Winter in the Engadin 2027: St. Moritz, Suvretta and the Upper Engadin

One thousand eight hundred metres of altitude. Three lakes frozen in winter. An average of twenty-one additional sunny days per year compared to the rest of the Alps. And that singular history that has made Saint-Moritz, since 1864, the cradle of winter tourism in Europe. The Engadin is the Romansh-speaking Swiss valley that ultra-luxury winter enthusiasts know like a family address — each with their chalets, tables, slopes, rituals. From January to March, three emblematic events pace the season: The Ice St Moritz late January, the Snow Polo World Cup from 22 to 24 January, and White Turf which takes place on the frozen lake over three consecutive Sundays in February. For our clients who split their year between Saint-Barthélemy and the Mediterranean, the Engadin is the perfect winter antithesis — the absolute elsewhere, where one finds another form of elegance.

The Engadin in winter: the last valley

The Engadin is one of the most singular Alpine valleys. Located in Switzerland’s Grisons canton, at the eastern extremity of Switzerland, it extends over eighty kilometres between Maloja in the southwest and Zernez in the northeast, parallel to the Italian border. Its singularity owes to several factors. Altitude first: the valley sits at one thousand eight hundred metres on average, much higher than French or Austrian Alpine valleys — guaranteeing quality snow cover from October to May. Climate next: dry, sunny (the Engadin counts on average three hundred sunny days per year), with crystal-clear mornings and cold nights preserving snow. Culture finally: Romansh for part, Italian for Maloja, German for Saint-Moritz and Pontresina, giving the valley a cosmopolitan character transcending linguistic borders.

Saint-Moritz, the Engadin’s historic capital, is the cradle of winter tourism in Europe. It was here, in 1864, that Johannes Badrutt — owner of the hotel that today bears his name — proposed to summer-visiting English to return in winter, guaranteeing they would find as beautiful a season. The British accepted the bet, returned in winter, discovered snow and ice sports, and Saint-Moritz became the world’s first winter sports resort. This anteriority has shaped the valley’s identity: tradition, closed circles, established codes, but also capacity to welcome a demanding international clientele with century-old expertise.

For our clients discovering the Engadin or returning each winter, understanding this history is essential. The valley is not a contemporary destination — it is an institution. The most famous hotels are over one hundred and fifty years old, regular families have been returning for three generations, slopes and events follow rituals not invented yesterday.

The St Moritz winter calendar 2027

Engadin winter structures around several emblematic events drawing each their community.

The I.C.E. St. Moritz (29-30 January 2027)

The I.C.E. St. Moritz is officially scheduled for 29 and 30 January 2027. This concours d’élégance brings classic cars onto the frozen lake for close-up displays, accompanied by exhibitions and related activities. As the programme depends on ice conditions and the organiser’s safety decisions, its final arrangements should be checked before travel.

Snow Polo World Cup (22-24 January 2027)

The Snow Polo World Cup is scheduled for 22 to 24 January 2027 on the frozen lake of St. Moritz. Founded in 1985, it is described by its organiser as the world’s only high-goal polo tournament played on snow. Hospitality and social events accompany the competition. For this sought-after period, accommodation and tickets are best considered as soon as reservations open.

White Turf St Moritz (7, 14 and 21 February 2027)

White Turf’s 2027 race days are scheduled for 7, 14 and 21 February on the frozen lake. Flat racing, trotting and skikjöring feature in the official programme. The organiser reports more than 35,000 visitors across the event and offers both general tickets and dedicated hospitality packages. Timings, availability and access conditions should be checked directly with White Turf before booking.

Cresta Run (October-March)

Centenary tradition still alive: the Cresta Run is a one thousand two hundred metre natural skeleton track descending from Saint-Moritz to Cresta. Inaugurated in 1885, managed by the Saint Moritz Tobogganing Club, it is one of the last bastions of tobogganing as practised in the early twentieth century. Women may now participate on the same basis as men. For clients seeking an unusual experience, descending the Cresta Run remains one of the Engadin’s most singular.

“The Engadin is that rare Alpine valley where winter elegance has not needed reinvention. It has existed for one hundred and sixty years, and each winter confirms it.” — Maison Silaïa

Historic hotels: Badrutt’s, Carlton, Suvretta House

Saint-Moritz counts four historic palaces structuring the high-end hotel offering. Each has its personality, clientele, fetish season.

Badrutt’s Palace

Inaugurated in 1896 by Johannes Badrutt, heir of the founder of winter tourism, Badrutt’s Palace is the absolute icon of Saint-Moritz. The neo-Renaissance tower is visible from the entire valley. One hundred and fifty-five rooms and suites, starred restaurants (Le Restaurant), one thousand three hundred square metre spa, panoramic terrace over the frozen lake. High season runs from 20 December to 31 March with peaks of New Year and February weeks. Preferred suites (Lake Side, Loft, Rooftop Suite) book a year ahead. The most visible mundane address of the Engadin.

