Sankt Margrethenberg combines winter activities with paths through the mountain landscape and a scenic destination at Pizalun. The village lies at around 1,200 m above sea level, above Pfäfers, in a sunny high valley with open views down the valley. Sankt Margrethenberg is also located above Landquart, on the northern foothills of the Calanda. Mountain ridges enclose the high valley on two sides.

High valley and mountain views

Pizalun adds a distinctive feature to the landscape: the viewing platform above Sankt Margrethenberg offers 360° views of the Grisons and St. Gallen mountains. On a clear day, the views extend as far as Lake Constance. The viewpoints here are therefore different: from the high valley, the view opens out down the valley, while the platform broadens it across the mountain region and, in good visibility, all the way to Lake Constance.

Cross-country trails and winter activities

The St. Margrethenberg has cross-country trails maintained by the Calanda St. Margrethenberg Ski Club. The Davos, Möschriet and Fürggli trails are 1.0 km, 2.0 km and 4.0 km long, respectively. There are different trail lengths to choose from: Davos is the shortest of the three, and Fürggli the longest. The trail network also includes 11.8 km of connecting pistes. Trail conditions can vary seasonally, and the network layout may change over time; check the latest conditions before setting off for a cross-country ski.

At the Tristeli ski area, a floodlit piste is available for skiing and snowboarding. Night skiing is seasonal and subject to conditions. The Tristeli ski lift also has a toboggan slope for the youngest visitors; its use depends on snow conditions. These activities offer different options: the floodlit piste is for skiing and snowboarding, while the toboggan slope is intended for the youngest visitors.

Snowshoeing and winter hiking routes

The snowshoe tour to Chimmispitz starts at the Sankt Margrethenberg, Dorf bus stop. From there, it runs to the left or right of the ski piste to the top station of the ski lift, then south along the long ridge of Grot. A winter hiking route leads from Dörfli to Fürggli. Conditions on this seasonal route depend on snow and maintenance.

To reach the Fürggli–Golerberg winter route, take the train to Bad Ragaz and then the PostBus via Pfäfers. From the terminus, it is a 45-minute walk to Fürggli. Allow for this walk when planning your journey and check the timetables in advance, as connections and times may change.

Hiking to Pizalun

The Pizalun circular hike starts and ends in the car park by the valley station of the Tristeli ski lift. The gently ascending path leads through forests and across flowering meadows to the summit of Pizalun. The route thus combines a walk through forest and meadows with the viewing platform as its destination. Take current trail conditions into account when planning your hike.

Wild animals are often spotted in the meadow north of and below Pizalun, but sightings are not guaranteed. There is a simple fire pit at the foot of the viewing platform. If using it, follow the local fire regulations in force.

Getting there and places to eat

Sankt Margrethenberg is easily reached by PostBus. Check the latest timetable before travelling. For a meal, Buura-Beizli St. Margrethenberg serves home-cooked dishes made with products directly from the farm and the region; the menu may change. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can first choose your travel dates based on your planned activities: the cross-country trails and winter routes offer a different focus from the circular hike to Pizalun.

For the overview of the wider area: Pfäfers.