Chasing peaks in St Moritz

The renowned resort of St Moritz is home to winter sports, Alpine cuisine and thermal waters — all against the backdrop of the majestic Swiss Alps

GET MOVING IN THE ENGADINE The pull of the mountains is never stronger than in sky-high St Moritz, 5,978ft above sea level. On the sunny side of the Swiss Alps in the Engadine Valley, this peak-rimmed, glacier-frosted, lake-hugging resort is a knockout. Whether it’s a morning yoga session as the summits slowly pinken under the sun’s warming rays, a high-altitude hike to piercing-blue lakes beneath Piz Nair or world-class skiing at Corviglia, St Moritz throws you right in at the deep end of nature.

Fancy more? Follow the snowshoe trail to the cosy Ustaria Rabgiusa hut, race down black runs from Diavolezza with the Bernina Alps on the horizon, hurtle along a track at 80mph on the Olympia Bob Run or catch the breeze snowkiting on Lake Silvaplana. Guests can get fit at Carlton Hotel St Moritz with a customised training programme designed by Matt Gleed, trainer to Formula 1 drivers and Hollywood stars. The programme is based on his holistic approach to working out — plus years of experience.

PLAY AROUND IN THE MOUNTAINS St Moritz isn’t short of one-of-a-kind activities. Soar above snow-encrusted peaks while paragliding with a pro, create fresh tracks through snow on a guided torchlit hike or crack the ice of Lake Sils winter fishing for your dinner. Not enough? Explore the ice caves of the Morteratsch Glacier or slide down one of Europe’s longest illuminated toboggan runs, from Preda to Bergün. Book curated experiences at Carlton Hotel St Moritz, such as carving ice sculptures or renting an entire mountain for an evening.

TUCK INTO NOURISHING CUISINE St Moritz is known for its cheese-rich, meatheavy Alpine cuisine, but across the resort, chefs are seriously upping their game in the kitchen to give ski classics a more modern, nutritious twist. Dine at one of two restaurants at Carlton Hotel St Moritz; Restaurant Romanoff or the two-Michelin-star Da Vittorio. Chefs here are working with renowned nutritionists to

introduce nutrient-rich, plant-based menus (with the option to add fish or meat).

GET SOME REST, ST MORITZ STYLE St Moritz was feted for its thermal waters long before the skiers rocked up — indeed, the Romans praised their healing powers. Its spas still rank among Switzerland’s finest today and are well worth a visit. When you unplug, slow the pace and tune into nature — whether it’s walking in a forest blanketed in snow, gazing up to a star-studded sky from an icy mountain summit or bathing in a mountain lake so cold it makes you gasp. With the help of the leading Ho linik sleep centre, Carlton Hotel St Moritz has designed a science-based sleep programme for its guests, featuring everything from evening LEFT: The dramatic Engadine Valley

BELOW FROM LEFT: The stylish interior of Carlton Hotel St Moritz; hiking the slopes of the Swiss Alps under blue skies yoga and aromatherapy to special dinner menus and bespoke pre-sleep rituals.

GIVE BACK FOR A GREENER FUTURE

Nature is one of St Moritz’s greatest assets, and the municipality is working hard to keep it that way. Since 2004, St Moritz has held the Energiestadt (‘energy town’) label, and it punches high when it comes to solar and hydropower. With e-cars, a solar-powered funicular zipping up to the snowy slopes of Corviglia and a hiking trail spotlighting clean energy, St Moritz treads incredibly lightly. The Tschuggen Hotel Group has been climate-neutral since 2019. It aims to give back by buying local and partnering with local foundations to support artists.