by Saint Moritz (also spelled St. Moritz), located in the magnificent Upper Engadin region of Switzerland, has a storied history that intertwines luxury tourism, breathtaking alpine landscapes, and athletic excellence. Widely acknowledged as the birthplace of winter tourism in the Alps, Saint Moritz has played a pivotal role in shaping the world’s fascination with winter sports. From the earliest daring toboggan rides to the staging of Olympic Games and the creation of iconic competitions such as the Engadin Ski Marathon, Saint Moritz has consistently pushed boundaries and set new standards for winter sport innovation. This article explores the historical development of winter sports in Saint Moritz through the decades, shining light on the pioneers, institutions, and signature events that made this alpine resort a byword for stylish adventure.
Early Beginnings in the 19th Century
The story of winter sports in Saint Moritz has its roots in the mid-19th century, at a time when the idea of winter tourism in cold, mountainous locations was virtually nonexistent. Hotels in Swiss alpine resorts typically operated during the summer months, catering to visitors seeking cool, fresh air and scenic hikes away from the sweltering cities. When the cold months approached, visitors would return home, leaving the mountain towns to their quiet, snowy solitude.
The legendary turning point came in 1864 when Johannes Badrutt, the proprietor of the Kulm Hotel in Saint Moritz, made a daring wager with a group of his British summer guests. He promised them that if they returned in the winter and did not find the climate to be sunny and pleasant, he would refund their travel expenses. Confident in the Engadin’s reputation for sunshine, Badrutt confidently welcomed his guests during the chilly season. Upon discovering the region’s blue skies and pristine alpine snowscapes, the astonished visitors quickly spread the word back in England. Thus, the spark of winter tourism was lit, and Saint Moritz began its transformation into a winter sports mecca.
By the late 1800s, those same British tourists had begun introducing the concept of sliding sports to the frozen slopes and roads around Saint Moritz. Early forms of tobogganing emerged, with adventurous visitors using rudimentary sleds to navigate downhill tracks. Although these first forays were often accompanied by bumps and bruises, they laid the groundwork for more formalized winter sports.
The Growth of Winter Tourism and Social Prestige
The earliest winter tourists in Saint Moritz, predominantly British aristocrats, did not merely bring their sense of adventure; they also brought a taste for upper-class social activities. Alongside the introduction of sporting pursuits, lavish social gatherings, afternoon teas, and elegant dinners became staples of the winter tourism scene. Over time, this unique combination of exhilaration on the slopes and refined social events helped Saint Moritz secure a reputation as an exclusive and fashionable destination.
Luxury hotels such as the Kulm Hotel, Badrutt’s Palace, and the Grand Hotel des Bains began expanding their facilities to accommodate a growing number of winter guests. These establishments started offering services that catered to the new interest in winter sports—renting equipment, hiring local guides, and constructing designated areas for tobogganing, skating, and even early experiments in what would soon become skiing. By the dawn of the 20th century, Saint Moritz had become a place where glittering society mingled with adventurous thrill-seekers, setting the scene for the city’s spectacular rise as a winter sports powerhouse.
The Cresta Run: Birthplace of Modern Sliding Sports
No history of winter sports in Saint Moritz is complete without discussing the famous Cresta Run. Built in 1884 by the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club (SMTC), the Cresta Run is a natural ice run designed specifically for toboggan (or skeleton) racing. Originally an improvised track formed by enthusiastic Britons, it quickly evolved into a precision-crafted, technically challenging course that draws enthusiasts from around the world to this day.
The uniqueness of the Cresta Run lies in its construction. Each year, it is rebuilt from scratch using snow and water to create a winding ice chute that runs approximately 1.2 kilometers from St. Moritz down to the town of Celerina. Riders lie flat on their sleds, face-first, as they navigate the twisting course with speeds that can exceed 80 miles per hour (130 km/h). The track’s notorious Shuttlecock corner has become a proving ground for many a brave athlete, and being thrown from one’s sled at that bend is often jokingly heralded as a badge of honor among the most dedicated Cresta enthusiasts.
Skeleton, the sport that originated on the Cresta Run, went on to become an Olympic discipline, but nowhere else does it retain the same aura of tradition as in Saint Moritz. Over the decades, numerous British aristocrats, military personnel, and international thrill-seekers flocked to the Engadin valley each winter, contributing greatly to the region’s spirit of friendly yet intense competition.
Skiing Takes Center Stage
While skeleton and bobsleigh rose to prominence on the ice tracks, skiing quickly took hold as the dominant winter sport throughout the Alps. Early forms of skiing in Saint Moritz were simple affairs—tourists would climb slopes using primitive leather boots strapped to long wooden planks before gliding back down in freeform style. By the early 20th century, ski clubs were forming, instructors were being trained, and new methods of controlling one’s descent were being introduced.