Carlton St. Moritz

Built in 1913 for Tsar Nicholas II (who never stayed there due to World War I), the Carlton has become under Tschuggen direction a sixty-room boutique-palace exclusively south-facing, with panoramic views over the lake and valley. More discreet than Badrutt’s, it attracts a clientele privileging intimacy. Starred restaurants (Da Vittorio St. Moritz), spa, private skiing courses with dedicated instructor. Very high rates but unparalleled experience.

Suvretta House

Family hotel founded in 1912, Suvretta House combines historic grand hotel and warmer atmosphere. One hundred and eighty rooms, located outside St Moritz centre, direct access to a private ski domain (Suvretta-Corviglia), numerous children’s activities. Privileged by international families faithful for several generations. The Grand Restaurant is one of Europe’s most beautiful hotel dining rooms. More traditional atmosphere than Badrutt’s or Carlton.

Kulm Hotel St. Moritz

Opened in 1856 — Johannes Badrutt’s original hotel, now Kulm Hotel — it is the oldest hotel of Saint-Moritz. One hundred and seventy-three rooms, including famous suites and apartments overlooking the lake. Very British tradition, club atmosphere, international restaurants. The Sunny Bar remains one of the historic places of winter community reunions.

Private chalets and Engadin villas

Beyond grand hotels, the Engadin counts a parc of very high-standing private chalets and villas. Several hundred units rented each winter through confidential networks — few are on public platforms.

Saint-Moritz and surroundings chalets

Saint-Moritz real estate market is one of the world’s most restricted — few new constructions, parc essentially passed from generation to generation. Chalets available for high season rental book eighteen to twenty-four months ahead. Six to ten bedrooms, complete house team (housekeeper, private chef, chauffeur, ski instructor in residence), pool or jacuzzi, sometimes sauna and spa. Very high rates: thirty thousand to one hundred and fifty thousand Swiss francs per week depending on size and standing.

Surrounding villages: Sils Maria, Pontresina, Champfèr

For clients preferring a more intimate or traditional atmosphere, neighbouring villages offer precious alternatives. Sils Maria (where Nietzsche wrote in summer), village by Lake Sils, more modest and quiet. Pontresina, ten minutes from Saint-Moritz, more traditionally Engadin, with a parc of historic chalets. Champfèr, halfway between Saint-Moritz and Pontresina, more modern. Choice depends on desire for mundane (Saint-Moritz) or more discreet (Sils Maria, Pontresina) atmosphere.

Integrated services

For chalet rentals, the house team is as important as the chalet itself. Resident housekeeper, private chef serving all meals as desired, dedicated chauffeur (the most prized chalets are often ten to fifteen minutes from centres), ski instructor available all day for the family (notably for children), nanny if young children. This team composes upstream of the stay — often the same teams return each year for the same families. Our bespoke accompaniment coordinates these teams in liaison with specialised local agencies.

St Moritz gastronomy and surroundings

The Engadin gastronomic scene is one of the densest in the Alps. Several Michelin-starred and many traditional addresses.

Starred tables

The current Michelin selection includes Da Vittorio St. Moritz at the Carlton and Ecco St. Moritz at Giardino Mountain in Champfèr. Because teams, opening periods and distinctions can change from one season to the next, we check the active selection and availability before making a recommendation. During the most sought-after weeks, it is wise to book as soon as tables are released.

Traditional institutions

Restaurant Engiadina at Hotel Waldhaus in Sils, Restaurant Veltlinerkeller in Saint-Moritz, Chesa Veglia (Badrutt’s gastronomic institution), Restaurant La Marmite (atop Corviglia, accessible by cable car for an altitude lunch). For altitude lunches, summit restaurants (El Paradiso, Mathis Food Affairs on Salastrains, La Tschütta on Suvretta) offer unique experiences with terraces over the Alps.

Winter parties and clubs

Engadin evenings are centred on historic bars, hotel clubs and private chalets during the season’s key weeks. Access conditions, calendars and formats vary from one winter to the next; we shape each programme around events that are confirmed and genuinely accessible at the time of the stay.

Composing your winter: the Maison Silaïa method

A St. Moritz stay benefits from being planned several months ahead, and earlier still for New Year, Snow Polo and White Turf weeks. Our method follows four steps.

Intention brief in spring

The ideal discussion begins in March-April for the following winter. Which target period (Christmas, Snow Polo week, White Turf week, classic February weeks)? What type of accommodation (palace, chalet, combination)? With or without children? What ski level (school for children, private instructor, off-piste)? Which events to include?

Securing options in May-July

Chalets and suites for emblematic weeks close from the previous summer. Address book activation, pre-options placed, negotiations conducted. The most demanded ski instructors also book in spring.

Programme composition in autumn

Definition of daily activities (ski, cross-country on frozen lake, snowshoes, winter hiking), restaurant reservations, event access (Snow Polo, White Turf), wellness services, parties. For chalets, briefing the house team on family preferences.

Accompaniment during the stay

A local coordinator remains reachable throughout the stay. Real-time adjustments, organisation of improvised excursions (Maloja, neighbouring Italy, evening sledging descent), management of contingencies, orchestration of private parties per desires.

“A Saint-Moritz season is not a ski stay. It is a winter life — where one finds a circle, a rhythm, another version of oneself.” — Maison Silaïa

Frequently asked questions