St Moritz is perhaps the most famous ski resort in the world, boasting a unique ambience and character, spectacular scenery and a host of après-ski and leisure facilities which are sure to suit those looking for an extravagant retreat.

The resort of St Moritz hosted two Winter Olympic Games and has recently held the FIS World Ski Championships. The resort's altitude ensures St Moritz is the sunniest ski spot in Switzerland, while the 8,500 guest beds cater for those who are not so budget conscious. Shops and boutiques, plus a range of restaurants, bars, casinos, concert halls and museums provide top-flight entertainment and spending opportunities.

Linked to two other ski areas in the region, St Moritz has access to 350kms of downhill runs with stupendous off-piste and rugged terrain as well as additional groomed slopes. The resort offers manageable runs which range in difficulty, with 35 per cent suitable for beginners, 25 per cent for intermediates and 40 per cent for advanced skiers.

There are 88 slopes at the resort offering 80kms of runs, with the longest being eight kilometres. Fifty-six lifts service the region, with an uplift capacity of 65,000 skiers per hour. These reach a top elevation of 3,027m with a total vertical descent of 1,167m. As well as groomed slopes, there is challenging off-piste for snowboarders as well as a snowboard park, plus an additional 180kms of cross-country skiing in the area.

When it comes to après-ski and non-ski alternatives, nobody does it like St Moritz. Everything from the international cuisine served at fine restaurants to the casinos and nightclubs offers a glimpse into a more exuberant lifestyle. The non-ski activities are something to behold, with the large frozen lake accommodating horse-drawn sleighing and natural ice-skating. There is also mountaineering, paragliding, bobsledding, horse races, and cricket on snow to try out here.

The resort offers skiing between mid-November and the end of April, with the finest conditions over the Christmas period.

St Moritz is 206kms from the nearest international airport in Zurich, and a four-hour journey by rail and bus or taxi service. A Eurostar service to Paris and an overnight train to Chur, with a connecting train to St Moritz is another option for a picturesque journey to the resort.