Romansh-speaking Scuol lies in the remote Lower Engadine, alongside the Inn river and below the majestic peaks of the Silvretta and the Dolomites. It has been a well-heeled spa town since the 19th Century but expanded as a holiday destination with the arrival of the railway in 1913, and established itself as a winter sports centre with the opening of the first ski lift in 1956. With it's range of beautiful, south-facing slopes, modern queue-free lifts and ample off-piste it is one of my favourite medium-sized resorts. Scuol Tarasp station lies at the end of the Eastern section of the Rhaetian Railway, next to the gondola bottom station and also conveniently next to the Youth Hostel. The centre of Scuol and the main Bogn Engiadina spa are about 10 minutes walk away or two stops on the bus. The beginners area is at the top of the gondola stop at Motta Naluns, although the Ski School offices are at the bottom station.
Sky and Rail
The nearest airport to Scuol is Zurich. There is a railway station in the airport.
Best of the Slopes at Scuol
There is a wonderful 14k descent from Bergstation Salaniva to Sent, although it requires you to take a courtesy bus back to Scuol to get you back up the mountain. The run off Schlivera to Ftan is very pleasant, and the lovely red run from Motta Naluns to Scuol has some excellent off-piste variations.
Where to Eat and Party in Scuol
There's a couple of bars at the bottom of the gondola, but après ski is fairly muted in Scuol. A good place to eat, particularly for steaks, is Trais Portas (+41 81 860 38 20). Two of the best restaruants in the area are Schlosshotel Chastè (+41 81 861 30 60) in Tarasp and the Guarda Val (+41 81 861 09 09) in Scuol.
Getting to Scuol by Train
The best destination to access the downhill slopes by public transport in this ski area is Scuol-Tarasp. Station adjacent to cable car.
