Pioneering Spirit

While St. Moritz became a favourite excursion destination for celebrated and cultivated guests, it also developed a remarkable pioneering spirit. The progressive mountain village was at the forefront of establishing facilities and sporting events that today are considered a matter of course.

• First documented mention: 1139 AD
• St. Moritz is already famous in the Middle Ages thanks to its therapeutic springs and climate
• Birthplace of winter tourism and sport in the Alps (1864/65)
• First tourist office in Switzerland (1864)
• First electric light in Switzerland (1878, Kulm Hotel)
• First curling tournament on the continent (1880)
• First European Ice-Skating Championships (1882)
• First modern winter sport: Cresta Run (1885)
• First golf tournament in the Alps (1889)
• First telephone installation in Canton Graubunden (1889)
• First bob run and bob race (1890)
• First electric tram in the Alps (1896)
• First European hotel with the name "Palace" (1896)
• First horse race on snow (1906) and on the frozen lake (1907)
• First motorized flight over Swiss soil (1910)
• First ski school in Switzerland (1929)
• First kilometre lancé on skis (1930)
• First place name with protected official symbol (1930/37)
• Two Winter Olympic Games (1928 and 1948)
• First golf tournament in Europe on a frozen lake (1979)
• First polo tournament on a snow-covered frozen lake (1985)
• First resort with a protected name (1986) and logo (1987)
• First Snowboard World Championships on the continent (1987)
• First cricket match on a snow-covered frozen lake (1989)
• First Polo World Championships in the Alps (summer 1995)
• Four Alpine Ski World Championships (1934/1948/1974/2003)
• Over 30 Bob World Championships
• Over 40 Engadin Ski Marathons (since 1969)
• Over 30 Engadin Windsurfing Marathons (since 1978)
• Venue for many Sailing & Windsurfing World Championships