It was 1864 when Thomas Cook first introduced adventurous English holidaymakers to Switzerland, but the history books are coloured more by what came next.
It was then in the following September that Johannes Badrutt promised his sceptical summer guests in the Engadin Alps that they would also enjoy the region in winter — if they were bold enough to return.
A legendary wager was then agreed upon. The hotelier would reimburse travel costs from London if St. Moritz didn’t provide fun in the winter sun, and the guests could stay as long as they wished.
That was 150 years ago, and St. Moritz has long since forged its reputation as one of Europe’s top winter destinations, replete with luxe lodgings and fine dining, year-round. Now, the town is celebrating its fortunate heritage as the birthplace of European winter tourism with a bevy of thrilling events.
The festivities will begin to snowball from next month, when the Anniversary Kick-Off event takes place. December 5-7 will see teams compete in various traditional snow sports, with concerts and shows each evening. The following months will present visitors with highlights such as the Gourmet Festival (January 26-30) with 182 international master chefs from 30 nations cooking within the town’s hotels.
The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz arrives concurrently (January 29 to February 1), and promises to offer thrilling competition for the entertainment of some 15,000 expected spectators.
As if that’s not enough Alpine equine action, White Turf St. Moritz will take place on Sunday February 8 and then the subsequent two Sundays. Dating back to 1907, the tradition takes place on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, but is not merely a horse-race meet.
Impressive steeds will thunder across the hard ice, tussling in various races in a series of three events, which will also see intrepid competitors pulled along on skis, testing the true horsepower of their hooved companions.
Other celebratory events include the World and European Cup Bob and Skeleton on the Olympia Bob Run from January 12-25. To mark 125 years of the sport, a dedicated bobsleigh Hall of Fame is due to open that month.
Visitors from the Commonwealth may also enjoy Cricket on Ice from February 19-21. All good things must come to an end, and the Swiss Ski Association will wrap the season up with Ski Club Championships in March, combined with a huge closing ceremony bash.
St. Moritz in 1914