Cable car station on Piz Nair mountain, Graubünden, Switzerland

Taking it from the top. Cable car station on Piz Nair mountain, Graubünden, Switzerland

There's a mountain in Switzerland that's always looking down on you—but don't take it personally. At 3,056 metres, Piz Nair of the Albula Alps keeps an eye over the Engadine valley in Graubünden. Start in St Moritz: hop on the funicular (a type of cable railway system) to Corviglia, then ride the cable car to the summit. At the top? A viewing platform and that famous ibex (an alpine goat) statue. There's also a restaurant where you can eat inside a glass cube with 360° views.

This alpine peak hosted the 1948 Winter Olympics and still boasts some of the most famous ski runs in the country. The 'Piz Nair Wall' is known for its challenging downhill skiing and events like the 2003 World Championship downhill race. Come summer, the snow clears but the trails stay hot. Hikers and mountain bikers flock here to explore alpine meadows and soak in a different kind of silence. Guided tours and well-marked paths make it easy to find your footing. So, whether you're chasing snow, sun or just a break from sea-level boredom, this Swiss giant will lift your spirits—literally.