If you’re feeling particularly courageous then the Cresta Run is definitely something to tick off your bucket list during a stay in St. Moritz. A forerunner to skeleton racing, the Cresta Run is a natural ice run starting in St. Moritz and winding its way down to what was the village of Cresta, but which now forms part of Celerina. Approximately 1,212m in length, the run has two starting points - Top and Junction. Only experienced riders qualify to ride from the Top. The run has 10 corners, with the most infamous being known as Shuttlecock. Fallers here become members of the ‘Shuttlecock Club’ and are entitled to wear a Shuttlecock tie.
Operated by the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club, the Cresta usually opens just before Christmas and continues for nine weeks, with over 30 highly competitive races taking place during the season. Previously the track was only open to men but now women are allowed to use the run on certain days. Beginners are required to complete a training course before being let loose on the ice.
STAY: The Loft - a luxurious four-bedroom apartment with a lavishly designed living space and beautiful views over Lake St Moritz.
Top 5 Winter Activities in St Moritz
From thrill-seeking to the more leisurely discover 5 of the best winter activities in St. Moritz
Located in the beautiful Engadine, St. Moritz is the ultimate winter playground with an array of unique activities on offer. The birthplace of winter sports, St. Moritz has a packed calendar of winter events and sports to enjoy during the season. Here is just a snapshot of some of the thrilling amusements available to you during your stay.
Explore winter activities in St Moritz from a luxury chalet
1. Experience the thrill of the Cresta Run
2. Race down the Olympia Bob Run
The only natural ice bobsleigh track in the world, the St. Moritz-Celerina Olympia bob run is legendary. The run has featured in two Olympic Games and numerous European and World Championships, but you don’t need to be a professional athlete to tackle the run; a highly experienced bobsleigh pilot will drive the bobsleigh while another professional operates the brake. At 1,722 metres long, the track takes around 75 seconds to complete with speeds reaching up to a heart-stopping 135 km/h. That is certainly an adrenaline rush you won’t forget in a hurry…!
3. Ski by the light of the moon
Every Friday night in winter, there is the opportunity to ski down Switzerland’s longest illuminated ski run (4.2 km). From 7 pm you can whizz down the floodlit slope at Corvatsch into the early hours of the morning (2 am). The party continues at the legendary Hossa Bar which serves pizza from the wood-fired oven. Special themed ‘Snow Nights’ take place once a month with themes ranging from 80s Party to Italian Night where pasta and Tiramisu shots are on the menu.
STAY: Carlton Penthouse - a huge penthouse suite with three en-suite bedrooms, private dining space and five terraces.
4. Get your skates on
With a proud tradition of ice sports, including ice skating, ice hockey and curling, St. Moritz is the perfect place to get your skates on. The town has a specially prepared natural ice rink during the winter months and you can skate all year round at the Eisarena.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to Bavarian curling, presenting you with a unique opportunity to try your hand at a centuries’ old sport. If you’re getting dizzy from going round in circles then head out to the Madulain skate line, otherwise known as the “fastest hiking trail in the world”. The skate line winds its way along the river and through the picturesque countryside, making it one of the most beautiful skating tracks in the world.
5. Witness a legendary event on the frozen lake
During the winter season, St. Moritz hosts a number of unique events on the frozen lake. From the Snow Polo World Cup in January to the White Turf Horse Races and Cricket on Ice in February, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy.
Launched in 1985, the Snow Polo World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments on snow in the world. The nail-biting action is accompanied by a wide range of entertainment and exquisite cuisine. Over 30,000 people travel to the Engadin each winter to enjoy the thrills and spills at White Turf. Taking place over the course of three Sundays in February, White Turf is one of the highlights of the season.
Cricket fans will love the spectacular setting of the frozen winter lake which sees top players from India, Pakistan and the UK tackle the challenges of cricket on ice over two days in February.
STAY: Apartment Lakeside - where better to watch events on the lake place than from this spectacular apartment overlooking it?
Experience winter in St Moritz stay in one of our luxury ski chalets.
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