In 1929, the world’s first ski school opened in St. Moritz under the guidance of Swiss ski pioneer Giovanni Testa, bringing greater professionalism to the pursuit. With improved equipment, grooming of slopes, and the erection of ski lifts, Saint Moritz began to accommodate a burgeoning crowd of skiers who arrived not just to watch competitions, but to experience the exhilaration of swishing down pristine alpine slopes themselves.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Saint Moritz was recognized internationally for its superb skiing conditions and vibrant après-ski culture. Ski lifts and cable cars made the mountainous terrain more accessible than ever, turning Saint Moritz into a veritable playground for intermediate and advanced skiers alike. Resorts such as Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Diavolezza all contributed to an ever-growing network of pistes that attracted winter sport aficionados from around the world.
Saint Moritz at the Olympics: 1928 and 1948
Arguably, the most significant milestone in Saint Moritz’s winter sports history was its selection as the host city for the 1928 Winter Olympics, the second Winter Games in modern Olympic history. This choice was hardly surprising: by the 1920s, Saint Moritz was globally renowned for its winter sports facilities. The 1928 Games introduced new audiences to speed skating, Nordic skiing, bobsleigh, and skeleton events that took advantage of Saint Moritz’s natural ice runs and frozen lakes. Although the skeleton was not on the official roster of the Games, the popularity of sliding sports during this period did much to enhance the Cresta Run’s fame.
In 1948, the world was still reeling from the effects of World War II. The International Olympic Committee had canceled both the 1940 and 1944 Winter Games due to the global conflict, making the 1948 Games a symbol of renewal. As a neutral country during the war, Switzerland was viewed as a stable choice for hosting. Hence, Saint Moritz became the first venue ever to host the Winter Olympics twice.
During those 1948 “Games of Renewal,” as they were often called, Saint Moritz showcased its resilience, returning the magic of winter athletics to a world starved for international sporting camaraderie. Notably, these Games further solidified Saint Moritz’s standing as a global hub for winter sports, providing an economic boost that fueled continued improvements in infrastructure and athletic facilities.
Post-War Prosperity and the Growth of New Disciplines
Following the success of the 1948 Olympics, Saint Moritz and the surrounding Engadin valley experienced a surge in tourism. Improvements in transportation, such as more reliable train and road connections, made it easier than ever for winter travelers to arrive. The resort also took advantage of technological advancements in ski-lift construction, grooming techniques, and snow-making capabilities, ensuring a longer and more reliable ski season.
The post-war era also saw the rise of more specialized winter sports. Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski jumping, and even figure skating at the town’s many rinks captured the imagination of sports fans. Bobsleigh, which had been a major draw during the Olympics, continued to develop at the Olympia Bob Run, a track adjacent to the Cresta Run. Meanwhile, the discipline of skeleton—long entrenched in Saint Moritz tradition—found new life when it was reintroduced to the Winter Olympics in 2002. The fact that skeleton was so intimately tied to Saint Moritz’s history gave the resort renewed distinction in the global winter sports community.
White Turf and Other Unique Events
One of the most iconic events that emerged in Saint Moritz over the course of the 20th century is the White Turf horse race, held on the frozen Lake Saint Moritz. This equestrian spectacle, dating back to 1907, takes place annually in February and features thoroughbred horse racing on snow-covered ice—an experience like no other for jockeys, riders, and spectators alike. White Turf also includes skikjöring, a daring race where participants on skis are pulled around the track by unsaddled horses. The event’s combination of thrill, tradition, and glamour perfectly encapsulates the Saint Moritz spirit, drawing thousands of spectators each year.
Over time, other specialized events took shape, adding to the resort’s allure. Polo tournaments on ice, curling competitions, and figure skating exhibitions became winter fixtures in the Engadin. Meanwhile, high-profile social gatherings, galas, and fashion shows underscored Saint Moritz’s status as the favored haunt of the well-heeled and well-traveled. These events often took place against the backdrop of stunning alpine vistas, further burnishing Saint Moritz’s reputation as an epicenter of luxury winter sports and entertainment.
Cross-Country Skiing and the Engadin Ski Marathon
While downhill skiing had long dominated winter sports headlines, cross-country skiing gained popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. Saint Moritz’s high-altitude Engadin valley provided miles of trails for Nordic enthusiasts, weaving through forests, frozen lakes, and charming villages. In 1969, the Engadin Ski Marathon was established, quickly growing into one of the most famous cross-country ski races in Europe.
Taking place annually in March, the Engadin Ski Marathon attracts thousands of participants of varying skill levels. Covering a distance of 42 kilometers (the length of a standard marathon), racers traverse scenic terrain from Maloja to S-chanf, passing through Saint Moritz and other hamlets along the way. The event has become a festive affair, with music, food stalls, and cheering crowds lining sections of the course. For cross-country devotees, it is a chance to test their stamina in one of the most spectacular winter landscapes in the Alps. For Saint Moritz, the race is yet another testament to its enduring position as a premier winter sports destination.
