The Swiss Alps have long been the preferred ski-season getaway of the world’s elite jetset—a playground of luxury where snow polo and Champagne-bearing butlers on skates are the norm. But there’s the quintessential Swiss Alps (think: days on the piste followed by nights at three Michelin-star restaurants like Schloss Schauenstein, Waldhotel by Burgenstock, and Le Mouton Noir), and then there are the lesser-known attractions: under-the-radar destinations that take any Swiss getaway from alpine cliché to après-ski chic.
From the picturesque village of St. Moritz to Zurich, the metropolitan gateway to the Alps, here are six unique gems to uncover on a luxe winter experience in Switzerland.
Muzeum Susch, Susch
Housed in the remnants of a medieval monastery dating back to 1157, as well as a brewery building that was tacked on in the 19th century, Muzeum Susch opened in 2019 with a curation of artworks by contemporary female artists. Its permanent, site-specific installations stand alongside a rotating calendar of temporary exhibitions, both of which aim to amplify marginalized voices while creating an emotional connection to art. The unique space is unlike any other gallery in the world due to its mix of heritage buildings and use of local materials—from the glacial boulders excavated during the redesign to the nearby river’s white sand mixed into the plasterwork walls.
Amaru, St. Moritz
With décor reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film thanks to eccentric British designer/artist Luke Edward Hall, Amaru in the elegant Kulm Hotel offers alpine diners an unexpectedly fiery culinary experience. Chef Claudia Canessa mixes a medley of flavours inspired by Peruvian street food in dishes like the salmon tiradito, yellow quinoa tamalito, or 56-day aged ribeye marinated in aji panca and chipotle. The restaurant is only open during the winter season.
Frida, St. Moritz
Archival fashion is having a major celeb-endorsed moment and St. Moritz concept shop Frida is Switzerland’s go-to source. Named after the grandmother of founder Daiana Giorgia, Frida combines Giorgia’s two decades of experience in the fashion industry with her expert curatorial eye. The result is an impeccable collection of hard-to-find vintage pieces by the likes of Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Dior.
GHM The Chedi Andermatt, Andermatt
If it weren’t for the stunning natural beauty and traditional ski chalets surrounding the Chedi Andermatt, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to set foot outside this five-star hotel. Deluxe suites equipped with soaker tubs, Hästens bedding, and Acqua di Parma bath products, nine incredible dining options, and a world-class spa are just some of the attractive amenities here. When the time comes to venture out, the on-site Activity Butler can curate an itinerary of exclusive activities, from touring a local Christmas market to journeying aboard the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway.
Art for All, Zurich
Zurich museum Kunsthaus Zürich aims to make world-renowned art accessible via temporary exhibits, called Art for All, showcased in its entrance hall and Garden of Art. Until the end of 2026, witness American artist Jeffrey Gibson’s monumental, site-specific installation titled “boshullichi / inlʋchi – we will continue to change.” On the heels of a celebrated solo show at the Venice Biennale in 2024 and a new façade painting at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, this activation offers a full immersion in Gibson’s signature combination of Indigenous traditions—beadwork, weaving, and basketry—with elements of modern and contemporary art.
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La Maison Valmont Verbier, Verbier
Spa culture runs deep in Switzerland, a pioneer in mineral-rich hot springs and all-encompassing wellness retreats. And when it comes to cutting-edge skincare, it doesn’t get more luxe than Valmont, the science-backed Swiss cosmetics brand founded in 1905 that catered to the likes of Ingrid Bergman and Coco Chanel at its original clinic on the Swiss Riviera. For slope-side skincare, Valmont’s spa in the village of Verbier caters to the needs of winter-ravaged complexions with bespoke spa treatments in a sophisticated space furnished with designer pieces and fine art.