A taste of Switzerland: winter landscapes and Alpine flavours

There’s a ritual in the Swiss mountains that captures the very essence of winter. Picture yourselves in a high-altitude chalet, overlooking snow-covered slopes, watching flakes drift gently as the fireplace radiates a familiar warmth and candlelight casts a dreamlike glow. The irresistible aroma of melted cheese draws you to the table, a glass of local wine in hand, as you await the undisputed star of the feast: fondue!

The earliest records of fondue date back to 1699, in a Swiss cookbook describing cheese melted in wine and served with bread. Since then, this dish has become a symbol of Alpine conviviality in Swiss culture. Each canton cherishes its own version — from Fribourg’s Gruyère to Valais’ Vacherin — but the ritual remains unchanged: the caquelon, a traditional cast-iron pot placed at the centre of the table; the wine that accompanies it; and the shared satisfaction of those gathered around. An experience that warms both the palate and the soul.

Imagine a crisp winter night among snow-draped peaks. In the heart of this solemn landscape, an ice igloo becomes the setting for an extraordinary experience.

Inside these traditional domes, crafted by hand with perfectly smoothed walls and shimmering light play across translucent surfaces, a sense of pure magic lingers. Outside, the hush of snow reigns; inside, a warmth made of calm, togetherness and high-altitude aromas fills the air. Inspired by the ancient shelters of Arctic peoples, today’s Swiss igloos are charming spaces born from the union of nature and design. The snow walls retain heat, maintaining a surprisingly cosy temperature even when the cold bites outside.

Here, you’ll have the privilege of enjoying an Alpine menu that transforms dinner into a true winter’s dream.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, cocktails too take on new moods and nuances. In intimate, thoughtfully designed spaces — overlooking snow-covered rooftops or the distant silhouette of mountain peaks - one can discover how the art of mixology beautifully captures the essence of the Alpine atmosphere.

Guided by expert bartenders, you’ll learn to blend artisanal spirits with seasonal ingredients: mountain herb-infused gin, honey or spruce liqueurs, dried fruit infusions and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Each creation is a tribute to the land and its seasonality - a winter alchemy that combines technique and creativity from an unexpected angle: through aroma and enjoyment, in glasses that evoke the forest and evenings lit by firelight. An experience that honors the art of doing and the grace of being.