Ultimate Winter Wonderland: Swiss Alps!

This winter if you’re looking for the ultimate Winter Wonderland the Swiss Alps deliver in a BIG way! They’re the perfect TRAVEL THERAPY destination for fueling inspiration and helping you distress and refresh. On this Travel Tuesday here’s a look at some of the top finds in the Swiss Alps including the best of Zermatt and St. Moritz!

 The Best of Zermatt

What I truly love best about Zermatt as a TRAVEL THERAPY destination isn’t the award winning ski runs, the posh hotels, sensational spas and restaurants ( although they’re all great!), what I appreciate the most is the feel you get walking through this charming ski village. The quaint homes and shops remind you of a time where things were simpler and happiness was all about who you would share your next fondue and bottle of Swiss wine with. Life is slower in Zermatt, you’re reminded to breathe a little deeper to relax and enjoy what Zermatt is really all about, stunning scenery, amazing people, and a once in a lifetime experience to vacation in the shadow of one of the wonders of the world…the Matterhorn.

When it comes to picking the best things to do in Zermatt that’s a tough one because there are so many ways you can enjoy this iconic destination so for this Travel Tuesdays I’ve put a list together of some of my favorite TRAVEL THERAPY finds that you can enjoy during the winter months.

Top places to stay in Zermatt

Mont Cervin Palace:

On the list of the best places to stay in Zermatt is the 5 star Mont Cervin Palace that has been in Zermatt since 1851.  I loved my room on the newly renovated sixth floor. Be sure to ask for a room with a view of the Matterhorn! Located right in the heart of Zermatt village,  with 173 rooms and suites and a fantastic, pool and Jacuzzi, this is a smart pick if you’re looking for convenience, luxury and fantastic service. A favorite for dinner is The Grill, where they’re grill your steaks right in front of you! For more: www.montcervinpalace.ch

Top New Boutique Hotels in Zermatt:

While I was in Zermatt I had a chance to quickly check out some of the newer standout properties that are creating quite the buzz. If you like the idea of a smaller property that’s hip and chic you’ll absolutely want to consider these following:

• The Omnia www.the-omnia.com 
• The Firefly www.firefly-zermatt.ch 
• Coeur Des Alpes www.coeurdesalpes.ch 

More on these top rated, unique Zermatt properties coming up on this Travel Therapy website so stay tuned.

Top Place to Eat In Zermatt

Seriously, when it comes to eating in Zermatt I have one word for you, fondue. After eating this delicious dish days in a row my ski guides were like, “really! Again?” I tried to explain we didn’t have this kind of awesome, authentic fondue back home but I know they still thought I was crazy! Whether you’re looking for fondue or fresh lamb or other local dishes the following restaurants are some of my favorites in Zermatt. They range from an intimate white table top award-winner to a rustic farmhouse in the middle of the ski hill but they all off up a fantastic and unique dining experience!

Top Restaurants in Zermatt:

• Chez Vrony ( on the ski hill)
• Chez Hini ( known for its lamb)
• Grill Le Cervin ( cooked right in front of you)
• Pinte ( authentic fondue)

 Top Things to Do in Zermatt

Of course if you’re heading to Zermatt in the winter months you’re going to want to hit one of Zermatt’s four ski areas. Even if you don’t ski you can still ride up to the highest ski lift in Europe and take some awesome photos and then ride back down! Zermatt has the longest ski run in Switzerland, about 12 and a half miles and another bonus and fantastic trip to take is skiing into Italy for the day, getting a bowl of pasta then skiing back to Switzerland. Just be sure not to miss the last lift, you don’t want to get stuck in Italy!

There are also some really fun and unusual other winter activities you can do, like have a drink in an igloo or go on a nighttime sled down the mountain. Your best bet for finding the best TRAVEL THERAPY activities that fit your needs is to check out the Zermatt tourism website where it lists everything you need to know! www.zermatt.ch.

Glacier Express:

Known as the slowest express train in the world the Glacier Express is also one of the most beautiful train trips you’ll ever take and has been transporting travelers for the last 80 years. Called the “Swiss Grand Canyon”, winding almost eight hours through the Swiss Alps, the Glacier Express travels from Zermatt to St. Moritz. On this trip it’s not about getting their fast, it’s about soaking up the experience. So grab your camera and sit back and enjoy because this is one scenic train ride you’ll never forget! For more: www.glacierexpress.ch

The Best of St. Moritz

Who hasn’t heard for St. Moritz? Known for its glitz and glam at this famous and infamous ski resort it’s easier to list the celebrities who haven’t been here than the ones who have because anyone who is anyone in high society has swooshed down these slopes, shopped at the designer shops and partied in style until early in the morning.

So I guess what surprised me most about this destination is that it’s still charming! After Zermatt I expected St. Moritz to be so “over the top” but I was completely wrong. In St. Moritz you can certainly find all the glitz and glam you want, it’s a champagne and caviar paradise but it’s also a TRAVEL THERAPY destination where the scenery still steals the show and the twinkling lights at night from the town are more beautiful than any diamonds.

In St. Moritz it’s up to you. You decide what you want out of the experience but one thing I can guarantee, it is an experience you don’t want to miss!

