For families looking to rest and play, this Alpine resort town is the ideal destination. Claudia Dudman discovers why
Having left a July London in the throes of a four-day heatwave, it was a joy to step off the train and into the fresh air of the Swiss Alps.
The stillness of the mountains are such a marked contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life that it takes time to decompress? or it would do if it weren?t for the exquisitely picturesque train ride we took on the Glacier Express along the Albula Valley between Thusis and St Moritz ? and which gives you a taste of what?s to come.
The line is one of only three railways in the world to be granted UNESCO World Heritage Status, and as the train gently twisted and turned its way across the valleys, aquaducts and tiny alpine passes, you can?t help but marvel at the feat that is Swiss engineering. St Moritz is the birthplace of year-round alpine winter tourism first established in 1864. Situated in the south of Switzerland where it hugs the Italian border, at an altitude of 1,800 metres above sea level, it?s high and therefore the snow and sun are near guaranteed.

It?s sporting heritage is undeniable: it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, has its own bobsleigh, the world?s last remaining natural ice track and an outdoor Olympic ice rink. In the winter, the lake of St Moritz freezes over and on it winter polo is played, and even horse racing and show jumping take place. Hand in hand with all that high-octane activity com...