Wintertourism Engadin
27 March 2022
The most significant growth of tourism in Switzerland took place in Engadine (Canton Graubünden) in particular took place between 1870 and 1914.
A stay in a Grand Hotel or spa was prestigious. Scuol, Vulpera Sils Maria and, for example, St. Moritz were among the most popular destinations.
Many Grand Hotels were built. One initiative deserves attention: the owner of hotel Kulm, Johann Badrutt (1819-1889) invited in 1865 English guests to stay in his hotel in the winter, free of charge. It was the beginning of winter sports and the popularity of St. Moritz.
Bobsleigh, curling, skeleton sliding, ice Hockey, skiing and figure skating and the Olympic Winter Games (1928) became a way of living in St. Moritz.
(Source: T. Cavadini Canonica, A. Cavadini, Das Engadin. Kurze Geschichte einer Alpinen Welt, Sondrio, 2009).