When you stay at Badrutt’s Palace, it is easy to spend hours taking in the splendour and history of this legendary hotel. But for those who want to try something different during their visit to St. Moritz, the Palace is offering a fantastic new range of activities, curated exclusively for guests.
Everything about this exceptional Swiss setting, from the snow-capped mountains to the breathtaking lakes and the expansive forests, entices you to explore and discover more, and there is an abundance of pursuits on offer to help you do just that.
Winter sports
There is nothing more exhilarating than going outdoors and enjoying the crisp, clean winter air in the Engadin Valley, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it.
No one likes dragging their toboggan up a mountain. However, here in St. Moritz, the legendary Rhaetian Railway will transport you and your toboggan (along with an experienced guide) up through helical tunnels and over viaducts, with spectacular views of the Albula Valley to Preda. Then, at 1,800 metres above sea level, the entire family can disembark and enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride down Bergün. Prefer a more daredevil route? Why not take the chairlift from Preda to Darlux, then descend to Bergün at full speed.
For the more adventurous, why not try bobsledding and experience the most thrilling 75 seconds of your life. On the Olympia Bob Run from St. Moritz to Celerina, you will experience speeds of up to 135 kilometres per hour as you hurtle down the 1,722-metre-long run. The Olympia Bob Run is not only the world’s first bobsleigh track, but the only natural ice track of its kind.
Or perhaps you want to experience ‘winter’s wildest sport’ – skijoring. For those who consider themselves confident on either skis or a snowboard, why not combine the power of a galloping horse with the snow of the Engadin and experience the sheer exhilaration of skijoring. Guided by an expert jockey, together you will carve hoof and ski tracks in the virgin snow, gliding in a winter wonderland.
For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, snowshoe hiking is the winter sport for you. Simply strap on a pair of snowshoes and make your way to one of the region’s expertly prepared trails, where breathtaking, untouched snow awaits you, along with a nice hot drink to warm your soul as you reconnect with the natural world of the Engadin.
Those looking for the serene rather than the extreme can take a horse-drawn carriage ride from the atmospheric village square in Sils. You will then head deep into the rugged Fex Valley, where you will toast each other’s health and happiness over a Glühwein and take in some of the most magnificent scenery in the northern hemisphere.
The bigger picture
Perhaps you would like to explore the local art scene and learn more about a trailblazer of modernism? While you enjoy your stay, take in the Segantini Experience, a touching tribute to Giovanni Segantini, whose late-19th-century paintings speak of human existence in harmony with nature. The evening begins at the artist’s studio in Maloja, where the Segantini family will host you and give you a private tour of the current exhibition. Afterwards, you will be invited into the home of the artist and the artist’s life partner Luigia ‘Bice’ Bugatti, to enjoy Segantini wine before adjourning to the Bugatti dining room for a delicious candlelit dinner to savour local specialities.
Spread your wings
With so much to see in the Engadin, why not take to the skies to make the most of these breathtaking views?
Giving you a new perspective of the snowy St. Moritz landscape, a tandem paragliding flying tour of Muottas Muragl, Corvatsch or Diavolezza is the perfect way to spend a day. No prior knowledge of the sport is required; your instructor will give you all the information you need. Open your eyes to the skies with this breathtaking experience.
It could be that a helicopter tour of the stunning Upper Engadin is more your style, waving goodbye to cars and crowds and saying hello to landmarks such as the Biancograt ridge, the Morteratsch Glacier, Piz Palü and the perfect powder of Corvatsch as you go. After a day in the skies, you can relax in your room back at the Palace with a hot chocolate or a glass of Champagne.
Prefer to fly your helicopters yourself? No problem. Why not try a supervised fly of a helicopter with an experienced flying instructor in a chopper kitted out with dual controls? Throughout the experience you will receive a detailed briefing, theoretical instructions and a full run-down of cockpit controls. Your instructor will help you ascend to the skies, practise your hovering skills and even an exciting manoeuvre or two. Let your heart soar during this thrilling experience.
For those who like to enjoy an extra hour in the plush beds of Badrutt’s Palace, heliskiing is the activity for you. Forget about the ski lift: this elevated winter sport grants proficient skiers and snowboarders unparalleled access to an untracked powder wonderland. You will be quickly and comfortably whisked away by helicopter from St. Moritz-Bad over dramatic terrain to the helipad at the Corvatsch mountain station, situated at 3,303 metres above sea level. From there, you can ski directly into an untamed winter wilderness.
Food and drink
Anyone for a drink? Our cocktail-making masterclass is the perfect way to pass an afternoon. Spend time with the hotel’s expert bartenders in the iconic Renaissance Bar, enjoying a practical demonstration of how to fix one of the signature drinks on the venue’s much-lauded drinks’ list. With professional guidance, you will then be free to mix your own bespoke cocktail. It is sure to be thirsty work!
Or, for those who fancy trying their luck a little, try ice fishing on Lake Sils and enjoy the catch of the day with a Badrutt’s Palace chef on standby to prepare your haul. Pull up a chair amid the tranquil winter snowscape and enjoy the thrill of suspense as you wait for your fish to bite.
What next?
With so many incredible activities on offer, the most difficult decision you will face is which one to choose first! Why not ask one of the hotel’s concierges about some of these winter activities in St. Moritz? We look forward to welcoming you soon.
