Cresta Run, St. Moritz

Nestled in the luxurious alpine resort town of St. Moritz, Switzerland, the Cresta Run is an iconic sport venue that has captivated the daring and adventurous since its inception. Established in the late 19th century, this world-renowned ice skeleton racing track is a marvel of winter sports engineering, stretching approximately three-quarters of a mile with a drop of 514 feet from start to finish.

The Cresta Run is not merely a track; it is a testament to tradition and exclusivity, as it has been maintained and operated by the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club since 1887. The track itself is constructed anew each winter, sculpted with precision from natural ice, and it incorporates treacherous turns like the infamous "Shuttlecock" corner, where riders are often ejected if they fail to navigate the bend with skill.

This venue is steeped in history and prestige, hosting annual competitions such as the Grand National and the Curzon Cup, which draw in competitors and spectators from around the globe. The track is revered for its technical difficulty and the sheer velocity that riders achieve, with speeds surpassing 80 miles per hour not being uncommon.

Membership to the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club remains highly exclusive, and traditionally, only men were permitted to race the full length of the Cresta Run. However, in recent years, the club has seen gradual changes, including the re-admission of women to compete in certain events, reflecting a modernization of this age-old sport.

The Cresta Run operates during the winter months, offering a variety of riding experiences for both novice and seasoned skeleton enthusiasts. While it is not a venue open to the general public for casual sledding, the club occasionally offers introductory sessions for those wishing to experience the thrill under expert supervision.