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Hotel Privata, Sils

Engadine – a winter wonderland
 
This characterful 3-star hotel offers high standards of comfort, hospitality and cuisine, and sits in an exquisite village in a serene valley between two lakes. The area is a paradise for cross-country skiers of all levels and also for winter walkers, and lies close to fashionable St Moritz.
Hotel Privata, Sils. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Hotel Privata, Sils. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A winter holiday in Sils,

for skiers and non-skiers
The Engadine Valley in easternmost Switzerland holds a lot of trump cards when it comes to winter holidays – not only an enviable snow record and plentiful sunshine, but also a wide range of activities, all amid picturesque scenery of lofty peaks and historic stone-built villages.

Indeed, the atmospheric village of Sils at the western end of the valley is a veritable winter playground, boasting easy access to a wide range of cross-country trails for all levels, a large network of winter walking paths, and world-renowned downhill pistes. If that weren’t enough, you can also appreciate the tranquillity of the valleys on snowshoes or a horse-drawn sleigh ride, enjoy the buzz of tobogganing, or take a trip on the Bernina Express, one of the most spectacular train rides through the Alps.
Once you’ve had your fill of the snow and the scenery each day, you return to the heart of the village and the wonderfully welcoming Hotel Privata, which offers a unique blend of design and tradition. Marc Chagall was a guest here in the 1960s and the Engadine’s own rich artistic heritage is celebrated in the sgraffito decoration of the stonework and the artworks on every floor. If art is important to your hosts, so too are the region’s culinary traditions – the dinners to which you are treated each evening tap into the family heritage to showcase locally sourced produce to best effect.
 

Our expert says

“The hotel’s blend of tradition, design and friendly service puts a stay here in a league of its own. Sils and its lakes are close to St Moritz, but very few people know of them. That’s no bad thing, as it means that instead of glitz, there’s a real sense of history – you feel as though you’re stepping back in time every time you head out to the cross-country and winter walking trails.”
Rebecca Bruce, Inntravel snow holiday expert
 
Gallery
 

Winter activities

There’s no fixed itinerary, so take your pick of the activities as the mood takes you.
  • 220km in the Engadin St Moritz region; suited to all levels
    Characterised by a wide, flat valley floor, as well as frozen lakes, the Engadine is a favourite with Swiss cross-country skiers who are drawn to its extraordinary high-Alpine landscape and enviable snow record. There are trails from Sils itself which begin a short walk from the hotel, and you can also extend your range by using the excellent local transport network. Travel on local buses and trains is free of charge, though a trail pass is required to use the trails.

    The terrain closest to the village and across the frozen lakes offers easy, gently undulating trails; for more of a challenge, you can take one of the routes that head into the surrounding valleys.

    Every March, over 14,000 skiers take part in the 42-kilometre Engadine Ski Marathon which runs through Sils, and it is possible to undertake this route in sections (or its entirety!) during your stay.
    Beautiful trails
    Well-signed routes
  • 150km in the Engadin St Moritz region
    With frozen lakes and a choice of quiet valleys, Sils is a paradise for winter walkers. The lifts in the nearby downhill ski area also give walkers access to prepared trails in the mountains which command bird’s-eye views. Local bus and train travel is free of charge for hotel guests, enabling you to explore even further afield.

    All trails are well signed, and the snow specially flattened to facilitate walking. In the detailed documentation we provide, we give an overview of our favourite options, including the following three routes:

    Val Roseg: 7km
    No holiday to Sils is complete without a visit to this delightful traffic-free valley. Starting from the nearby village of Pontresina, the path ascends gradually to a restaurant, whose sunny terrace is a great spot for lunch or a slice of cake before returning either on foot or by horse-drawn sleigh.

    Sils to Maloja: 7km
    Sils sits between two lakes, Silvaplanersee and Silsersee. This easy route takes you across the latter and onwards to Maloja, the Engadine’s gateway to Italy.

    Fex Valley, 4.5km
    Climbing from Sils to 1,944 metres, this route is a little more challenging, but it rewards with beautiful panoramas over the frozen lakes and surrounding mountains, plus there is a guesthouse at the midpoint which serves delicious regional specialities.
    A snowy stroll © Filip Zuan Engadin St Moritz Tourismus
  • Snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides & more

    Snowshoeing
    There are a number of snowshoe trails in the area around Sils, as well as slightly further afield on Muottas Muragl, a high mountain plateau whose tranquillity is arguably best enjoyed on snowshoes.

