Jade hike in Selva

with Francesco Cortesi

CHF 165 per person, CHF 145 for hotel guests

Experience Nature & Find Nephrit Jade

17 July | 6 August

Stones and semi-precious stones from the Bernina Massif region and the rest of the Upper Engadine can be found at Hotel Maistra 160 not only in the hand-laid terrazzo flooring at the entrance of the ground floor but also in the unique Maistra 160 jewellery collection by dolceperla in our Concept Store.

Join us on an exciting quest to uncover the origins of the semi-precious stone Nephrite Jade. Together with stonecutter Francesco Cortesi, we will embark on a special hike through the breathtaking landscape around Selva, a picturesque high plateau in southern Puschlav at 1,450 metres – now an idyllic Maiensäss settlement. Search for your own jade stone and learn from Francesco Cortesi the differences between jade that can be polished and splintered jade that cannot.

Those who wish can have their own Nephrite Jade stone polished into the desired shape by Francesco Cortesi the next day in our Creative Box for an additional fee of CHF 40 - 60!

Program:

9 am: Departure with the hotel bus into the Puschlav to Selva (approx. 1-hour drive)
10:30 am: Francesco Cortesi, stonecutter, and Michela Paganini, owner of dolceperla, welcome us.
From Selva, we will take a leisurely hike through forests and meadows towards Plan da Scurtaseo (total hiking duration: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes, elevation gain: approx. 100 metres). Along the way, we will discover an old limestone mine where we hope to find Nephrite Jade.
Afterwards, we will enjoy a picnic with a campfire at Plan da Scurtaseo, surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes.
Finally, we will hike back to Selva, where our bus will be ready for the return journey. If time permits, a short visit to Francesco Cortesi's studio at dolceperla in Poschiavo is possible.
3:30 pm: Return trip with the hotel bus to Pontresina
6:30 pm: Aperitif at Hotel Maistra with an introduction by Michela Paganini about stones from the region

Good to know: The hike is easy and suitable for anyone with normal fitness level.

Please bring: Good footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, a small backpack or bag for collecting jade stones.