St. Moritz, world famous for its glamorous reputation, has a less noticed side–one encompassing its ancient Romansh culture, language, and heritage. You see it in the indigenous sgrafitto architecture, hear it in local conversations and see it on road signs. Foremost though is the natural beauty of St. Moritz. The town curves like a crescent moon around its lake which is crowned by glacier-draped peaks. The English were the first seduced by its sunny winters. In 2006, St. Moritz celebrated 150 years of its parade of international visitors. It has the nerve wracking Cresta run; golf, polo and horse racing on its frozen lake; and almost unlimited window-shopping–any European designer worth his salt has a boutique here. For passive intrigue, afternoon tea at Hanselmann’s is a must: it offers the best people watching anywhere.

Then there is St. Moritz’ skiing. This is the cradle of winter tourism, where it all started. It is the only resort to host the Winter Olympics twice and the 2003 World Championships – All for good reason. There are six different areas up two valleys; some of the 250 miles of trails may have pink snow blown north on Sahara winds. There are more than 60 lifts. Today the newest technology takes you to the pistes and to more than 25 mountain restaurants for delicious revival and enjoyment. All interconnect by train or post bus included on your ski pass. The pass allows free Hallenbad entry with a spa going back to the Romans, swimming and sauna. For cross-country enthusiasts come in mid-March to compete with more than 10,000 in their marathon over 26 of the Engadine Valley’s more than 100 miles of trails!

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