    Horse-drawn sleigh rides
    The most popular destination for horse-drawn sleigh rides is the Fex Valley, and deservedly so. You can choose to go part-way along the valley or right to the end; if you opt for the latter, there is a 90-minute stopover for lunch and/or coffee at one of the restaurants there. Evening rides can also be arranged.

    Tobogganing
    Sils boasts two toboggan runs, one of which descends through forest to the shores of one of the frozen lakes.

    Ice skating & curling
    Sils’ ice rink is natural, and is open daily, with floodlit evening sessions a couple of times a week. The adjacent curling facilities offer introductory lessons on Thursdays in January and February.

    Downhill skiing
    With a total of 25 pistes (3 blue runs, 19 red and 3 black), the Corvatsch-Furtschellas ski area above Sils caters for all abilities. An even greater variety of slopes can be found at nearby St Moritz, 20 minutes away by bus.
    Tobogganing © Filip Zuan Engadin St Moritz Tourismus
    Curling © Fabien Gattlen Engadin St Moritz Tourismus
  • Bernina Express, St Moritz & more

    Bernina Express
    A journey on this picturesque, UNESCO World Heritage railway is not to be missed. Starting in St Moritz, the line not only takes in 55 tunnels and 196 bridges as it winds its way across the Alps from Switzerland to Italy, but also reveals astonishingly contrasting scenery, from glaciers to swaying palm trees.

    Muottas Muragl
    The main reason to visit Muottas Muragl is the view – located at almost 2,500 metres above sea level, this high mountain plateau in the Upper Engadine commands superb vistas of the surrounding peaks and lakes. You could simply enjoy a leisurely lunch at the panoramic restaurant, but there are also several walking options – including a philosophy-themed path – and a couple of snowshoe hikes if you wish to take in more of the scenery.

    St Moritz
    The glitz and glamour of St Moritz – a good choice for a day of people-watching – is just twenty minutes away by bus. As well as boasting 5-star hotels and chic boutiques, the resort is home to the Olympia Bob Run (the oldest bobsleigh run in the world) and the famous Cresta Run. 
    Funicular to Muottas Muragl
    St Moritz © Filip Zuan Engadin St Moritz Tourismus
  • Special events
    Christmas is celebrated with a festive meal on 24 December. New Year's Eve is a very relaxed affair, with a gala dinner followed by Glühwein at midnight.
 

Where you stay

Sitting serenely between two lakes, Sils (altitude: 1809m) is a pretty village of traditional painted stone buildings. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who used to holiday here, described it as ‘the most charming corner on earth’, and it feels a world away from its more stylish and cosmopolitan neighbour, St Moritz. Although small, Sils offers a good range of facilities, including a post office, bank, sports and souveniers shops, plus several cafés.
Hotel Privata

Bedrooms

 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 16 December 2023 - 31 March 2024 & 14 December 2024 - 30 March 2025

    Start varies according to travel method* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Adults
    16 Dec - 17 Dec 2023 £2210
    23 Dec - 31 Dec 2023 £2330
    06 Jan - 07 Jan 2024 £1865
    13 Jan - 21 Jan 2024 £1940
    27 Jan - 04 Feb 2024 £2120
    10 Feb - 18 Feb 2024 # £2330
    24 Feb - 25 Feb 2024 £2170
    02 Mar - 03 Mar 2024 £2080
    09 Mar - 24 Mar 2024 £1865

    Includes all elements of the holiday itself (accommodation, meals and any additional elements as described), plus flights (usually from London) and onward travel as described.

    * Start days: Saturday/Sunday

    # Supplements apply on 10 Feb 2024; 8 & 15 Feb 2025; please contact us for details

    Included travel: British Airways or Swiss Heathrow-Zürich (1h45) (hold luggage included; timings vary, please call for details), connecting journey by rail & bus from Zürich Airport (4h10) & walk (0h05)

    A supplement is payable for a single room – see 'Additional prices' below

    Prices are subject to availability and flight supplements may apply. Book early for Christmas, New Year and school holidays. We can also book different flight routes (see flight section below). Please contact us to discuss any pricing implications.

