It was the summer of 1864,  when a group of British tourist joined innkeeper Johannes Badrutt at the small Kulm Hotel in the village of St. Moritz.  An invitation to the group to spend some of the winter there resulted in those first tourist doing what tourist have been doing for almost one and a half centuries now – “falling in love with" the lovely and unique St. Moritz of Switzerland. 

Skiing had not become part of the landscape  at that time, but by 1892 there were skiers and bobsledders.  The next thirty years saw St. Moritz becoming a world class ski resort, and in 1928 it hosted the second World Olympic Games – to be repeated again within twenty years (1948).  St. Moritz has since become the world’s most prestigious winter address.  The dramatic view of the surrounding mountains and string of lakes makes  for an unchallenged calendar picture.  There is sun well over 325 days a year, making for beautiful

days!

The Ski Engadine lift pass covers nine different ski areas that includes 217 miles of trails that 58 lifts service.   Some of the world’s most awesome dining can be found in this area.  There are more than 90 miles of cross country trails.  The train ride on the Glacier Express covers the Alps from Zermatt to ST. Moritz. 

The runs are:  16% beginner, 71% intermediate, 13% advanced and expert.  Elevations are: Base 5,807 and top at 10,830 feet.  Vertical drop is 5,023 feet.  Snow reports can be found at www.skiengadline.ch and accommodations at www.skiengadine.ch.  This is the place for the chic, and elite – don’t come looking for hostels or Motel 6.  Don’t come without lots of cash or credit cards with high limits!

If excellence is your thing – then you will love St. Moritz.  I did!   The one thing I found out for certain is – don’t wear leather sole shoes in St. Mortiz!  Something with rubber soles, tread, anything but slick leather on the snow and ice streets there.  I spent most of my time holding onto anything that was near me, willing to trade my Italian leather shoes for snow shoes, or at least rubber boots.  To view the grandeur (as much as one can on Internet) take a look at:

http://www.stmoritz.ch/home-002-00-de.htm.  Another interesting site can be found at:  http://www.goski.com/rswi/stmoritz.htm   St. Moritz is to the world what Aspen, Colorado, is to the United States! 

Happy Traveling.