A heady mix of world-class sporting options, unmistakable glamour, and rugged nature keep Switzerland’s St Moritz buzzing throughout the year. By Rahul Jagtiani
My valet driver is waiting patiently by the curb on a chilly morning, as I saunter out of St Moritz station and make my way towards the luxury sedan. My amiable fellow passenger on the short ride to Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski—the only five-star ski-out hotel in town—is a sartorially-savvy young Englishman who has flown to pick up a limited-edition designer watch, and plans on extending his weekend hobnobbing with fellow horologists in Alpine grandeur. This is my initiation to St Moritz, popularly referred to as the original winter playground of the rich and the famous.
Nestled in the Engadin valley, St Moritz is a picturesque village in the Swiss Alps. It lies 1,800 metres above sea level and is a four-hour train ride away from Zurich. St Moritz Dorf—which has more of the nightlife and shopping—is the upper part of the village, while St Moritz Bad, expanding into the region along the famous lake, is on the lower side. The town’s flair is undeniable as it hosts a range of glamorous events and activities, especially in the winters.
If you have St Moritz in your bucket list, then scroll down to see the top five unmissable experiences of this winter wonderland.
1. Skiing and snowboarding
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It’s no surprise that the international jet-set descends upon Engadin’s powdery pistes every winter. St Moritz offers world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities for beginners and professionals, alike. The birthplace of winter tourism, St Moritz has also hosted two Winter Olympic Games and five Alpine Ski World Championships.
2. Olympia Bob Run
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Think adrenaline-pumping roller-coaster ride on ice! The opportunity to experience bobsledding on the world’s oldest and only natural bobsleigh race track isn’t one to be missed. A professional pilot is usually assigned to take adventure enthusiasts on this heart-stopping 75-second ride of a lifetime at over 130 kilometres per hour speed!
3) Lake St Moritz
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The lake is fairly deep (60 metres), and in winters, this thick block of ice doubles up as a venue for top sporting events. From Cricket on Ice, where former legends of the game are divided into two teams to have another go; to the Snow Polo World Cup, the only high-goal polo tournament on snow accompanied by polo clinics and VIP lunches–game days spent around the frozen lake are indeed a glitzy affair!
4) Shopping
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Via Serlas, located in the heart of St Moritz Dorf, is the world’s highest promenade offering a range of designer brands. Browse through jewellery and stylish designer furniture stores or reserve the platinum card for premium boutiques.
5) Dining and nightlife
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Epicureans can rejoice at the wide range of dining options available. Hauser RooBar is the perfect après-ski spot. The hip and cosy eponymous Pavarotti Wine Bar offers a lip-smacking fare paired with white or red, as well as endless fist bumps and hugs from the gregarious owner. For a stiffer drink, head over to Devil’s Place at the Hotel Waldhaus am See; with 2,500 kinds of whiskey, it offers the world’s largest selection and has often entered the Guinness Book of World Records for this feat.
Related: 6 Reasons Why St. Moritz Is The Ultimate Winter Playground For Every Intrepid Traveller
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