My day always starts well when I see an e-mail from Switzerland Tourism inviting me on a “fact finding” trip to the wonderful resort of Davos Klosters, and after adding another day on to the weekend in St Moritz I was set and ready to go.
Switzerland is having an incredible start this winter so I was grinning with excitement as I met up with our hosts and headed for the Jakobshorn ski area in Davos. It was snowing so hard and I was so happy to have taken my powder skis, our tracks were being covered by the time we went back up the lifts! The Jakobshorn is definitely a playground for those who love to freeski, the off-piste here is world class.
Tired but buzzing after such a great start I was grateful for the delicious traditional Swiss Capuns, a Graubündner speciality, and a few glasses of the local Swiss wine. Davos has so many great dining options and a night life to rival anywhere in Europe so a tired but happy Sandra went to bed dreaming of powder, fondue and Kaffee Luz.
Saturday was what we call a “work day”. I managed to visit all the hotels we offer, (all fantastic) and after that we watched some Snow Polo and then were treated to a Duran Duran concert in Klosters, a few drinks were had in Prince Charles’s favorite resort but sadly HRH is not a ”her name is Rio” fan, so it was left to us to dance the night away… who said work is tough.
So come Sunday and I entered my favourite office, the big white one called Parsenn ski area connected to Klosters and just outside my window. The powder was just as good as Friday, naturally a little more tracked out but with such an extensive ski area covering over 350 km and some glorious sunshine it was so easy to find fresh lines everywhere.
After a great morning skiing I spent some time appreciating why people love the cozy Swiss charm of Klosters, great cafes, shops and bars, and so much to do in the town, ideal for those who love skiing but also the importance of non skiers having as much fun too, well almost…
If you ever get the chance to take the train from Davos to St Moritz you will be left in awe at the journeys majestic mountain beauty. The Swiss rail system is the best in the world and what a great hassle free way to get from one resort to another, I highly recommend it and its easily booked through Ski Safari.
My accommodation for the night was the beautiful 4+ star Nira Alpina. With a private walk way to the gondola, an amazing roof top bar affording views over St Moritz, world class spa and two amazing restaurants it’s easy to see why this is such a good choice for those wanting to be looked after and spoilt.
St Moritz has 350km of runs with 60 lifts over 4 mountains – those wanting to see and be seen are usually found on the sunny slopes of Corviglia just above St Moritz. The Corvatsch mountain and the Furtschellas area have a steeper gradient with some great runs for the intermediate and advanced skier. The Diavolezza is relaxed with a stunning 10km glacier descent, and Lagalb is more challenging with some thigh burning runs to the valley.
As a former Junior Graubünden Ski racer, (and yes I still have the lycra race suit – though a bit snug these days) I felt it only right that I choose the hardest of these options, I can honestly say my thighs were broken when I finally reached the safety of a deck chair and a rather large beer.
I spent a couple of hours walking around the town and dreaming about shopping in one of the many boutique shops, and after nearly spending my years salary in Dolce & Gabbana I thought I’d better leave and quick.
Switzerland is my home country so I will always love it but now working for Ski Safari I can see the appeal from a different perspective, it is a stunning country full of charm, smiling faces, cheese, rugged and beautiful mountains, cozy accommodation and wonderful spas, in my mind the perfect ingredients for a long weekend or a fun filled week, mine certainly was.
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Click for Klosters resort details
Click for St Moritz resort details
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