Alpine Town in Switzerland Combines Ski Season with Lake Sports
Silvaplana is a small town in eastern Switzerland where weather conditions create an unusual overlap of outdoor sports. Located in the Engadin Valley, the area experiences regular strong winds over Lake Silvaplana during spring and early summer, while snow often remains on the surrounding mountain slopes. Here, it’s possible to catch the wind on a lake and carve through snow in the mountains all in a single day. This kind of overlap is rarely found elsewhere in the Alps, where seasons usually stay separate.
In contrast to nearby St Moritz, which is widely known for luxury tourism and large-scale resort infrastructure, Silvaplana remains less commercialized and more focused on year-round access to natural spaces. The town’s smaller size, limited development, and proximity to both lake and mountain environments have made it increasingly relevant for travelers seeking outdoor activities without the structure of organised resort life. This shift has contributed to its steady visibility among multi-season travel destinations.
One of the key infrastructure elements in the region is the Muottas Muragl funicular. Originally built over a century ago, the railway still functions as a connection between Punt Muragl and an elevation above 2,400 meters. From the upper station, marked footpaths lead toward destinations such as the Segantini Hut along established alpine routes. These paths make it easy to explore the mountains in summer and are still part of the official trail maps used across the region.
Another area that sees seasonal use is Lej Marsch, a small lake located between Silvaplana and St Moritz. The lake is accessible on foot via paths that pass through forest and open fields. In summer, it is used for swimming and also attracts kitesurfers, as nearby Lake Silvaplana becomes active during strong Maloja winds. Although Lej Marsch has no built facilities, it is listed in regional walking routes and often used as a quiet resting point during short hikes.
Silvaplana, with its mix of snowy slopes and windy lakes, is one example of how travellers are beginning to see mountain towns as more than just winter or summer spots. People aren’t just showing up during peak ski weeks or summer holidays anymore. More people are noticing places where there’s something to do no matter the season. That makes Silvaplana a clear case of how mountain places can stay open and useful for travellers well beyond just winter or summer months.
