SWITZERLAND
Beth Roberts lives the high life in the Swiss Alps as the famous town of St Moritz swaps skis for golf clubs and three glorious days of snow golf
After touching down in Milan and hastily jumping into the hire car, I embarked on a mesmerising three-hour drive into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Little did I anticipate the extraordinary adventure that awaited me in St Moritz. Known for its winter charm and elegance, this famous Swiss town is not the first destination that comes to mind when you think of a golf tournament. Yet here I was, about to experience the exhilarating world of snow golf in a town that proudly declares itself the ‘Top of the World’.
The journey began with a picturesque drive through the Maloja Pass – not a route for those easily prone to motion sickness. The breathtaking scenery of snow-topped mountains served as a fitting introduction to the opulence that awaited in St Moritz, where the winter resort’s iconic sun logo set boldly against a brick wall welcomed me into a bustling town that exuded nothing but class and refinement.
Checking into the Monopol ‘Art Boutique’ Hotel in the city centre was an experience in itself. The hotel, with a rooftop bar and a luxurious spa overlooking a frozen lake, ski slopes and a large bell tower, had an air of sophistication. If that wasn’t enough, the Rolex retailer conveniently attached was testament to St Moritz’s reputation for luxury. My expected standard room turned into a surprise upgrade to a suite, offering views of the snowy mountains, complete with a living room, dressing room and coffee machine. A standard room here will set you back around £540 for one night!
Eager to explore the unconventional nine-hole golf course carved out on the frozen lake, I made my way down to the ice. Niklas, the host of the event, shared insights into the history of the snow golf tournament. It had been a fixture for many years, but only returned to St Moritz in 2023. The frozen lake, usually a serene winter landscape, had been transformed into a place for the community of St Moritz to gather during the Covid-19 pandemic. The community saw an opportunity to engage locals in outdoor activities, leading to the inception of events like the annual snow golf tournament and polo tournament and even cricket on the ice. The frozen lake offered more than just a golf course; it became a hub for various winter activities, from ice skating to ice hockey and curling. Pop-up food and drink tents added a festive touch, serving bratwurst and mulled wine. Another popular event called the White Turf is held every Sunday, featuring horse racing and attracting around 20,000 people weekly. St Moritz had succeeded in creating a genuine community feel around these winter events.
It’s golf, but not as we know it
Day one of the snow golf t
