The origins of St. Moritz go back thousands of years to when rich mineral springs were discovered. Today, however, it’s better known as the birthplace of Alpine winter sports—and the European ski resort of choice for well-heeled chionophiles. It’s home to glitzy hotels, sleek restaurants, secret drinking dens, excellent ski runs and, during the winter months, Remo Ruffini, the chairman and CEO of high-altitude fashion line Moncler. Here, Remo shares his insider tips for enjoying the storied Swiss ski resort, where he—of course—owns a chalet.
A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Remo RuffiniBoo George/Moncler
When did you first visit St. Moritz?
“When I was three years old, on holiday with my mum. I always went there as a child. It’s where I first learned to ski. It holds a special place in my heart. We used to stay in a simple hotel at the foot of the Morteratsch glacier, and we had to walk for half an hour along a trail of snow and ice without any trees—that image is firmly imprinted onto my memory.”
Historic Hotel Chesa SalisCourtesy Historic Hotel Chesa Salis Bever
Where do you stay in St. Moritz?
“I’m lucky to have a house in St. Moritz, but there are so many gorgeous hotels. The grand Badrutt’s Palace is the most iconic. Overlooking the lake, it’s very elegant and traditional and has a huge dining room window that gives views of the whole valley. Suvretta House, perched on a mountainside plateau towards the south, retains an old-world atmosphere, with its snow-dusted turrets and coffered ceilings. It sits at the beginning of the ski slope with direct access to the Corviglia ski area, so the snow is easy to reach, even with children. For those who prefer small but charming, there’s the Historic Hotel Chesa Salis along the valley in Bever. It’s a 16th-century manor house with hand-painted walls, like something from a Swiss storybook.”
Where’s a great place in St. Moritz to watch the world go by?
“It has to be a restaurant with a view. I like a long lunch at Paradiso, in the Corviglia area. The food is good, but more importantly, it faces south, overlooking the lakes.”
