The Posh Way to Spend MLK Weekend: Skip Utah, Skip Colorado, Go to St. Moritz

Let me just say this. I have the perfect MLK weekend for you.

Instead of spending thousands a night to squeeze into ski lodges with the entire population of the United States somewhere in Utah or Colorado, do something different.

Do something posh. Go abroad.

Coming from the East Coast? Flying west isn't any easier than hopping across the Atlantic, and the truth is Europe gives you more luxury and better value. Lets break it down:

• A lift ticket at Deer Valley is at least $300

• Rooms at Montage or St. Regis during MLK weekend? Think $2,500 to $3,000+ per night

• Schools are out. It’s packed.

• Lines. Everywhere.

• You’re paying luxury prices to not feel luxurious.

  
  

That’s not it. You want posh? Moritz, Switzerland is it.

Why St. Moritz?

First off, no one’s there. Europeans don’t care about MLK weekend. The slopes are quiet. The prices are better. The service? Immaculate.

And if you plan it right, you can spend less and feel way more exclusive.

Let me break down the perfect MLK long weekend:

Thursday: Arrival + Scenic Drive

You land Thursday morning in Milan. Easy overnight flight from NYC.

From there, rent a car or book a private transfer. The drive to St. Moritz takes about 2.5 hours, and it’s stunning.

Yes, you’ll drive through Lake Como. The famous Lake Como.

Most things will be closed for winter, but you’ll still find a few cozy cafés open. Stop. Have a cappuccino. Breathe in the snowy Alps and that unreal lake view. Then keep going another hour or so and you'll be in snowy Switzerland.

Where to Stay

You have two solid options:

1. Badrutt’s Palace. This is the crown jewel of St. Moritz. Built in the late 1800s, right on the lake. Posh, iconic, elegant. If you’re doing St. Moritz right, you stay here. Period.

2. Art Boutique Hotel Monopol. Right next door. More affordable. Cute rooftop. Great location. And you still get to look out at Badrutt’s, so… you’re not missing much.

Thursday Night: Fondue + Vibes

Your first meal: Restaurant Engiadina

It’s local, intimate, and you’ll probably be the only one speaking English. This is where you get the real Swiss experience.

Order the fondue. Don’t overthink it. This is how you start your posh ski weekend.

Friday: Hit the Slopes

You’re in St. Moritz. Don’t wing it.

Hire a ski guide. They know the mountain. They know the weather. They’ll tailor the routes to your skill level. It’s the easiest, most elevated way to ski, no thinking required. Just follow and enjoy.

Lunch? You're not in America.

So no sad cafeteria trays, no fast food, no paying $20 for soggy chicken fingers.

This is Europe. Everything is local. Everything is fresh. Everything is seasonal.

Even the most casual slope-side spot will serve you something made that morning, ingredients from the region, not a freezer.

Think: house-made pastas, fresh-baked bread, local cheeses, wild mushrooms. You’re eating real food, even on the mountain.

End the day with Après ski at El Paradiso

Champagne, white tablecloths, DJs, beef ragu, and people dressed like they walked off a fashion show set. It’s loud. It’s chic. It’s St. Moritz in its full glory.

Saturday: Repeat + Michelin Dinner

Another ski day with your guide. Easy.

But this time, skip après and go back to the hotel. Freshen up. Tonight is Michelin night.

My pick: Da Vittorio St. Moritz (Inside the Carlton Hotel)One Michelin star. Gorgeous setting. Italian fine dining done perfectly. Expect homemade pastas, truffles, the works.

There are others. Check the list. But Da Vittorio never misses.

Late Night: Explore

St. Moritz at night has layers.

Start at Dracula Club if you can get in. Exclusive and very old-money.Or try King’s Social House at Badrutt’s part club, part cocktail lounge, very scene-y.

If you want something more low-key, there are underground bars, lounges, even a casino. Just see where the night takes you.

Sunday: Spa + Shopping

This is your recovery day.

Book massages. Hit the sauna. Every luxury hotel here has a great spa, but Badrutt’s is next level.

Once you’re relaxed, walk the town. Pop into Jet Set or Lalique for boutique finds. Or just browse the luxury flagships: Chanel, Moncler, Loro Piana, they’re all here.

End the day with pizza at Chesa Veglia Pizzeria Heuboden, inside a building from the 1600s. Historic, cozy, authentic. A local favorite.

Monday: Milan Stopover

You’ll leave St. Moritz in the morning and head back to Milan for one last night. Don’t skip this part.

Stay at The Glamore Milano Duomo  you’ll have views of the Duomo right from your window.

Book a private sunset tour of the Duomo. It’s unreal with the light hitting the marble. Trust me.

Dinner in Brera, Milan’s trendiest, artsiest neighborhood. Go somewhere buzzy. Get pasta. Have a negroni. Enjoy your last night.

This Is How You Do MLK Weekend

You didn’t wait in lines. You didn’t fight for a table. You didn’t spend thousands just to feel like everyone else.

Instead, you skied world-class terrain, ate fondue in a quiet mountain town, had champagne lunches on mountaintops, and finished it off with sunset over the Duomo.

Tell me that’s not better than Utah or Colorado.

See you in Switzerland :)