Located in the far south-east of Switzerland in the Canton of Grisons can be found one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, St Moritz!! It lies on the southern side of the Alps in a valley region known as the Upper Engadine, in which flows the River Inn. The town is home to approximately 5500, supported by seasonal workers who service the 13,000 visitors that can be accommodated in the hotels and apartments on a daily basis.
The Engadine region is composed of the valley and the surrounding mountains. These mountains protect this long (100 kilometre) valley on all sides and help to create a micro climate that offers over 300 days per year of sunshine. It is a magnificently beautiful area with awesome landscapes and offers a huge variety of outdoor activities. During the summer months the Engadine region attracts hikers, climbers and sailing enthusiasts, whilst in the winter months the area, which is Switzerland’s largest skiing region, glistens with crisp powder snow and frozen lakes which attract skiers, snow boarders, cross country skiers, winter hikers, sledgers and ice skaters!! With 350 kilometres of snow fields and trails, and with 88 downhill runs in the area, you are spoilt for choice!!
Originally known for its mineral springs which have been used since Celtic times, St Moritz initially became a summer resort, with visitors drawn here for the recuperative value of fresh mountain air and clear, pure spring water. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that visitors came to the area to enjoy this winter wonderland, with the first skiers cutting their first tracks in the mid 19th century.
St Moritz in the winter is the epitome of luxury and lifestyle, with classy hotels, excellent restaurants and bars and world class snowfields, it has all the ingredients for a fun and memorable time. While you are here don’t forget the White Turf International Horse Races which take place in February each year. Staged on the frozen ice of Lake St Moritz the event includes horse racing, trotting and the world exclusive Skikjoring races, where the horses pull ‘riders’ on skis around the track at reckless speeds as snow-powder and ice-shards shower the event making for a truly amazing spectacle. Fringe activities run concurrently whilst the event is operating and include interesting music performances, art exhibitions, entertainment for the children and of course culinary delights!!
Why not also take some time out and have a look at the natural bobsleigh run called the ‘Cresta’ ice run!! Operated by the St Moritz Toboggan Club, the Cresta follows a steep natural gully, with 10 sharp corners down a course of 1.2 kilometres long. It is open just before Christmas, and usually lasts until the end of February. It is a private club, although visitors are welcome to watch and can even take an exhilarating ride from the ‘Junction’, which lies near the clubhouse!! Races take place every morning of the week for the whole period, so you have plenty of time to watch and enjoy!! The current record is 50.09 seconds, crossing the finish line at 128 K.P.H!!
For something a little more touristy why not catch the ‘Little Red Train’, it is an unforgettable rail journey from St Moritz, over the Bernina Pass to Torino in Italy. This exciting rail adventure is listed to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique characteristics, it takes approximately two hours to reach Torino, and is the highest and steepest alpine railway in the world!! It is a magical journey through the most beautiful mountains in Europe and traverses the Bernina Pass at 2253 metres and the wonderful spiraling viaduct of Brusio and passes the spectacular Morteratsch Glacier.
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