St Moritz is world famous for its glamorous reputation and and this February hosts the 2017 World Championships. In 2015 it celebrated 150 years of winter tourism when in Johannes Badrutt persuaded British tourists with a money back guarantee, that sunny St Moritz was the place for winter sports. It also has a less known side: that of its ancient Romansh culture, language, and heritage. You see it in the indigenous sgrafitto architecture, hear it in local conversations. Foremost is the natural beauty of St. Moritz. This sophisticated town curves like a crescent moon around its lake, is crowned by glacierdraped peaks. The English were the first foreign visitors seduced by its sunny winters as it now celebrates 150 years of its international winter tourists. It also has the nerve wracking Cresta and bobsled runs; golf, polo and horse racing every winter on its lake; and almost unlimited window-shopping, for any European designer worth his salt has a boutique here. For passive intrigue, afternoon tea at Hanselmann’s is a must, offering some of the best people watching anywhere.

Then there is St. Moritz’ legendary skiing – where it all started. The cradle of winter tourism. It is the only resort to host the Winter Olympics twice and the 2003 World Championships – all for good reason: there are 16 ski areas in two valleys included on the ski pass. Some of the 250 miles of trails may have pink snow blown north by Sahara winds. There are more than 60 lifts. It had Europe’s first sixpassenger chair and today the newest technology takes you to the pistes and to more than 34 mountain restaurants for delicious revival and enjoyment. All interconnect by train or post bus included on your ski pass. Cross country enthusiasts join 30,000 others in mid-March for the annual marathon. Then for some history their Hallenbad spa goes back to Roman times.