We have a lot to thank Johannes Badrutt, founder of the Kulm. In the summer of 1864, in the popular, Victorian ‘summer’ resort of St. Moritz, he was so convinced of the winter potential, that he laid a bet with four English holiday guests, after enthusing about the snow-laden beauty of the region and the sunshine and mild conditions during the day. Badrutt suggested that they should return in December, and if they did not enjoy their stay, he would reimburse the considerable travel expenses. The Englishmen returned – and stayed until Easter. Badrutt won his wager, and winter tourismwas launched. The news of winter holidays in the snow spread like wildfire, and more and more English people came to spend holidays in St. Moritz. In the 1890s various enterprising winter guests were keen to develop new sports using ice tracks – and so skibobbing, skeleton bobsled, and cresta emerged, whilst on the frozen lake polo and horseracing also proved popular. The town is made up of two parts – stylish St Moritz Dorf up on the hillside, with the Chantarella funicular and the majority of restaurants, boutiques and hotels, and St Moritz Bad on the lake, where the Signalbahn gondola sets off from. There's a marvellous mix of architecture, from ancient Engadine houses and chapels to grand Victorian hotels and cutting edge modern builds. The train ride from Zürich (3h20) is spectacular - in fact the last section on the Bernina Express has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The skiing is some of Switzerland’s best, with around 350km of pistes to explore and two high altitude glaciers, allowing for long seasons. The après-ski in St. Moritz is famous the world over for its posh bars, superb dining and high-profile clientele – anyone wanting to see and be seen can party with royalty at King’s Club till , or go dancing at the stylish Diamond Club. ...the birthplace of winter sports 36
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