St. Moritz: The Winter Capital of the Alps
From its legendary light to its gastronomy, from its immaculate pistes to its year-round cultural rhythm, St. Moritz once again transforms into the dazzling stage of the Alps this winter season.
Situated on the sun-drenched slopes of the Alps at 1,800 meters, St. Moritz holds a unique historical prestige as the birthplace of modern winter tourism. The dry, luminous air of the Engadin Valley, its 320 days of sunshine a year, and its crystalline clarity have made this small town a winter capital for centuries—treasured by both European aristocracy and contemporary travelers. Here, winter is not merely a season; it is a way of life shaped by rituals, traditions, and a deep cultural heritage.
The enchantment of St. Moritz begins with its light. The gentle golden glow reflecting off the mountains appears each morning like a thin crystalline veil over the snow. Then come the perfectly groomed pistes, the frozen lake that turns into a stage of its own, pop-up dining experiences by world-class chefs, and the time-honored evening rituals of its iconic grand hotels.
Today, St. Moritz is far more than a ski resort; it is a microcosm where art, sport, gastronomy, and social life converge in a timeless expression of modern luxury. And this year brings an extra excitement: the season that began in the final days of 2025 promises extraordinary energy, marked by both classic events and new cultural programs strengthening the town’s heritage. With the Snow Polo World Cup, White Turf races, the legendary Cresta Run, and a rich calendar of gastronomic events, St. Moritz once more becomes an international focal point.
Why It Remains a Magnet
The Rarest Luxury of the Alps: Its Light
St. Moritz’s defining signature is its exceptionally dry, bright winter climate—something found in very few places in the world. Its abundance of sunny days shapes not only the physical atmosphere but also the entire experience: more enjoyable pistes, inviting winter walks, and visually striking events on the lake. This light sets the rhythm of St. Moritz, drawing photographers, artists, and winter sports lovers back every season.
Olympic Heritage
St. Moritz has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and is home to Cresta Run, the world’s only natural bobsleigh track. Sport here is not just an activity but a cultural identity: starting the day early on the pistes, having coffee under the winter sun, and planning the day according to the movement of light are part of the town’s lifestyle.
The Frozen Lake
Each winter, Lake St. Moritz freezes over and transforms into a social stage unlike anywhere else in the world. Polo matches, horse races, brand events, fashion shoots, and gastronomic celebrations—all unfold on the lake. It is both the symbol and the heartbeat of the winter season.
Grand Hotels with a Century of Heritage
Badrutt’s Palace, Kulm Hotel, and Suvretta House are much more than places to stay: they are cultural institutions with their own rituals, histories, and loyal guests. Evening hours here become a ritual of socializing; lobby conversations bring encounters, and their restaurants turn into sites of culinary discovery. Each hotel is essential to the identity of St. Moritz.
The Most Popular Events in St. Moritz
Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz
The world’s only polo tournament held on a frozen lake, the Snow Polo World Cup is one of St. Moritz’s most prestigious events. The sight of galloping horses leaving traces on the snow creates a visual spectacle, while luxury brand invitations, exclusive viewing lounges, and sophisticated social gatherings transform the town’s rhythm for several days. The 2026 edition will take place on 23–25 January, and preparations are already well underway.
White Turf – Horse Racing on Ice
With more than a century of history, White Turf holds an iconic place in the cultural memory of St. Moritz. On the vast tracks set up on the frozen lake, the races combine aristocratic elegance with the dynamism of modern sport. Gastronomy stands, art performances, and social areas turn the lake into a grand open-air festival throughout the event.
Cresta Run – The World’s Oldest Bobsleigh Track
Cresta Run is a natural, entirely unique bobsleigh track that draws adrenaline enthusiasts from around the world. Celebrating 150 years of tradition, its races highlight speed, skill, and daring—offering a memorable experience for both athletes and spectators. It remains one of the strongest symbols of St. Moritz’s sporting heritage.
Gastronomy Gatherings
The 2025 season in St. Moritz was particularly vibrant in the culinary world, hosting many Michelin-starred chefs throughout the winter. St. Moritz Gourmet Festival 2025 focused on the rising Asian “Mountain-to-Table” movement and welcomed names such as Mitsuharu Tsumura (Maido, Latin America No. 1), Switzerland’s Andreas Caminada, Germany’s Tim Raue, Italy’s Niko Romito, and Central Europe’s emerging young chefs.
Special dinners held in century-old hotels, caviar- and truffle-driven tasting menus, and collaborative “four-hands dinners” were among the season’s highlights. One of the standout innovations of 2025 was Paradiso Mountain Club’s debut “Alpine Seafood Night,” where fresh shellfish met alpine gastronomy—quickly becoming the season’s most surprising discovery.
Where to Eat in St. Moritz
Kulm Country Club
Fusing Olympic heritage with modern Alpine cuisine, Kulm Country Club offers an authentic St. Moritz atmosphere with its spacious terrace catching Engadin’s ever-changing light. The menu features truffle-touched warm dishes, refined fondue interpretations, and seasonal specialties. It is ideal for post-ski gatherings or calm evening dinners.
Paradiso Mountain Club
Paradiso—perched on the slopes of Corviglia—is one of St. Moritz’s most vibrant social hubs. Long lunches, DJ performances, fashion collaborations, and sun-drenched terraces add modern elegance to mountain life. With seafood dishes and contemporary Alpine plates, its menu matches the lively rhythm of the venue.
Cocktails & Nightlife
Renaissance Bar – Badrutt’s Palace
With Art Deco details, dim lighting, and a vintage Negroni collection, Renaissance Bar is one of the most elegant starting points for St. Moritz nights. Its cocktails reinterpret classic recipes with aromatic, spice-driven touches suited to the mountain climate. At sunset, when the lake reflects onto the windows, the bar becomes one of the town’s most sophisticated meeting spots.
Dracula Club
Founded by Gunter Sachs and famously open only to invited guests, Dracula Club is the most exclusive address of St. Moritz’s nightlife. Gothic décor, live performances, and an unmistakably bohemian spirit create a truly unique atmosphere each season. A night spent here often becomes one of the defining memories of a St. Moritz trip.
Langosteria St. Moritz
Bringing Milan’s seafood heritage to the Alps, Langosteria—located within Badrutt’s Palace—is a sophisticated venue for aperitivo and dinner. Fresh shellfish, raw bar selections, and curated wine pairings blend seamlessly with the rising evening energy. A pre-dinner drink against the lake view is the restaurant’s signature ritual.
Hotels & Spas
Badrutt’s Palace
The social heart of St. Moritz, Badrutt’s Palace is an icon with its grand lobby, sweeping lake views, and traditional ballroom evenings. Its spa blends modern wellness techniques with classical therapies, offering guests a complete sense of renewal. Staying here means becoming part of the century-old rhythm of St. Moritz.
Kulm Hotel
Carrying the sporting legacy of St. Moritz, Kulm Hotel is one of the town’s most important addresses for wellness-focused travelers. Its natural-spring spa, expansive pools, and Engadin-facing relaxation rooms create a restorative experience both physically and mentally—ideal after long days on the slopes.
Suvretta House
For those seeking aristocratic elegance, Suvretta House offers English-style salons, traditional décor, and its own private ski school. With its serene spa, pool, and mountain-view relaxation areas, it provides exceptional tranquility. Suvretta House remains one of the strongest embodiments of St. Moritz’s historic hospitality.
