I’m a relatively novice skier who’s only been on two ski trips, but before I visited St. Moritz I was familiar with the reputation of this luxury ski resort – a reputation that conjures up words like luxury, glamour and rich chic – and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
However, as I boarded the first train from Zurich Airport to the main station, I quickly realized that a special journey was about to begin. From Zurich main station, I took a train to Chur, then changed to the Bernina Express, one of the most famous tourist railways in the world, for a full train journey into the mountains.
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed road weaves through stunning landscapes, fascinating valleys and majestic glaciers. Along the way, we crossed 196 bridges, passed through 55 tunnels and explored the history and natural beauty of 80 miles of the Albula and Bernina Railways, which connect Switzerland and Italy.
Three hours later, we arrive at our destination. Known for its glamorous past, St. Moritz is undergoing something of a renaissance, attracting young people who want to explore its traditions and exclusivity. Surprisingly, only a small proportion of tourists come for skiing – just 40%! The rest are here for the many other attractions, including the Sun Ice Festival, now in its third year. The festival has transformed the city into a hub for techno-loving aficionados, attracting up to 30,000 attendees from all over the world.
And then there’s snow polo, which could be called the official sport of St. Moritz. Normally played on grass, the sport is now played on a frozen arena in this ultra-exclusive Swiss ski resort. The annual Snow Polo World Championships, held on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, has become a cornerstone of the St. Moritz winter calendar.