Sipping champagne next to a Hollywood A lister, wow – wouldn’t THAT be something to say on social media? It would in ‘see and be seen’ Les Trois Vallées, but not here – this is Klosters.
Hidden in a high Alpine playground, this traditional Swiss village has been hosting royal guests and Hollywood stars since the ‘50s. So what is so appealing?
It’s a classic resort, quiet, lots of t-bar lifts no five-star hotels… and the occasional lift queue. But socialites like Tara Parmer Tomkinson love coming here, along with the British royal family.
Walking through the village there’s no sign of big brand stores – it’s more a small specialist shops selling authentic, classic goods kind of scene, with traditional winter sights, like the chestnut seller.
And luxury is as discreet as the local party scene, (now by private invite) away from those who just can’t resist that selfy with the celeb moment.
But most folks do seem to respect a ‘Don’t kiss and tell’ code, so famous people do visit restaurants without getting a taste of the paparazzi, and you can rub ski jackets with royalty.
I’m starting to see why this might be appealing!
Star studded
The flock of famous Americans coming here in the ‘50s gave Klosters the nickname ‘Hollywood on the Rocks’.
Audrey Hepburn, Paul Newman, Gregory Peck, Yul Brynner, Lauren Bacall, Gene Kelly and Greta Garbo all visited. Many staying at the authentic Chesa Grishchuna, now the grand old dame of Klosters’ hotels, with a guest book celeb’ spotters ‘would die for’!
And the new celebs keep coming, with Bono, Johnny Depp and Roger Moore all recent guests, along with the regularly returning British royal family.
Skiing
Skiing from Klosters is easy as the cable car is in the heart of the village and lifts you up above the tree-lined lower slopes towards the high peaks.
The resort is linked to the extensive slopes of Davos, and you can ski from here to the other resort on wide, open slopes – ideal for intermediates.
There’s also lots of off-piste terrain and good cross-country trails.
The mix of long slopes, t-bar lifts and high mountains does make skiing here tiring, but there’s plenty to be said for it too – from the panoramic views, to the great powder and plenty of places to stop and enjoy some food and drink.
Take a quick dip into Davos’ history and you’ll also find it has its own claims to fame.
A distinguished winter spa town, it has attracting literary giants from Herman Hesse to Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Those staying in Klosters might find its big sister lacks authentic charm, but it does make up for it with a range of fun bars that rock well into the small hours and restaurants that are a little easier on the budget.
Is it expensive?
The very rich do come here, but you don’t have to have millions to make this place your holiday home.
Swiss air flights from the UK to Zurich start from £121 return and getting to the resort on the striking red Swiss trains starts at £96 (second class).
A holiday package in a three-star hotel (four days three nights), including flights with SWISS, a family room, and return transfers to resort are around £535 per adult, £335 per child.
You can grab a pizza for around £10, and soft drinks are around £2.50.
For more on Swiss holiday options see www.MySwitzerland.com
For more on holiday prices see http://www.stc.co.uk
