Schatzalp & Strela
Inbetween magic mountaina and mountain magic
Schatzalp: the magic mountain above Davos
Skiing on natural snow in Europe's first relaxed ski resort, a Hollywood setting and inspiration for Thomas Mann's literary masterpiece "The Magic Mountain": The Schatzalp in Davos has delighted generations.
The historic chairlift purrs up slowly. Peace instead of chaos, comfort instead of speed. The wide, gently sloping slopes in the Schatzalp-Strela ski area are particularly popular with leisure skiers, nature lovers and families with children. Slowing down is the magic word on the magic mountain. In short: a winter like it used to be. And on natural snow, without any artificial snow. Even inexperienced skiers can tell the difference. Because on natural snow, ski edges don't blunt as quickly. The risk of injury is also lower because you fall more softly. And last but not least, this also protects the climate. It's no wonder that climate activist Greta Thunberg set up camp on the Schatzalp during her WEF visit - and attracted publicity.
Hollywood on the Schatzalp
Speaking of publicity: Schatzalp is also often used as a popular film set. In 2014, the Hollywood film "Youth" was filmed here. In 2015, Oscar winner Marion Cotillard followed with the historical romance "Mal de Pierres". This is no coincidence: large, free-standing hotel complexes in the middle of nature - that's not something you see very often. Schatzalp is also located on a wide sun terrace (1861 m above sea level), which means the light is ideal for filming.
Toboggan run to Davos Platz and winter hiking trails
Back to winter activities: In addition to leisurely skiing, the Slow Mountain Schatzalp also boasts a classic toboggan run and cleared winter hiking trails such as the Sonnenweg, Wasserfallrundgang, Eichhörnliweg or the route up to the Strelapass. The latter is also good training for trail running on snow.
Thomas Mann and his Magic Mountain
A visit to the Schatzalp is also worthwhile in summer: hiking), summer tobogganing, visiting the botanical garden or enjoying the view in the mountain restaurant. The hotel, built in the Art Nouveau style, was designed as a luxury sanatorium. It has been run as a hotel since 1953. The hotel and with it the entire mountain were immortalized in the novel "The Magic Mountain" (1924) by the German author and Nobel Prize winner Thomas Mann. And rightly so.
Eleven things you should experience on Schatzalp
- 01
Take a seat in the X-Ray Bar
There are many bars with a special atmosphere. But have you ever had a drink in a historic X-ray room? The walls of the X-Ray Bar can be illuminated like in the days of a sanatorium. That's where people looked at X-rays back then. Viva!
- 03
Take a winter hike
For non-skiers and anyone who enjoys being out in the fresh air: On the Sonnenweg or the waterfall walk you can return to the Schatzalp via the Strelaalp in about an hour. These easy walking paths are cleared daily.
- 04
Explore the Schatzalp toboggan run
The wide, well-prepared toboggan run is 2.8 km long and leads through 18 bends through the forest down to Davos Platz. Also suitable for children and beginners. Open from mid-December to the end of March and the bends are illuminated until 11 p.m.
- 05
Go skiing – at a slower pace!
Skiing like in the old days: Schatzalp-Strela is Europe's first relaxed ski area on the sunny side of Davos. Gently sloping slopes, rustic ski lifts and only four minutes from the center of Davos Platz by a comfortable funicular. Ski Heil!
- 08
Ski tourer evening on the Strela Pass
- 09
Follow in the footsteps of Thomas Mann
- 11
Climb the Strela Pass in winter
For winter hikers or trail runners on snow, the path leads steeply up over the Strelaberg up to the restaurant on the pass. Once at the top, there is a viewing terrace with a view of the Chüpfenflue, Schiahorn and Haupterhorn. And the Tinzenhorn shines in the distance. So the break can be a little longer.
