Tennis has a long and storied history in St. Moritz, with its earliest chapters unfolding at the legendary Kulm Hotel. In the late 19th century, hotel pioneer Johannes Badrutt built the very first tennis courts in the Engadin on these grounds, introducing a sport that would soon capture the imagination of locals and visitors alike. From St. Moritz, enthusiasm quickly radiated across the valley, helping shape the Engadin’s reputation as a destination for alpine leisure and refined sporting pursuits.

By 1895, St. Moritz had become a true tennis hub, hosting the first international tennis tournaments ever held in Switzerland. The momentum continued, and in 1913 the town made history once again by unveiling Europe’s very first indoor tennis hall, an architectural and sporting milestone that transformed the game. For the first time, players could enjoy tennis year-round at 1,800 metres, regardless of the season or the famously unpredictable mountain weather.

The Cresta Palace further enriched this tradition, emerging as another anchor of tennis culture in the Engadin. Its courts became a gathering place for both enthusiastic amateurs and seasoned players, and today the hotel proudly carries that legacy forward with two beautifully maintained courts open to beginners and experts alike.

Today, St. Moritz continues to honor this heritage while embracing a modern, outdoor-minded lifestyle. Though the mountains often claim the spotlight, the pristine tennis courts, framed by larch forests, crisp alpine air, and the region’s signature blue skies, remain an essential and beloved part of life in the Engadin. Here, tennis is not just a sport, but a reflection of St. Moritz’s enduring elegance, innovation, and passion for active living.