Where To Stay, Eat, And Play In St Moritz

Where To Stay, Eat, And Play In St Moritz

Here is what's new in the timeless Swiss Winter Resort.

/ Sebastian

St. Moritz is the birthplace of winter tourism and Alpine sport for more than 150 years. Skiers, snowboarders, experts, beginners, families, and adrenaline junkies all flock to this old-school, timeless resort. Unlimited skiing pleasure can be derived from four vast areas—Corviglia, Corvatsch, Diavolezza, and Lagalb—while the daring will want to join in the infamous Cresta Run, an ice luge run, or enjoy a spot of snow polo.

The Facts

  • Languages: Swiss German and Romansch, Romansch is still the most widely spoken language in parts of the Engadin

  • Heritage: 100% Swiss

  • Site: 1856 meters above sea level

  • Climate: High altitude keeps the town snowy and a prime winter spot

  • Wine: The Graubünden region… ‘Switzerland’s Burgundy’ produces beautiful Pinot Noirs

Where to Stay

Suvretta House

Suvretta House is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and glittering lakes that freeze over in winter, it is one of Europe’s grande dame mountain hotels and the only hotel in St. Moritz with ski-in, ski-out perks. Suvretta’s guests can ski at Corviglia and Piz Nair, among other areas, as well as go sledding, snowshoeing, curling, and tobogganing—St. Moritz is home to the infamous Cresta Run. Well-being and fitness lovers will also be kept happy inside the hotel: The Sports & Pleasure Club features everything from a 25-meter swimming pool to thermal and cold baths, as well as extreme strength training facilities. Foodies are spoiled for choice too: The Grand Restaurant is an elaborate dining room where Chef Fabrizio Zanetti serves a four-course French dinner menu; the Suvretta Stube serves up traditional Swiss specialties, with a few homeland flourishes from Costa Rican chef Isaac Briceño Obando; and the Sun Terrace is open for breakfast in the summer, and the hearty House offers afternoon tea in winter.

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Kulm

The Kulm Hotel is a luxury hotel with over 165 of remarkable heritage. New this season are their 34 newly renovated rooms and suites. Thanks to acclaimed French architect and interior designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon, all have been given a vibrant creative overhaul. Speaking of news, the Kulm redesigned their beloved K, now Amaru. An exciting new Peruvian restaurant designed by Luke Edward Hall and guest favorite, Claudia Canessa. Meanwhile, the Michelin star chef, Mauro Colagreco moved to the Kulm Country Club.

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Where to Socialize

Kulm Country Club

The Kulm Country Club is home to a stylish new restaurant curated by Michelin-starred Chef Mauro Colagreco. An irresistible menu invites you to dine on dishes cooked on a grill or over embers and charcoal. And for dessert, settle in for an evening of expertly curated music and vinyl with Arman Nafeei, their new music director.

Where to Dine

  • Chesa Veglia is set in a rustic farmhouse a few minutes walking from Badrutt’s Palace. Chesa Veglia serves Swiss classics such as schnitzel, veal, and homemade pasta, the roast chicken is one of their signature dishes. The Pizzeria on the second floor offers a more casual vibe. Order the Pizza Dama Bianca, it comes with truffle and Buffalo Mozzarella.”

Lunch on the Mountain

  • The Langosteria outpost from Milan took over the CheCha mountain hut on Salastrains. Probably one of the best fish restaurants in Milan, the chain belongs to Moncler boss and Engadine fan Remo Ruffini. You will find raw and cooked fish, oysters, and seafood in all shapes and forms on the menu. There is also a well-stocked wine cellar.

  • Berghaus Trutz is owned by Suvretta House. Order the Swiss Farmer Kalbsbratwurst.

Cafés, Bakeries and Bars

  • Hanselmann is the oldest coffee house in town. Located right on the pedestrian. Famous for their homemade pastries, chocolate, and bread. Get the Panettone.

  • Café Belmont is a nice combination of a wine bar, cocktail bar, and cafe. Go there before or after dinner. Whether you're relishing a light snack, sipping a glass of wine, or engaging in lively conversation, the day bar effortlessly transforms into a chic night spot.

Art

St. Moritz has a vibrant art scene worth knowing about. Hauser & Wirth opened an outpost in the Palace Galerie space in 2018 (don't miss their current exhibition ‘Gerhard Richter: Engadin’ which is on view through Saturday 13 April), and the Nomad Art Fair has stopped by, alongside a number of modern and contemporary galleries that have opened since the first one in 1963.

Skiing

St. Moritz is the birthplace of winter tourism and Alpine sport, which came about over 150 years ago as the result of a bet. With a total of 87 World Cup standard slopes and pistes, St. Moritz is amongst the largest and most varied winter sports regions in the Alps. Beginners, families with children, seasoned skiers, and snowboarders are all at home here. With the four large ski areas of Corviglia/Piz Nair, Corvatsch/Furtschellas, Diavolezza, and Lagalb, and the five smaller ski areas, the Upper Engadine offers unlimited skiing pleasure.

Winter Activities

  • Hiking into the Val Fex. Hike towards the end of the valley, and have lunch at Hotel Fex. The Fex Valley is a tributary valley of the Upper Engadine and stretches for a total length of 10 kilometers off the small town of Sils. Hotel Fex is situated six kilometers up the valley. It is the last house, except for a neighboring farm. Since 1954 there has been a nature and landscape protection. The government plans the development of the entire valley. Therefore you cannot find any constructions that destroy the original charm. Only the residents drive by car. There is a great bakery in the valley as well, called Crasta.

  • Winter curling at Suvretta House is a magical activity during the colder months.

  • The iconic Cresta Run is the oldest bob run (and the only one made of natural ice) in the world.'

Annual Events

  • White Turf: The annual horse race takes place every year in February.

How to Get There

  • By air: Zurich Airport is 4 hours by train and 2 1/2 hours by car. Alternatively, Milan Malpensa is only 180 km away and a 3 hours car ride; Engadin Airport Samedan is just around the corner, but only for private jets or chartered planes.
  • By train: St. Moritz has its railway station. For Panoramic views, take the Bernina or Albula Railway lines to see the Unesco Heritage site (Rhaetian Railway) in its full glory.

Photo credits: Jonathan Ducrest

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