A Magnet for Champions and Celebrities
From the earliest British aristocrats to Hollywood icons and modern sports celebrities, Saint Moritz has never lacked star power. Over the years, champions like skeleton legend Nino Bibbia and skiing greats who competed on Saint Moritz’s slopes have all found a second home in the Engadin. The region’s tradition of nurturing athletic excellence made it a favored training ground for professionals seeking challenging terrain and top-notch facilities.
Simultaneously, Saint Moritz’s high-end hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and designer boutiques attracted prominent figures from the worlds of film, music, and business. For decades, the town has been synonymous with a heady blend of glitz and athletic endeavor. These overlapping circles of influence ensured that Saint Moritz’s reputation as a chic, avant-garde winter sports center remained undiminished, even as competition from other Alpine resorts intensified.
Modern Expansions and Innovation
Today, Saint Moritz continues to evolve, consistently finding ways to marry tradition with innovation. While visitors can still experience classic toboggan runs and old-world charm, they can also explore snow parks designed for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, state-of-the-art lift systems, and advanced snow-making technology.
As climate change poses challenges to winter resorts worldwide, Saint Moritz has been proactive in implementing sustainable practices—investing in efficient snowmaking equipment, green energy sources, and nature conservation projects. Resorts are also increasingly mindful of offering year-round tourism, capitalizing on summer sports such as hiking, mountain biking, sailing on the lakes, and windsurfing, thus ensuring a steady stream of visitors who appreciate the Engadin’s splendor.
These modern shifts have not replaced the timeless elegance for which Saint Moritz is known. The town still hosts world championship events in bobsleigh and skeleton, cross-country skiing, and alpine skiing, all while preserving the legendary aura that first drew adventurous travelers in the 19th century.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The economic engine fueled by winter tourism in Saint Moritz has dramatically shaped the region’s cultural and social landscape. Generations of locals have found employment in hospitality, sports instruction, and infrastructure maintenance. Local businesses, from ski schools to artisan shops and gourmet restaurants, cater to an international clientele that demands both authenticity and luxury.
Moreover, the international character of Saint Moritz—a place where Swiss traditions blend seamlessly with a global crowd—has enriched the local culture. Languages spoken in the region include German, Romansh, Italian, and English, reflecting the multicultural fabric woven by decades of foreign visitors. Annual festivals, sports competitions, and cultural events have ensured that Saint Moritz remains a vibrant community, not just a picturesque postcard.
Legacy and Future Outlook
From its humble beginnings as a remote alpine village to its status as a two-time Winter Olympic host, Saint Moritz’s journey has been shaped by visionary hoteliers, fearless athletes, and determined entrepreneurs. The region’s pioneering spirit—seen in the invention of skeleton, the hosting of large-scale competitions, and the bold approach to tourism promotion—continues to guide its future.
Yet challenges lie ahead. Climate change is affecting snowfall patterns, and increased competition from other winter resorts worldwide means Saint Moritz must continually up its game. In response, local government, tourism boards, and private stakeholders are collaborating on strategies that emphasize sustainability, the preservation of local culture, and the expansion of niche winter sports offerings (like ice climbing and freeriding). This multi-pronged approach ensures that the resort remains attractive to travelers of all ages and interests, whether they come for the storied past or the promise of fresh, exhilarating experiences.
What remains certain is that Saint Moritz will continue to command an outsize influence on the global winter sports stage. Its legacy as the birthplace of winter tourism in the Alps is etched into its very identity, and the momentum built over more than 150 years shows no sign of slowing. With its unmatched combination of sporting tradition, social prestige, and stunning alpine beauty, Saint Moritz stands poised to remain a glittering hub for winter sports enthusiasts for decades to come.
Conclusion
Throughout its fascinating history, Saint Moritz has reinvented the winter holiday experience, transcending the bounds of mere leisure to define an entire culture of sport, glamour, and innovation. From Johannes Badrutt’s audacious 19th-century bet to the modern-day world championships in bobsleigh and skeleton, the Engadin resort has played host to countless milestones in winter sports. It has shown the world how ice and snow can serve as a stage for both athletic prowess and high-society pageantry.
Today, as Saint Moritz faces a future that demands adaptability and environmental stewardship, it maintains its timeless allure, blending the traditions of the Cresta Run, White Turf, and Olympic history with cutting-edge skiing facilities and sustainability initiatives. This alpine jewel offers a compelling narrative of how one small Swiss town came to captivate the global imagination and set the standard for winter sports destinations everywhere. Whether you come for the thrills on the ice run, the slopes, or to partake in its glamorous cultural events, Saint Moritz will forever be a place where heritage and innovation converge under the same bright winter sun.
