In the picturesque Engadin valley in southern Switzerland lies the renowned and fashionable ski resort of St. Moritz, comprised of two parts: St. Moritz-Dorf and St. Moritz-Bad.
The history of St. Moritz traces back 300 years, with its reputation built not just on its mountain slopes but also on the healing springs that have made this area globally renowned. The town emerged as the hub of winter tourism in the late 19th century, owing to a famous dispute.
The essence of the story is that the owner of a local hotel invited his regular summer visitors to come to the town in winter. He made a bold promise that if the vacationers didn't enjoy their stay, he would cover all their expenses. Surprisingly, this gamble paid off, as the four English gentlemen who accepted the offer were thoroughly pleased, sparking the beginning of winter vacations in the area.
To pinpoint St. Moritz on the map, one can look at the locations of the Winter Olympics held in 1928 and 1948, which were hosted here. Additionally, St. Moritz has been a frequent host of the International Ski Championships.
When considering this ski resort for a vacation, it's important to note that it's not known for being budget-friendly. St. Moritz is a perennial destination for royalty, politicians, and celebrities. Its higher costs may deter some tourists but offer those who visit exceptional service and privacy amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Despite the town's native population numbering barely 6,000, it sees an annual influx of one and a half million vacationers.
St. Moritz, like the rest of Switzerland, uses the Swiss franc (CHF) as its official currency. Currency exchange services are available not only at the airport but also in major supermarkets, hotels, and travel agencies.
