3.5 hours on foot. A longer version continues over the Fulhorn to Dreibündenstein and finishes at Brambrüesch (about 16.6 km, around 880 m of climbing), but it is meant for sure-footed walkers only. The Höhenweg to Heidbüel is about 10.5 km, takes roughly 4 hours 15 minutes and is graded T3, with some exposed stretches. Published figures vary a little, so check a current map before setting out.

When should you visit?

The main hiking season runs from about July to September, and some walkers start in June and carry on into October. In winter Scalottas belongs to the large Arosa Lenzerheide ski area, among the biggest in Graubünden. In summer, cyclists ride the local descents while walkers head for the ridge paths.

Where is Vaz/Obervaz?

The municipality of Vaz/Obervaz includes the villages of Lenzerheide and Valbella; the name Obervaz refers to the hamlets of Lain, Muldain and Zorten. Lenzerheide is the base for every route up to Scalottas.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Piz Scalottas? The summit stands at 2,323 m above sea level.

Can you reach the top without hiking? Yes. Two chairlifts, the first to Tgantieni and the second nearly to the summit, take you up with little effort.

Can you bring a mountain bike? Yes, the lift carries bikes, and many trails begin at Scalottas.

What is the most popular hike? The ridge route from Scalottas over Piz Danis to the Stätzerhorn, which takes about 3.5 hours.