Those crossing the Alps can breathe a sigh of relief: The Val d’Uina is open again!

The Swiss have kept their word: they had intended to complete the repair work on the bridge near Alp Uina Dadaint by 10 July and lift the closure of the Val d’Uinas. And they have indeed managed it: today, on the evening of 10 July at 6 pm, walkers and mountain bikers are once again permitted to pass through – albeit “under difficult conditions”, as stated on the Scuol municipal website. What exactly this means is not explained in detail. Presumably, a temporary bridge has been erected across the river so that the famous gorge trail can be used again.

For those crossing the Alps in particular, the 600-metre-long rock gallery in the Lower Engadine is one of the top highlights when it comes to choosing a route. Admittedly, you have to push your way along the path – which was blasted into the vertical cliff face in 1908 to provide a link to South Tyrol – because the risk of falling is too great, but this is a price one is happy to pay for the spectacular scenery. Unfortunately, however, the famous Val d’Uina is also being hit with increasing frequency by mudslides and scree avalanches – or, as they are known in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, ‘Rüfenniedergänge’. This happened again just two weeks ago. As a result, extensive restoration work has been taking place in the gorge since 21 June. The bridge near Alp Uina Dadaint was also so badly damaged that it now needs to be completely rebuilt. It now appears that at least a temporary solution has been put in place on time, one that is stable enough for (e-)mountain bikers to pass through safely. Anyone who feels this is too uncertain can bypass the section by taking a side valley further south as follows:

Alternative route to Val d’Uina

​It’s a shame, of course, when the Uina Gorge is closed, but the alternative route is every bit as scenic: we recommend the route over the 2,251-metre-high Pass da Costainas. To take this, simply follow the Val S-charl a little further uphill to Alp Astras. From there, take the lovely single track to the top of the pass and descend 800 metres into the Val Müstair on the other side, then head up to the junction with the Val Mora – a scenically stunning high valley that belongs on the bucket list of any ambitious Alpine traveller.

Nauders BIKE Trail Guide

BIKE Trail Guide Ischgl

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