The resort world famous for its glamorous reputation has its less noticed side–one encompassing its ancient Romansh culture and heritage. You can hear it in the locals' language and see it in the indigenous sgrafitto detailed architecture. But foremost is the natural beauty of St. Moritz. This sophisticated town curves like a crescent moon around its lake crowned by glacier draped peaks. The English were the first seduced by its sunny winters. In 2006 St Moritz celebrated 150 years of their international parade of visitors with its nerve wracking Cresta and bobsled runs; golf, polo and horse racing on the lake; almost unlimited window shopping (any European designer worth his salt has a boutique here); and, for passive intrigue, afternoon tea at Hanselmann's offers some of the best people watching anywhere.

Then there's St. Moritz' skiing: the cradle of winter tourism, the only resort to host the Winter Olympics twice – had the 2003 World Championships for good reason. There are six different areas in two valleys, some of the 250 trail miles have snows pink from wind-carried Sahara dust and 60 lifts-many recently upgraded including Europe's first six passenger chair take you to them and more than 25 mountain restaurants for delicious revival and enjoyment. All are interconnected by train or post bus included on your ski pass. That also allows free entry to the Hallenbad for swimming, a sauna or massage. For cross country enthusiasts come in mid-March to compete with 10,000 others in the annual marathon over 26 of the Engadine Valley's 100 miles of trails!

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