Pontresina: "Off the Beaten Path"

On our last trip to Switzerland, we spent 3 nights in Pontresina (Sep.16-19, 2022) after reading Pat's trip report, as well as positive comments on the area by Lola, Laura, and Rolandp954, and RS' guidebook on Switzerland. It was a convenient stop between Varenna on Lake Como and Lauterbrunnen, our destination after Pontresina.
We had previously spent 3 very crowded weeks in Italy. We were ready to trade the heat and humidity and crowds for the trails and natural beauty of Switzerland.
Husband and I boarded the train in Varenna, an hour before the transportation strike began that day. We changed to the SBB regional train in Tirana, stopped for a very scenic lunch at Alp Grüm, which was possible because we were not on the Bernina Express train.
Arrival in Pontresina: We got off at the Surovas' "stop and demand" train station (thanks, Pat); and after a short walk, arrived at the Chesa Mulin Hotel (discount for seniors), conveniently located near the COOP, bakery, and bus stop. The small valley town is at the 6,000 ft. elevation, surrounded by mountains. We immediately set out for a walk to check out the town; that is, after digging out our jackets from the bottom of our suitcases. A cold front had just moved in, so we purchased a ski hat for my husband from one several outdoor sport stores. One thing we noticed was the lack of stand-alone restaurants; most are connected to individual hotels.
A HUGE benefit of staying in Pontresina is the Engadine card given to us to use for the duration of our stay. The card entitled us to free transportation on trains, buses, lifts, and funiculars in the area.
Our first full day was cloudy, so we chose to take the train to the Morteratsch stop, and walk the 2-mile paved path to the foot of the glacier. There are numerous signs along the path marking where the glacier had been decades ago. There were families with young children, even a couple of bicyclists on the trail. The hardest part of the walk was the freezing temperatures that day, especially as we got closer to the foot of the glacier (The Engadine card would have also allowed us to get off at another stop and take the lifts to an overlook at the top of the glacier), but we wanted to get back and have something warm to drink and eat at the bakery close to our hotel.
Weather was slightly better the next day, so we rode the bus to Punt Muragl, then walked to the funicular which goes up to Muottas Muragl (8,105 ft). The view was spectacular at the top (clouds gave way to sunshine), but our goal was to hike the trail to Alp Languard, a distance of about 4 miles. I need to mention here that we are in our late 70s, so we weren't sure if the trail was "doable" for us. However, we observed people who "looked close to our age" beginning the hike. So off we went...equipped with our trekking poles.

It was a fairly easy hike; not much elevation gain or loss...and lots of "WOW" views, which we could appreciate because we are slow, but steady hikers. In the distance, you could see lakes, and the towns of St. Moritz and Samedon, and the surrounding mountains.
And...our reward at the end of our hike: Lunch on the deck of the restaurant at Alp Languard, while looking at the gorgeous scenery in the distance: The snow-capped mountains and valleys. That is my idea to a perfect end to a day of hiking!
The best thing about this hike: The trail ends at the ski-lift which takes you down to Pontresina...and a short walk back to our hotel.
Our Engadine card/pass entitled us to other mountain lifts, one close to St. Moritz, but since it was Sunday, buses didn't run as frequently as other days, so we decided we didn't want to chance not being able to return to Pontresina by evening. But if we return, I'd like to take advantage of other destinations using the card.