Airport Samedan (LSZS)

4.0 ∅ rating

Samedan, Graubünden, Switzerland 🇨🇭

Elevation: 1707m (5600ft)

Coordinates: 46.5344, 9.8842

4.0 ∅ rating

Runways

1 RWY, 1840m/6036ft 1 Runway, longest: 1840m/6036ft (paved)

Source: OpenAIP CC BY-NC 4.0

03/21

Asphalt

1840m/6036ft

03/21 Asphalt

Length 1840m/6036ft 1840m/6036ft

Strength 030/F/C/X/U PCN

What other pilots say about LSZS

Johannes

2026-01-05 11:23:25 UTC

We landed there on 30.12.25, just before New Year’s, in a Pioneer 400. The online briefing seems excessive at first glance, but on site it turns out to be well justified, especially in summer. The approach from the north is beautiful, through narrow valleys. Traffic-wise it was very busy that day: everything from a C152 to a Global 6000, yet arrivals and departures were very relaxed. Quick and friendly handling on the ground. Landing and 2 h parking for 80 CHF - MTOW 850 kg. Caution: for the return flight a flight plan must already be in the system; only after that are you allowed to pay. No customs control was required. Food at the airfield restaurant with salad bar was tasty and, by Swiss standards, downright inexpensive. One more point: after the first landing, you must complete a training flight with an instructor to finish the local checkout; only then may you depart again (unless you are flying with an FI or are one yourself). Regarding FI availability, we were assured by phone that one would be available, but without a fixed slot. Be sure to book an appointment, because on our arrival day none was actually available for us! Since we had an FI on board, that was a minor issue. Happy to return.

Tobias

2023-08-11 00:00:00 UTC

Training flight with an 80PS-DV20 (MTOM 730 kg) in August. No customs notification required, and on site there was no inspection or other formalities.

Approach via Flüela–Zernez–ECHO was uneventful; on departure from RWY 21 toward SIERRA and onward to Maloja, at DA 6900 ft our aircraft needed an extra circuit to climb.

Landing fee 41 SFR still OK; at the restaurant "Intersection", coffee and a tasty cheese roll for 6 SFR is downright cheap.

A "bucket list" airport, but ultimately there are, especially in summer in the Alps, alternatives without Mandatory Training and with at least equally attractive surroundings.

AI-generated summary, as of 08/2025 - may contain errors or inaccuracies

AirfieldBot

2025-08-22 16:10:50 UTC

LSZS Samedan is a high-altitude airport in the Engadin valley, known for its scenic approaches and professional, friendly staff. Operations require a mandatory online theoretical briefing and a familiarization flight with an instructor before flying solo; this applies to all pilots regardless of experience, with the briefing valid for 12 months. IFR arrivals may be subject to military airspace restrictions at certain times; VFR arrivals can generally operate below FL130 during these periods. PPR is not generally required for IFR piston aircraft, but procedures vary; see AIP/NOTAM.

Landing and parking fees are high by regional standards. Parking up to two hours is free; after that, parking costs about CHF 80 per day in winter and CHF 86 per day in summer. Example: landing fee about CHF 70–180 depending on season and international/domestic status, with additional AFIS surcharges (typically 60% of landing fee), passenger fees (about CHF 10 per person), and winter snow removal fees (about CHF 20–30). Example: two hours’ parking in winter about CHF 80; overnight parking about CHF 80–160. Example: total fee for international arrival with short stay about CHF 180–230.

Fuel (Avgas and Jet A) is available. The airport restaurant offers local specialties and light meals at moderate prices. The train station is a 10–15 minute walk from the airport, providing regular connections throughout the Engadin region; St. Moritz can be reached by bus or taxi in about 10 minutes.

The airport sits at 5600 ft AMSL, so density altitude significantly affects aircraft performance, especially for normally aspirated engines. Approaches follow published routes with mandatory reporting points; circuit entry and departure may require additional climb or holding due to terrain. Pilots must remain current with local procedures and check for restricted area activity via ATIS.

Customs are available without advance notice or formalities for international arrivals when a flight plan is filed. For overnight parking or hangar space in winter, advance telephone coordination is recommended.

LSZS offers an exceptional mountain flying experience but requires careful preparation due to altitude, procedures, and cost structure.