History

More than 100 years ago, the Muottas Muragl Railway rattled up the daring incline for the first time. A length of 2201 meters with  an incline of 56 percent had to be overcome to reach the 2456 metres of the mountain. Naturally, the first passengers were left breathless, which was perfectly understandable in view of the surroundig scenery. Thanks to courageous pioneers, we can welcome you today on what is probably the most beautiful excursion mountain in the Engadin.

• 1890 Wildberger, an engineer from Chur, makes his presence felt for the first time with the idea of a mountain railroad.
• 1904 Engineer Jos Englert conceives the project - the AG Drahtseilbahn Muottas Muragl is founded. A glance at the planning shows: CHF 800'000 project costs, 1144 passengers transported per day and direction, a 52-seater cabin, in operation for 8 weeks, 6 days a week in summer, CHF 3 per ticket and CHF 1 for dogs.
• 4^th of May 1905 Groundbreaking ceremony! The hut material is carried up the mountain by mules. The Italians among the 350 workers are deterred by the early snow in September and threaten to leave.
• Spring 1906 After a construction stop during the winter, work finally continues. Also for a director, who now directs the fortunes for an annual salary of CHF 4000 including housing and 50 hundredweight of coal.
• February 1907 Simon Jenatsch, homeland protector and descendant of Jürg Jenatsch, carries out an attack on the railroad. He destroys the braking station with a hammer. His plan to set the station on fire can be prevented.
• 9^th of August 1907 Maiden trip after more than a year's delay in construction. The funicular is the first mountain railroad in Graubünden to provide access to a panoramic mountain. Actual construction costs: CHF 1.2 million - a cost overrun of 50 percent. Conductors are listed at CHF 150, machinists at CHF 175 in the monthly wage lists.
• Winter 1908/09 At the request of guests and the hotel industry, the start of winter operations brings the first skiers to the mountain after poor summer yields.
• 1920s After the struggle for survival in the First World War and a renovation of the main and south facades of the hotel - combined with painting, tinsmith and roofing works - the major investment works of the 1920s were also completed.
• 1928-1935 With the construction of the Corviglia Railway and the Suvretta Bow Lift, the first competing businesses emerge in the valley.
• 1939 The railroad has to cope with severe financial setbacks due to the Second World War. Only thanks to the willingness of the staff to give up 25 percent of their wages, a reduced operation can be maintained.
• 1950s and 1960s Mountain railroad construction boom in the Engadin: Piz Nair, Diavolezza, Marguns, Corvatsch and Lagalb submit concession applications. Those responsible for the Muottas Muragl cable car fight in vain against the approval of Piz Nair and Diavolezza.
• Winter 1963/64 Ski heil! The first ski lift whirs on Muottas Muragl.

• Winter 1972 Increase in capacity through lift number two. Nevertheless, it is difficult to compete with the other ski resorts.
• Autumn 1985 Reconstruction and renovation of the mountain restaurant.
• 1992 Overhaul of the railroad track and the funicular.
• 1994 The Philosophers' Trail refreshes the range of offers.
• 1997 With the 4.2-kilometer-long sledge run, the railroad receives another attractive new addition.
• Summer 2007 100 years of railroad history: major anniversary celebrations, a book publication and the inauguration of the sculpture "Il Guot" (The Drop) by artist Timo Lindner mark the 100^th Anniversary.
• 2009 - 2010 Reconstruction and complete renovation of the Berghotel Muottas Muragl.
• 18^th of December 2010 Reopening of the Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl.
• 2011 Thanks to its progressive energy concept, the Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl wins not only the Swiss Solar Prize 2011 but also other prestigious environmental and tourism awards.