Top Places to Stay in St. Moritz

Carlton Hotel

My first night in St. Moritz I stayed at the 5-star Carlton Hotel and I loved it! Newly renovated this historic hotel is the only all-suite hotel in St. Moritz and the 60 suites that look over St. Moritz Lake are as unique as the hotel’s history. At the Carlton the décor is a unique blend of history and upscale chic with Swiss designer Carlo Rampazzi mixing antiques with bold colors and edgy piece of art that give the hotel a fresh yet still elegant feel. Also, don’t miss the Carlton Spa, it’s the perfect way to end the ski day and the dining here is also superb! For more: www.carlton-stmoritz.ch

Badrutt’s Palace

During my stay in St. Moritz I spent several night at the legendary Badrutt’s Palace, a five star playground for the rich and famous. I had read so much about this award-winning property before I came yet, I was still impressed and surprised by the level of luxury and service that Badrutt’s offers. I was one of the lucky first to experience Badrutt’s new spa that the hotel is calling Palace Wellness with 10 treatment rooms. I also love that hotel guest when they come to use the magnificent pool and Jacuzzi can also enjoy the aroma therapy room, the salt steam room, a massage shower and rain shower and an ice room! Of course no stay at Badrutt’s Palace is complete without spending time at one of the chicest nightclub in St. Moritz,  Kings Club. I still don’t know how people party until 4am and then ski the next morning!  From start to finish, from the live harp music at breakfast to the private dinner at the chef’s table in the kitchen, the TRAVEL THERAPY experience at Badrutt’s was one to remember! For more: www.badruttspalace.com

Insider Tips to Skiing in St. Moritz

My best TRAVEL THERAPY advice if you’re going to ski in Zermatt or St. Moritz for the first time is to hire a ski guide for the day. This guide can not only give you some pointers on your skiing he or she can also show you the layout of the mountain, make your lunch reservations ( and  yes, for many small, quaint restaurants on the hill you’ll want reservations) and the best part is with a guide you’ll get the true feel for the area and all the insider info that will be invaluable for the rest of your stay. Hiring a guide costs around $370 dollars but believe me every penny is worth it. You don’t fly all the way to Switzerland to be lost on the ski hill and miss out on some of the top things to do and experience.

Four Places To Ski in St. Moritz

Corviglia:

I had a fantastic day skiing in the sun on Corviglia where I had to constantly stop, not to catch my breath, but to stare, speechless, at the stunning scenery. Forget about skiing I just wanted to take photos! At the summit it’s more than 10,000 feet and this is where there’s a World Cup course and some fantastic restaurants. You can either speed down the hill like an Olympic champion or relax on a beginner blue run and just chill out and enjoy. On Corviglia there’s something for everyone!

Corvatsch: Here you’ll find the highest summit station.

Diavolezza: Here you’ll find some of the most challenging runs.

Pizzett: Family Friendly, relaxing and low key.

 Top Restaurants in St. Moritz

You would think by the time I got to St. Moritz I would be tired of Fondue…wrong! But I did decided I needed to branch out and try some new things at lunch and dinner and La Stalla, a new restaurant in the heart of St. Moritz delivered! With a menu that changes every week offering some incredible local dishes and homemade pasta I was in heaven eating here and the owner couldn’t have been nicer. One of my other dining highlights  in St. Moritz was dining at Chesa Pirani, a tiny restaurant tucked away in the woods just outside of town. So if you’re looking for one special occasion dinner…make it this one! You might even recognize the chef from TV! For more: www.lastalla-stmoritz.ch & www.chesapirani.ch

Top Things to Do in St. Moritz

When it came to me deciding the top things to do in St. Moritz it was another case of too many fun options and too little time! Of course you have your skiing, snowboarding and sledding, all fantastic and then when you’re worn out and need a break a top choice is to take a sleigh ride through the Winter Wonderland that right outside of St. Moritz. Dress warm and be sure to stop for hot chocolate. The Swiss don’t do hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps, a favorite skier drink in the U.S., but they do have hot chocolate with rum. It’s different, a bit strong, but still wonderful on a chilly day. Still I prefer the local favorite, hot spice wine, what better way to enjoy the magic that is St.Moritz!

For more on the top reasons to visit the Swiss Alps go to:

Zermatt Tourism: www.zermatt.ch

Engadin St. Moritz Tourism: www.engadin.stmortiz.ch

My top choice of airline to Switzerland is Swiss airlines. It just makes sense to start your trip off on the right foot and travel in style and comfort on Swiss where the cuisine features Swiss wine and fine chocolates and cuisine from the country. Swiss has also just unveiled a new business class on its A330-3000 where some of the seats are all by themselves with no one next to you and the way the plane is set up you don’t have to worry about anyone reclining into your lap. Love it! For more: www.swiss.com

Stay tuned to this TRAVEL THERAPY website and blog for more on the top things to do in the Swiss Alps. I’m doing a TV segment for ABC News  Now featuring the Swiss Alps and I’ll link that video  as soon as I have it. You can also learn more and find great links on the TRAVEL THERAPY Twitter page.

For more unique and inspiring destinations like Zermatt and St. Moritz be sure to pick up a copy of my new book Travel Therapy: Where Do You  Need to Go?

Have you had your TRAVEL THERAPY today? 

Happy Holidays!