Switzerland

St Moritz

St Moritz effectively invented winter tourism, and a century and a half later it remains the alpine resort against which glamour is measured. Set on a frozen lake in the high Engadin, it pairs champagne-climate sunshine — the town claims the sparkling light as its trademark — with palace hotels that have hosted European society since the belle époque.

The pleasures are seasonal and singular: skiing on Corviglia's groomed miles, horse racing on the frozen lake, and a summer of sailing, hiking and glacier-bound railway journeys. St Moritz wears its formality lightly in the mountains' presence, but dressing for dinner is still part of the performance.

Best areas to stay

St Moritz Dorf

The upper town holds the legendary palace hotels, designer boutiques and direct access to the Corviglia funicular.

St Moritz Bad

The lakeside spa quarter offers a quieter setting, wellness-focused hotels and walks along the frozen or sparkling lake.

The Engadin Valley (Celerina & Pontresina)

Neighbouring villages provide alpine charm and access to the Diavolezza glacier runs at gentler prices and pace.

Dining & nightlife

The village concentrates a remarkable density of fine dining, from palace-hotel gastronomy to fondue huts reached on skis. Après-ski runs from mountain champagne bars to discreet cellar clubs that keep going late in season. Tables at altitude and in town alike reward booking well ahead.

Travelling as a family

Families find superb ski schools, sledging runs and ice-skating on the lake, with the Diavolezza glacier adding summer snow. The palace hotels run polished kids' programmes, and the Bernina railway's panoramic carriages delight all ages.

Travelling as a couple

Couples come for firelit suites, spa afternoons and torch-lit descents followed by fondue for two. A private ride on the Glacier Express or a moonlit walk across the frozen lake gives St Moritz its winter-fairytale register.

Cultural highlights

White Turf horse racing on the frozen lake
The UNESCO-listed Bernina railway to Italy
Segantini Museum's alpine paintings
The leaning tower and belle-époque architecture of the Dorf

The Browntravels Edit

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