THE HIGH LIFE

After its buzzy launch in 1856, the Kulm Hotel helped establish St. Moritz as the fit destination for winter tourism in the 19th century, and its reign continues more than a century and a half later. For the 23/24 winter season, the grand dame introduces a platter of lavish updates, including the opening of three new restaurants: the Kulm Country Club, helmed by Michelin starred chef Mauro Colagreco; Sunny Bar under the hat of rising culinary star Tom Booton; and Amaru, a creative Peruvian concept designed by Luke Edward Hall. Of the 150 guestrooms and suites, 34 were recently renovated by the legendary French architect and interior designer, Pierre Yves Rochon, including the flagship the Corvatsch Suite. The 1,900 square foot alpine palace features a lake facing terrace, sprawling living room with a wood burning fi replace, and a lavish spa bathroom with a freestanding soaking tub. kulm.com

St. Moritz – January 31,2015: Unidentified players compete at the Snow Polo World Cup St.Moritz 2015

PLAY IN THE POWDER

Located in the verdant Engadin valley along the southern slopes of the Albula Alps, St. Moritz is a wonderland for winter sports, spoiling visitors with breathtaking terrain and vitamin D (the sun shines here 322 days of the year). The cross country skiing network that surrounds town stretches 142 miles of varied topography, and its 88 pistes ensure there’s a slope for every skill level in your group. Adventure activities for non-skiers include curling, tobogganing, ice skating, and even snow yoga, while there’s an array of spectator sports on the icy Lake St. Moritz, including the beloved Cricket on Ice tournament (held on February 14) and skikjöring, a blend of extreme skiing and horse racing.

HAUTE POT

The Badrutt Palace’s grand welcome lobby nicknamed St. Moritz’s living room by well-heeled locals epitomizes the grandeur and glamour of the Swiss alpine village. Every afternoon, the hotel hosts afternoon tea, served alongside stunning snow blanketed views of the nearby mountains that pour in through towering floor to ceiling windows. The menu features 28 different gourmet tea varieties accompanied by ham, cheese, cucumber, and salmon finger sandwiches, plus scones and seasonal confections by the hotel’s pastry master. Patrons can upgrade the experience with a champagne add on for an additional $25 per person. $100 for two. badruttspalace.com/ restaurants/le grand hall terrace

FRESH FROM THE FARMHOUSE

A dining outpost of the venerable Badrutt’s Palace and short three minute walk from the hotel, Chesa Veglia is one of the hottest dinner reservations in town. Tucked within a whimsical farmhouse circa 1658, the destination restaurant houses five venues under its gable roof. Start your experience with a pre meal aperò at Polo Bar before sitting down for brick oven pies and Italian bites at Pizzeria Heuboden or Swiss signatures at the cozy, chalet inspired Patrizier Stuben. Perhaps you’re craving caviar and beef carpaccio? The French Grill Chadafö is an elegant affair (complete with a live pianist), while Carigiet Fondue Stübli serves up traditional Swiss fondue. badruttspalace.com/restaurants

ELEVATED BITES

More than 8,000 feet above sea level sits White Marmot, a retro glam haunt on the slopes of Piz Nair in the Corviglia ski area overlooking St. Moritz shining in the distance. Splashed with shades of muted pink, emerald green, and jet black, the 160 seat eatery features a U shaped, glazed lava stone cast central bar, where a large statue of Marmot, the restaurant’s namesake alpine squirrel, keeps watch as diners feast on chef Marco Moroni’s mountain classics. Menu standouts include acorn fed Iberian ham, beef cocktail with potato foam and caviar, and white truffles from Alba. If you’re feeling brave (and wearing the appropriate gear), opt to dine al fresco on the open air sun terrace. whitemarmot.ch