The Birthplace of Winter Tourism
Frozen lakes, snow-capped mountains and majestic glaciers: you would think that the Engadine has always been a playground for winter sport enthusiasts. Yet, up until 1864, St. Moritz was visited during summer months exclusively. It took the pioneering spirit of a local hotelier to establish the town as a winter holiday destination.
Legend has it that Johannes Badrutt, the owner of the Kulm Hotel, dared the British sun-seekers who were spending their summer holidays there to return again during winter. The terms of his bet were that if the guests did not enjoy the sun terrace as much as during summer, the hotel would not charge for their stay. Lo and behold, the initial winter tourists were convinced by the sunny climate. They even extended their stay through spring and word spread quickly about holidays in the snow.
In the 1890s, the hotel introduced winter sports such as skiing, ice-skating, curling and bob sledding. And as a result of Mr. Badrutt’s inventiveness, the Kulm Hotel became the world’s first winter holiday resort. In 1928 and 1948, St. Moritz even hosted the Winter Olympic Games. And still today, the annual White Turf horse races draw spectators from around the world. Apart from the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, the Engadine is home to four other properties under the umbrella of Swiss Deluxe Hotels.
Related Stories
A colourful evening with fondue, fun and friends in the company of a colour-blind Labrador: despite this apparent contradiction, we spend a delightful time at the ultra-stylish Carlton Hotel in St. Moritz.
Discover more
A welcome refuge from Zurich’s hustle and bustle and the arctic chill voutside, I didn’t exactly expect a female DJ when I first checked into the cool, calm and collected La Réserve Eden Au Lac. No big logos or signs announce the imaginary yacht club entirely designed by Philippe Starck. In the designer’s own words, ‘This hotel is like rock ‘n’ rolling with the Queen of England; everything is traditional yet resolutely unconventional.’ I was immediately intrigued to find out more.
Discover more
The perfect destination for an urban art safari à pied, Switzerland’s largest city and cultural epicentre beckons art enthusiasts from near and far with its miscellany of world-renowned galleries, public art installations, pop-ups and the country’s largest art museum.
Discover more
Time-honoured traditions embrace modern sophistication amidst the serene waters of Lake Zurich and the enchanting cobblestone alleys of the Old Town. Zurich is a dynamic city pulsating with world-class culture, art, and gastronomy—a captivating symphony of contrasts waiting to be explored.
Discover more
‘A delicious breakfast bowl is the best way to start your day,’ says Janina Brucker. Her smile reaffirming her words as she sits at Kasa Kaisin with her sister Gioia. Both have demanding jobs; Janina manages the hip eatery Lumière, while Gioia works as a creative at one of the city’s leading communication agencies. Making the most of their free time, they take us on a typical day off through the streets of Zurich.
Discover more
A trip to a thermal spa with a water-loving Labrador – what could go wrong?
Discover more
Offering a plenitude of options for families in a paradisiac setting, guests of Ascona’s elegant Hotel Eden Roc enjoy culinary delights, lakefront entertainment and the highest level of five-star hospitality. Earthly pleasures abound await guests both big and small.
Discover more