Snowy valley town beneath snow-capped mountains at sunset; ski tracks crisscross the frozen fields framed by pine trees.
Cool City St. Moritz

Glamour in the Alps

  • Issue

    01/26

  • Location

    St. Moritz, Switzerland

  • Photography

    Syra Mettier / Unsplash

St. Moritz is an international stage for style, sports  and society. Take a journey through landmarks and vibrant meeting places, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking Alpine views.

Elegance in motion against an alpine backdrop

The mountain village in the Engadine region combines fine design, sophisticated sports events and avant-garde cuisine. True cosmopolitan charm is rare, yet it thrives here, in the birthplace of winter tourism more than 150 years ago. Today, the frozen Lake St. Moritz provides the stage for special events, such as the Snow Polo World Cup, the White Turf and the famous International Concours of Elegance classic car show, where classic and racing cars glide gracefully across the ice against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. The emphasis here is not on competition, but on celebrating the timeless elegance of historic cars.

Snow-covered field with a silver vintage race car numbered 59; distant town, pine forest, and snow-capped mountains under a bright sun.
When it freezes over in the winter, Lake St. Moritz in Switzerland turns into a venue for the ­International Concours of Elegance – a prestigious classic car event with Alpine flair. Photo: Andrea Klainguti, courtesy of The I.C.E. St. Moritz

Between the slopes, panoramic views and film premieres

After conquering the perfectly groomed slopes of Corviglia in the morning, continue the adventure at Lunch & Dance in the White Marmot restaurant, where you can sip champagne and take in panoramic views while dancing in your ski boots to the music of top DJs. Another must-visit is Paradiso, where sun loungers, cuddly blankets and seafood platters transform your lunch break into an exclusive experience in the snow. Away from the slopes, the town center buzzes with energy as haute couture, modern art and alpine elegance converge. Although Via Serlas is just a few hundred meters long, it rivals the world’s most luxurious shopping streets with its high-end boutiques including Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Bvlgari. If your preference is for slow fashion with a local flair, you’ll find it at the Engadine brand Lokomotive OOO. The Super Mountain Market sells handcrafted furniture, art and clothing from the region.

In addition to classics like the Engadine Museum, founded in 1906, the town’s renowned galleries provide a rich source of cultural stimulation. ­Hauser & Wirth and the Vito ­Schnabel Gallery showcase international artists offering new perspectives on the Alpine region. The town’s hotels set the standard for luxury, none more so than the iconic ­Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, whose dramatic spire welcomes visitors from the train station. For guests arriving on the hotel’s own airline, Palace in the Air, the experience of indulgence begins long before you check in.

Two riders on horses compete in a snow polo match, swinging mallets on a snow-covered field with banners and a forest backdrop.
The Snow Polo World Cup, considered the most prestigious tournament of its kind, took place here for the first time in 1985.
Round brick building with curved balconies sits among snow-dusted trees on a hillside; steam rises from a chimney.
Norman Foster’s environmentally sensitive Chesa Futura building combines modern technology with traditional timber construction.
Modern glass building beside a blue pool with a circular spa, wooden deck, lawn, and a lake framed by snow-capped mountains.
In winter, the heated outdoor pool at the legendary Badrutt’s Palace invites you to swim in the open air.

The stage of the night

Even after the sun goes down, St. Moritz sparkles with life, from exclusive bars and lounges to stylish clubs. The Sunny Bar at the Kulm Hotel is a popular spot for locals, creatives and international guests. Founded by Gunter Sachs, the Dracula Club elevates exclusivity to an art form. This legendary, eternally youthful retreat admits only a select, hand-picked clientele. Plaun da Lej, a quiet hamlet on Lake Sils, is about a twenty-minute drive from St. Moritz. “In addition to a sauna with a view of the lake and the option of an ice bath, you can enjoy the famous seafood cuisine here,” says Maximilian Stamm, a license partner at Engel & Völkers Wohnen Schweiz AG.

St. Moritz thrives not on nostalgia but on the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. Set against its breathtaking backdrop, elegance is both preserved and reimagined, turning the streets and slopes into a continuous catwalk.

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Femke Maleen Fritz

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As an aspiring journalist, Femke Maleen Fritz contributed to GG Magazine, writing about exceptional properties, remarkable destinations and creative minds. Her stories explored homes with character, distinctive retreats and people with a clear vision. She was particularly interested in what lies behind a compelling concept and how architecture, aesthetics and ways of life come together in different places around the world.