One of the grandest ski hotels in Switzerland now officially refers to its younger guests as ‘Very Important Kids’, generously adds free ski and snowboarding lessons for under 12 into family vacations and has children’s menus created by leading European chefs. It also has its own kids pool, natural ice rink, bob sled runs and mountain railways.
That kind of extraordinary focus on families might not be something you immediately associate with Five-Star Superior Hotels in chic Alpine ski resorts, but Kulm Hotel St. Moritz has specialized in ‘extraordinary’ since the mid-1800s: It was the very first luxury hotel in St. Moritz, not to mention the first building in all of Switzerland to install electric lights — the last word in extravagance way back in 1879.
Easily the most venerable hotel in St. Moritz, Kulm is clearly as determined to innovate and excite as ever. From the Norman Foster designed Kulm Country Club and a winter pop-up restaurant by Berlin superstar, Tim Raue to the spa with views over Lake St. Moritz and the wonderfully inventive kids activity programs, exceptional childcare and opulent family rooms, this historic icon is definitely not resting on its glorious past.
Since Kulm can lay claim to being the hotel that established St. Moritz as a luxury resort way back in the mid 19th century, it’s had a few years to perfect the art of making guests feel extra important, and nowadays kids benefit from that skill as much as grown ups. In fact, just in case you weren’t completely clear as to how much under-12s are treasured here, Kulm even named their thoughtfully designed children’s program, ‘Very Important Kids’. And if you imagine the title is shooting high in terms of raising expectations, you can rest assured the program is all it promises and much, much more.
As far as activities go, VIK offers everything from free group ski lessons with snowboarding for older kids to fun winter hikes and heaps of outdoor play with an emphasis on snow, naturally. And of course there are dozens of delightful membership privileges like complimentary ice-cream, hot chocolate on demand and lots of other treats created with Very Important Kids in mind.
As well as all the advantages of VIK, Kulm Hotel’s younger guests also have their very own kids club. Unlike the ridiculously cute, whistling Marmotte it’s named after, Marmotta Club doesn’t hibernate, so 3–12-year olds can look forward to energetic activity all winter long. And that means anything from sledging and snowman building to movie nights, mocktail parties, pizza making and lots of magical Christmassy events – in case waking up to glittering, snowy mountains and frosty forests isn’t enchanting enough.
And of course, with careful attention to helpful touches like early evening meals with creatively planned kids menus, a free laundry service for under 12s during your stay, and even easy-to-arrange babysitting, there’s not much likelihood of parents feeling less than very important here either.
Kulm obviously has the huge natural advantage of nestling in the gorgeous Upper Engadine Valley at the heart of some of Europe’s finest skiing – no fewer than two Winter Olympics have graced this glacier-rich corner of southern Switzerland. And staying true to a long and illustrious sporting heritage, there’s barely a scrap of beautiful landscape that isn’t open for adventure, whether you want to test your mettle on the legendary Cresta Run, try snow kiting on Lago Bianco, ski over 200 miles of snow drenched pistes or just sit back and glide along the highest railway line in Europe, aboard the famous Bernina Express.
There’s no doubt lavish attention is devoted to the happiness of under 12s here, but Kulm is equally good with tough-to-impress teens. Between world-class bob-sledding, night and day skiing, skating, ice hiking, ski touring and some of the best cross-country trails in the Swiss Alps, you can rely on older kids being blissfully worn out well before the big long list of activities runs out.
With its lofty site, remarkable forests, soaring mountains, heaps of snow and sporty reputation, St. Moritz is blessed when it comes to location. Though that doesn’t stop the town itself from pulling out all stops in terms of looking like an Alpine fairy tale, attracting some of the most interesting restaurants in Switzerland and having shopping streets that are justifiably described as ‘Rodeo Drive, on a smaller scale’.
Fortunately, alongside the dazzle, a warm, friendly village atmosphere continues to prevail just like it did back when Kulm Hotel first opened its doors in the 19th century. So you can look forward to the resort charming the socks of kids, not least of all because it’s home to several very fine chocolatiers who really come into their own at Christmastime.
And of course, Kulm is always happy to help you design a vacation package that’s a perfect, customized fit for your family. As with all truly great hotels, you only have to ask.
Where
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz sits in the Upper Engadine Valley in southeast Switzerland.
How to Get There
St. Moritz is two hours, 30 minutes drive south east of Zurich.
The direct train from Zurich to St. Moritz takes three hours, 45 minutes.
A complimentary hotel limousine transfers guests to and from St. Moritz train station.
Family Winter Vacation Offer
Two Deluxe Double Rooms with interconnecting doors; breakfast and dinner; Very Important Kids activity program and Marmotta Club for 3–12 year olds; free ski lessons for under 12s; spa access; WIFI.
From $2,117 per night, based on a family of four, with children aged 12 or under.
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