A Swiss Winter Wonderland: Indulge in Alpine Splendor from Zürich to Zermatt
- Andrew C.
- Jan 30, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 21, 2025
Switzerland in winter feels like stepping into a living snow globe—twinkling lights dance on frozen lakes, snow-dusted peaks rise against crisp blue skies, and the scent of mulled wine lingers in the air. It is the perfect setting for a holiday escape, a journey through some of Switzerland’s most iconic winter destinations, blending luxury, adventure, and festive charm.
A Grand Beginning in Zürich
Our journey begins in Zürich, where the city is still alive with holiday cheer. Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of Lake Zürich, The Dolder Grand sets the stage for a season of indulgence. This castle-like retreat, a landmark since 1899, seamlessly merges historic grandeur with modern innovation, offering Michelin-starred dining, a world-class spa, and an art collection featuring Salvador Dalí, Keith Haring, and Takashi Murakami. From its preserved historic suites to Norman Foster’s contemporary redesign, every detail whispers timeless elegance.
Mornings start with leisurely gourmet breakfasts, where each dish is a masterful blend of tradition and refinement. The spa is a sanctuary in itself—soaking in the outdoor whirlpool with Zürich’s skyline shimmering below is a moment of pure tranquility. Evenings carry their magic, whether sipping champagne at the newly renovated Canvas Bar & Lounge, unwinding on our balcony with a view of the city lights, or wandering through the hotel’s exquisite art collection.
Staying at The Dolder Grand feels like stepping into a beautifully crafted novel, where every chapter reveals a new layer of Zürich’s history and sophistication. It is a lifestyle, a retreat where guests linger for weeks, and immerse in its charm and ultimate comfort. But our winter adventure is just beginning. Wrapped in warm layers, we set off for St. Moritz, a name synonymous with glamour, skiing, and Alpine elegance.
The Glacier Express Excellence Class:
A Journey of Alpine Luxury & Elegance
After a sunrise breakfast at Badrutt’s Palace, where the frozen lake shimmered like glass, we board the Glacier Express Excellence Class—a train ride unlike any other. Dubbed the slowest express train in the world, this legendary journey promises not speed, but grandeur, carrying us through Switzerland’s most breathtaking winter landscapes in unparalleled luxury.
The Excellence Class offers the most sought-after seats in Switzerland, the experience is meticulously curated, where every detail reflects Alpine sophistication. Plush beige leather armchairs, with soft woven fabrics and deep cushioning, provide the ultimate comfort for long hours of indulgence. Each seat is paired with a handcrafted walnut table with an Alpine quartzite surface, seamlessly blending natural textures with refined craftsmanship.
The interiors exude warmth, from the hand-tufted Tisca carpets that soften each step to the table lamps sculpted to resemble glacial ice, casting an ethereal glow across the carriage. At the rear, the Glacier Bar stands as a centerpiece of design and social elegance, crowned by an oversized golden compass—a playful nod to our passage through helical tunnels, an architectural marvel twisting through the heart of the Alps.
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