Glacier Hotel Grawand: Skiing, Luxury, and a 5,000-Year-Old Mummy

The Glacier Hotel Grawand, located in Italy's Val Senales, is a unique and captivating destination that has been drawing visitors for decades. As of 2025-10-30, the hotel remains Europe's highest, sitting at an impressive 3,212 meters above sea level.

Reaching the hotel is an adventure in itself, as guests ride a cable car 1,200 vertical meters up a craggy cliffside to arrive at the hotel's doorstep. Inside, the Glacier Grawand offers 36 double rooms, each with its own stunning mountain view, as well as a cocktail bar, restaurant, sauna, gym, and games room.

The hotel's history is equally fascinating. When it first opened in 1979, even the architects were unaware that it was the highest hotel in Europe. The driving force behind its creation was local resident Leo Gurschler, who had a dream of bringing jobs and economic opportunities to the valley through the development of a ski resort and cable car.

But the Glacier Grawand's claim to fame extends beyond its lofty location. Just a kilometer or so from the hotel, in 1991, two hikers stumbled upon the remarkably well-preserved remains of a 5,000-year-old man, now known as Ötzi the Iceman. This Copper Age mummy has provided scientists with an unprecedented glimpse into the lives and society of our ancestors, with details about his diet, health, and even the circumstances of his violent death.

Today, the Glacier Grawand continues to attract visitors, both for its skiing opportunities and its unique historical connection. While the hotel's swimming pool had to be closed due to permafrost melt, the hotel's manager, Armin Mair, remains passionate about the property and its potential. As the winter season runs from September to May, the hotel is a popular destination for Olympic teams training on the snow-sure slopes.