Europe is incredibly busy during the summer and certain places are simply magical in the winter, minus the crowds. Switzerland is a country I have visited several times during the winter and it is truly a wonderland of alpine freshness and city buzz throughout the season.
Arriving into Zurich, the Christmas spirit was bright, right from the train station where we admired the lights, Christmas decor and of course sweets and traditional hot, spiced gluwein!
Like a clock, in pulled the train where we boarded the UNESCO railway line along the Albula passage with a front seat view to the magic of the alps!
From Lake Zurich –
To snow-covered trees…
And fairy tale villages…
The beauty of riding the Glacier Express is cutting right through the mountains in a series of tunnels, twists and turns as you make your way from ski town to ski town…
I loved seeing all the tobaganers board the train up before sledding down…
Alas, we arrived and chic St. Moritz…
And were welcomed at the stunning and historic Hotel Kulm St. Moritz…
Also dressed for the holidays…
The historic hotel has been renovated with a modern but with a cozy alpine feel…
I love the chalet feel the wooden walls offer…
Ooo la la, a vintage welcome indeed!
Someone is going to sleep well…
And the bathrooms is modern and lovely…
What a skating rink outside my window!
Even the children will enjoy this holiday season with a jumpy castle in the ballroom!
Time to get up and go…..it is chilly but with the St. Moritz’s champagne climate and sunny days, it could not have been more perfect weather!
My favorite part about European skiing is having a local instructor guide to give you the lay of the land – super helpful especially since many of the most charming ski villages were around long before skiing was invented, so finding your way is quite different than you will find in the purpose-built ski towns of North America.
Our instructors from the Giorgio Rocca Academy were top-notch!
Stopping for Aperos (or drinks) at El Paradiso was a highlight – gorgeous lunch menu too!
A table with a view, for sure!
Stop in for a coffee and a cake…
Or a coffee with schnapps and creme!!
Or maybe a shot or two to warm the soul…
After a few more runs, its time to stop for lunch at Salastrains, another mountain hot spot…
It is all about the charcuterie in this part of Switzerland and the dry- cured meats are delicious!
The salads throughout are truly incredible. Why can we not get lettuce this fresh and full of flavor – absolutely delightful!!
And this traditional pasta was also fantastic!
And of course a wonderful send off to the slopes with SHOT-SKIs –
Skiing back down in the village…
Apres-Ski…
…and shopping.
Back at Hotel Kulm it is time for spa which at most Swiss properties is phenomenal and this is no exception…
The heated water beds are a wonderful way to relax post treatment…
We luckily got to have snacks and drinks in the kitchen…
The Kulm Country Club is the place to go for hand-crafted gin cocktails – this bartender is a true talent!
It is Saturday night so there is only one place to go, dancing at the Palace. Love our ride – this is how to ROLL in St. Moritz!
Back on the train, this time towards Zermatt on the Glacier Express –
First top Andermatt – is now very much on the map due to the opening of the uber luxurious and chic Chedi Andermatt – located right across the street from the train station!
My suite is incredible, I am not sure I’ll leave…
The two story cheese room is open 24-7 and so very much a treat…
The fondue chalet is also a must do…
The Charming village is quiet and authentic –
and the locals are adorable…
Such charm…
Andermatt has wonderful ski guides as well and no better way to experience the slopes than with a local…
For those wanting a break from skiing, tobogganing is a national past time…
or perhaps some Snow-Shoeing to work off all that wonderful cheese…
Or better yet board the Apres-Ski Train for drinks as you go between ski resorts –
Up the gondola we go…
Feeling on top of the world in Andermatt!
Final stop on this Swiss Alpine adventure is to Lucerne – the stunning lake city surrounded by mountains.
I enter the lobby at the Burgenstock and am taken by the lobby literally above the clouds…
This fantastic chalet at the Burgenstock would be the perfect take over for a celebratory birthday…
The Waldhotel is a wellness and medical retreat located at the Burgenstock…
Guests staying at the Burgenstock can access the hotel and Lucerne city center by enjoying the high speed ferry across the lake and then the funicular up to the property itself…
Arriving to the Lucerne City-Center…
And finally to one of the most lovely hotels I have ever seen – The Park Hotel Vitznau – a family owned and out-of-this-world “health and wealth retreat” on the shores of Lake Lucerne…
The Christmas season is in full swing here…
Each of the 30 or so suites are completely unique and make up a different theme in the owner’s life. My suite is the Newton suite and is sumptuous and stunning…
Tonight we go local and head to an authentic restaurant in the nearby town of Weggis – sausages and potatoes are the specialty!
Along with house-made Schaps!
Back at the Park Hotel Vitznau it its easy to get into trouble with the vast array of Cognacs and Armangnacs at the bar…
The property is ideal for families with the gorgeous outdoor pool, water slide, motor boats and water sports. It is a 30 minute boat ride into the heart of Lucerne.
A day on Mount Pilatus is a must – with train, funicular, gondola and bus all being part of the transport up to the mountain for incredible view, hiking, downhill cycling, ropes courses, zip lining and such! The Winter time can mean tobogganing and snow shoeing or simply can be about the views and a few cold beers!
Flying Swiss Air is a fantastic option. They offer economy, business and first class cabins and one of my favorite perks is once you purchase your seat in economy or business, you can go online and offer the bid you would like on an upgrade to the next class of service. Of course, like all things Swiss – Efficiency, cleanliness, and timeliness rule!
Resort to Laura Madrid is ready to get your Euro-Ski trip sorted for this winter or spring break! Please check out my other blogs on skiing in France, Switzerland and Italy!