Mountain High

Discover the Pinnacle of Alpine Luxury: Switzerland's Elite Ski Destinations

The Swiss Alps offer a world-class escape, blending unparalleled on-piste thrills with sophisticated off-piste glamour. From the historic luxury of St. Moritz and Gstaad to the authentic charm of Zermatt and the new-wave sophistication of Crans-Montana and Andermatt, your clients will find their perfect high-altitude sanctuary.

St. Moritz: The Winter Playground of the Elite

Experience the legendary glamour of St. Moritz, a historic Alpine resort town in the Engadine Valley that has been the winter playground for the wealthy since the jet-set era.

  • Iconic Stays: Indulge in hotels that are destinations in themselves. The Badrutt's Palace is the town's social center, with a gothic-inspired silhouette and a freshly redesigned spa. For an ultra-exclusive option, the famed four-bedroom Tower Penthouse is now available. Other architectural gems include the neo-Baroque Grand Hotel Kronenhof and the painting-and-powder set's favorite, Villa Flor.

  • Après-Ski & Dining: Culinary excellence abounds, from the new outpost of Milan's cult seafood spot, Langosteria, to the simple, hearty Valais cuisine at Dal Mulin, which boasts an outsize wine list. For the most coveted invitation in town, a nudge from your concierge may secure entry to the members-only Dracula Club at the Kulm Hotel.

  • Beyond the Slopes: St. Moritz is an intellectual and cultural hub, hosting the Snow Polo World Cup, thrilling bobsled races on the Cresta Run, and a thriving contemporary arts scene with spaces like Hauser and Wirth.

Zermatt: Whimsy, Nostalgia, and the Matterhorn

Zermatt is a charming, car-free snow-globe town watched over by the iconic Matterhorn. Its cobblestone streets, 16th-century chalets, and heritage hotels create an atmosphere of whimsy and nostalgia.

  • Prime Lodging: Stay at heritage hotels like Mont Cervin Palace, known for its cherry-red, horse-drawn carriages, or the newly invigorated Cervo Mountain Resort, popular with a younger crowd for its Moroccan restaurant and state-of-the-art Mountain Ashram spa (featuring Japanese onsens and Scandi-style cold plunges).

  • Gourmet Mountain Dining: Zermatt is renowned for its mountainside restaurants. Enjoy lunch with a view at classics like Findlerhof and Chez Vrony (famous for its legendary burger and Matterkuchen quiche). For a thrilling post-dinner ride, guests at Hotel Silvana can enjoy a sled ride back to the village after dining at Silvana Stübli.

  • Travel in Style: Recommend the scenic, eight-hour journey on the Glacier Express from St. Moritz, complete with five courses of wine-paired Swiss meals served by white-gloved staff in the "excellence-class" cars.

Crans-Montana: The Sunny New-Wave Star

With its south-facing slopes virtually guaranteeing bluebird days, Crans-Montana is poised for a snow-time boom, connecting the glamorous Crans-Sur-Sierre and sportier Montana.

  • Cutting-Edge Stays: The most anticipated debut is the Six Senses Crans-Montana, offering an understated luxury experience with its state-of-the-art spa, including a bio hack recovery lounge. For a truly unique stay, Chetzeron is housed in a converted gondola station and features a heated outdoor pool overlooking the spectacular alpine landscape.

  • Gourmet Innovation: From satisfying raclette at the traditional Cabane des Taules to the ambitious, nature-inspired cuisine at L'Ours (try the dessert that resembles a forest floor), the dining here is a delightful mix of classic and contemporary.

Gstaad: Preserved Old-World Glamour

Gstaad remains the secluded winter wonderland for Europe’s old guard. Strict zoning laws ensure the town maintains its fairytale atmosphere of charming farmhouses and historic grandeur.

  • Grand-Dame Hotels: The opulent, 104-room Gstaad Palace has been enchanting guests since 1913, with its Venetian chandeliers and legendary lobby. Le Grand Bellevue Hotel is a favorite for families, offering a cinema and a full spa with a unique hay and alpine botanical sauna.

  • Exclusive Après: After testing their mettle on the newly opened Black Wall run at Glacier 3000, clients can tuck into a hearty lunch at Le Refuge l’Espace. For nightlife, the louche, 70s-inspired discotheque, GreenGo, at Gstaad Palace is pulsing again, or for a more rustic-chic dinner, try the Fromagerie for champagne-infused cheese fondue.

Andermatt: The Serious Skier's Secret, Reimagined

Once a low-key village, Andermatt has been reimagined into a mega-ski resort with 110 miles of trails and high-tech lifts, all while preserving its Old World charm.

  • Luxury Lodge: The 123-room Chedi masterfully marries elegant Japanese paper lanterns with alpine elements like roaring fireplaces, a 115-foot indoor pool, and a 6,000-bottle wine library.

  • On- and Off-Slope Bites: Ski-in for hearty fuel like rösti at Gadäbar (set in an old cowshed). For a truly memorable evening, skip the slopeside lunch and opt for Gütsch's decadent five-course, full moon dinners, reached by an evening gondola ride.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which Swiss destination is best for the most exclusive, old-world glamour and socializing?

Answer: Gstaad and St. Moritz are the top choices. Gstaad is known for its preserved, discreet Old Guard luxury and exclusive clubs like the Eagle Club. St. Moritz is famous for its jet-set history, hosting the Snow Polo World Cup, and iconic venues like the Badrutt's Palace and the Dracula Club.
2. Are there any car-free ski resorts mentioned, and how do guests get around?

Answer: Yes, Zermatt is famously car-free. Guests navigate the cobblestone streets using charming horse-drawn carriages and electric taxis. A cog train also whisks skiers up to the pistes.

3. What makes the newest luxury hotel in Crans-Montana stand out?

Answer: The Six Senses Crans-Montana stands out for its cutting-edge wellness facilities, including a state-of-the-art spa with a "bio hack recovery lounge," and its commitment to understated luxury using locally-sourced materials like oak, larch, and slate.

4. Which resort is best suited for serious skiers seeking excellent conditions and an updated infrastructure?

Answer: Andermatt is the top recommendation. It was once a secret for serious skiers due to its snow conditions but has since been reimagined into a mega-resort with 110 miles of trails and futuristic, high-tech lifts.

5. Is it possible to secure entry to the exclusive Dracula Club in St. Moritz?

Answer: The Dracula Club is members-only, but if you are a guest staying at the premier hotels (Kulm, Badrutt's, or Suvretta), the concierges might be able to assist with securing an invitation.

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