The long-neglected Ice Pavillon in the grounds of the luxurious 5★ Kulm Hotel is to get a new lease of life after the Kulm appointed British architect Lord Norman Foster, who owns a home in the famous resort, to oversee a CHF8 million (approx. £5.4 million) refurbishment and extension of the Ice Pavillon in the Kulm Park.
The two-storey Pavillon, built in 1905, is a synthesis of art nouveau and traditional Swiss style that has been classified as worthy of protection. It stands between the main hotel building and Chesa al Parc, which is one of the Kulm’s restaurants and the clubhouse for Kulm Golf St. Moritz; in front of it is the hotel’s outdoor ice rink (in winter) and tennis courts (in summer). Currently standing in disrepair and in danger of collapse, this architectural gem, which is also of historic importance having played a key part in the 1928 and 1948 Olympics held in St Moritz, will have new life breathed into it by Lord Foster’s design. The Kulm itself is historically important, being the resort’s first hotel and, in winter 1864/65, the location of the world’s first ever recorded winter mountain holiday. The Ice Pavillon, along with the Kulm Hotel, is owned by the Niarchos family, but they have promised to open it up to the local Engadine community, making it available for sporting and other events, including as the venue for the 33 medal ceremonies at the Ski World Championships, which are taking place in St Moritz in February 2017.