    7 nights: 16 December 2023 - 31 March 2024 & 14 December 2024 - 30 March 2025

    Start varies according to travel method* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Adults
    16 Dec - 17 Dec 2023 £2120
    23 Dec - 31 Dec 2023 £2330
    06 Jan - 07 Jan 2024 £1915
    13 Jan - 21 Jan 2024 £1970
    27 Jan - 04 Feb 2024 £2150
    10 Feb - 18 Feb 2024 £2330
    24 Feb - 25 Feb 2024 £2200
    02 Mar - 03 Mar 2024 £2095
    09 Mar - 24 Mar 2024 £1915

    Includes all elements of the holiday itself (accommodation, meals and any additional elements as described), plus Eurostar and onward rail services from London St Pancras, plus any transfer to the hotel as described below (see 'Rail option from London' section).

    *Start days: Saturday (to arrive Sunday requires Saturday night in Zürich; please contact us for details)

    A supplement is payable for a single room – see 'Additional prices' below

    Prices are subject to availability and supplements may apply. Book early for Christmas, New Year and school holidays.

  • Room upgrades (supplement in £ per room per night)

    Hotel Privata, Sils
    Single room: 16 Dec - 31 Mar 2024 £42
    Superior double (no twins): 16 Dec - 31 Mar 2024 £50
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Zürich (latest flight arrival time: 1530; earliest flight departure time: 1400)

    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Zürich. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book onward flights and connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Zurich Swiss 
    Birmingham - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Zurich Swiss 
    Bristol - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Zurich easyJet,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Zurich easyJet,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Zurich Lufthansa,  Swiss 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Zürich. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of alternative flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated above, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice if you would prefer to fly via a different route to the one included in our standard arrangements. A supplement may be payable for other flights.

  • Combining high-speed Eurostar and TGV with the clockwork efficiency of Swiss railways, this is relaxed independent travel at its finest. You’ll be in the Engadine Valley in time for dinner!

    However, the best views are kept for the last part of the journey, so in fact we recommend breaking your journey in Zürich, otherwise the passing lakes and mountains will be shrouded in darkness. After a night of traditional Swiss hospitality, take a comfortable Swiss Intercity following the shores of Lake Zürich and Walensee, then change to a local narrow-gauge train which passes through a tunnel into the idyllic Engadine valley. There is no price difference, other than the cost of your overnight accommodation in Zürich.

    If you would prefer an alternative route, our rail specialists can tailor the arrangements to suit you and provide a quotation.

    > Travelling by train to Switzerland: what to expect
    > More about 'by rail' prices

    Route on which prices are based

    Outward journey Departure time
    from London     		Arrival time
    at hotel
    St Pancras–Paris–Zürich–Chur–St Moritz–Sils (Eurostar, TGV, regional rail & postbus, 11h45), walk from Sils bus stop (0h03) approx 0755 Sat (it is not recommended to travel from London on Sun) approx 2030
    Homeward journey Departure time
    from hotel     		Arrival time
    in London
    Walk to bus stop (0h03), Sils–St Moritz–Chur–Zürich–Paris–St Pancras (postbus, regional rail, TGV & Eurostar, 13h20) approx 0825 approx 2045
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 7 dinners
    7 breakfasts
  • detailed information about the area
  • rail travel or flights from London (regional flights available)
  • rail and bus from/to Zürich Airport (if flying)
  • free use of local public transport
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • If you are travelling over Christmas or New Year, or during school holidays, you should definitely pre-book lessons. After you’ve booked your holiday with us, we’ll send you a link to a list of options that we can arrange for you in advance.
    Sometimes we can’t make bookings on your behalf. In these cases you should phone or email the ski school well before your holiday to arrange a date and time; do not wait until you are on holiday to make arrangements. 

    More about Inntravel's pre-booking service >
  • Yes. After you’ve booked your holiday with us, we’ll send you a link to a list of options that we can arrange for you in advance.

    More about Inntravel's pre-booking service >
  • In the Alps, most hotels have a vegetarian menu. Please contact us for specific information about this particular hotel.
  • Living far from the capital ourselves, we know better than most that flying from London can be a bind, so we are very flexible with our travel arrangements. Call or email us, and one of the team will be happy to list the different options available to you, and any price implications.
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Switzerland, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • The official languages are German, spoken in the majority of the country; French, spoken in the south-west; Italian, spoken in the south-east; and Romansch, mostly limited to the Engadine valley. The currency is the Franc. Swiss time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
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