SPOTLIGHT ON ST MORITZ
January 13, 2023
St. Moritz has a travel pedigree that is almost as rare as its altitude. At around 1,800 metres (5,910 ft) above sea level, the Swiss winter resort known as ‘Top of the World’ is synonymous with a specific elegance and warmth, along with a pioneering, sporting spirit. As the town prepares to host the spectacular Snow Polo World Cup for the 38th time later this month – for which Flexjet is a headline team sponsor – we take a closer look at its timeless and unique appeal.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF WINTER SPORTS
Already a popular spa and summer resort since the 17th century due to its iron-rich mineral springs, St. Moritz’s popularity for winter travel dates back to the 1870s, when it became the first place in Switzerland to install electric lighting. This acted as a catalyst for luxury tourism and, combined with a stunning lakeside setting in the Engadin Valley and year-round sunshine, propelled it to become one of the world’s most exclusive winter sports destinations.
Snow and ice sports were pioneered here, with early toboggan races at The Kulm Hotel evolving into world-class skeleton and bobsleigh competitions, and The Cresta Run going on to achieve iconic status when St. Moritz hosted both the 1928 and the 1948 Winter Olympics.
The area was also home to Switzerland’s first ski lift in 1935 and today continues to offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities, with access to the four ski areas of Corviglia/Piz Nair, Corvatsch, Diavolezza/Lagalb and Zuoz.
In 1985, Snow Polo was born in St. Moritz, when the frozen lake was used as a polo surface for the first time by Reto Gaudenzi, founder of the first Swiss polo team. Almost 40 years later, he continues to organise the Snow Polo World Cup tournament, now one of Europe’s most elite and spectacular winter sports events. Attracting thousands of spectators from all over the world, Flexjet is delighted to be a sponsor and this year will be headlining one of the six competing teams – formed of some of the world’s top polo players – in addition to providing VIP hospitality for our jet Owners and their guests.
WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES & HOSPITALITY
Alongside the adrenaline-fueled sporting opportunities, St. Moritz offers an array of other attractions to impress the discerning winter visitor, including gentler outdoor pursuits such as mountain walks and historic carriage rides through the stunning, snowy landscapes.
A range of impressive five-star hotel options include Flexjet official partner The Kulm and its sister hotel, The Grand Hotel Kronenhof, both of which offer an exceptional level of hospitality and amenities featuring luxury suites, spa facilities and renowned restaurants, including the K by Mauro Colagreco.
In fact, food lovers are spoilt for choice throughout the area, with several more local restaurants holding one or more Michelin stars. Boutique and specialist gastronomic outlets include the renowned coffee and caviar house Glattfelder, which has sold arguably St. Moritz’s best coffee and an array of caviar, for over 85 years.
Other chic retail opportunities include a selection of the world’s most exclusive fashion houses and a vibrant nightlife scene means St. Moritz stays awake into the small hours, with Dracula the most glamorous and exclusive club in town.
YOUR EXCLUSIVE ARRIVAL, WITH FLEXJET
Flexjet’s fleet, including the super-midsize Praetor 600 and ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650, offers an exceptional way to arrive in St. Moritz, whether for the Snow Polo World Cup or at any other time of year.
While St. Moritz is several hours by road or train from the closest commercial airports in Zurich or Milan, Flexjet Owners can fly in and out of Samedan (LSZS), a dedicated private jet airport, practically on the doorstep. Our dedicated crew training and advanced operational capability gives access to Samedan and most of Europe’s other high-altitude airports.
To discover more about our European fleet and programmes, contact our team using the form below or call us on +44 (0) 203 856 8151.
