St. Moritz is an all year round destination but if you want to dip into the sportive side of this alpine mountain resort, February might be the perfect time, when Longines is hosting the White Turf Grand Prix on Lake St. Moritz.
During that time, when days are getting longer but the village is still covered in snow, you will get the most out of your days and the sportive energy during the White Turf fills you with great energy for whatever you are up to.
St. Moritz has a lot of different things to offer besides crystal clear air: the world champions run from the top of Piz Nair (over 3000 m high), and there are more than 350 km of slopes, panoramic cross-country ski runs across the St. Moritz, Silvaplana and Sils Maria lakes towards Maloja and the 4-km-long sledge run from Muottas Muragl.
IRMA spent some time in St. Moritz before the season started and found her favorite venues not only during the White Turf race in February.
Start your day with an early morning swim at the pool of the KULM SPA or take a dip in their outdoor pool overlooking the lake. It is a perfect way to start your day followed by some scrambled eggs and Swiss pastry at HANSELMANN CAFE.
There are many things you can do outdoors, for example a long walk along Lake St. Moritz towards the LEJ DA STAZ, where you can have lunch outside in the sun, maybe with your cross-country skis and continuing further after lunch for a tour into the Rosatsch Valley which is a natural delight.
The WHITE TURF race is on during three weekends in February and the happening on the lake creates quite an atmosphere that is unique in the world. Just imagine a horse race with the best horses in the world on an frozen lake. Enjoy a very chilled coup de Champagne and get into a racing mood, make a bet or just enjoy the speed of the horses in front of this amazing landscape.
If you are more the alpine hiker but do not want to get too much off the slopes, walk up to one of my favorite mountain huts, TRUTZ HÜTTE above the famous Suvretta Hotel, for a sunbath on their lounging terrace some home-baked cake.
The clear air in St. Moritz gives you so much energy that you might not feel tired at all. Grab your ice skates and visit the Eisbahn at the KULM HOTEL, followed by après ski with a hot chocolate at the terrace of the newly opened KULM COUNTRY CLUB. It was built by architect Sir Norman Forster and is also a great venue for dinner.
Or have drinks at the legendary Bamyan Ski Club pop-up bar. Part of the profits will support the only Afghan Olympic Ski team! A Pizza at the famous CHESA VEGLIA PIZZERIA is another option as this is the place where you will feel the typical atmosphere of the cultural mix the Engadine stands for. Milanese businessmen, British Cresta sportsmen and Indian princesses gather here to enjoy their delicious pizza.
We love to finish the evening at the SUNNY BAR at the KULM HOTEL. The bar hosts the famous daredevil CRESTA Club, whose members (men only!) throw themselves headfirst down a man-made ice canal on a small tobogganing run going from St. Moritz Dorf to Celerina.
On the last day of the season the run is open to courageous women. They have to register under the name of their male sponsor. Quite an adventure, but definitely an experience!
