A Rooftop Swiss Alps Chalet Is Opening At The Peninsula New York

The lounge certainly looks like it could be mountainside in the Alps; there are fur throws, a front opening fireplace chimenea, snowshoes, cowbells, fondues galore. But starting on December 1^st, this replica of the slopeside restaurant/club Paradiso operated by Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz, will open in the West Terrace of The Peninsula New York’s rooftop Salon de Ning. Now called Chalet de Ning and enclosed in two glass domes through which lighted skyscrapers reveal its true location, it’s set to remain in place through December 31^st.

The collaboration between the two hotels seems to be a natural fit, according to Richard Leuenberger, managing director at Badrutt’s Palace. “Badrutt’s Palace has been lauded for hosting the world’s most lavish celebrations and special events for more than 125 years,” he explains. “We are honored to be partnering with our friends at St. Moritz Tourism and the iconic Peninsula New York to usher in a luxurious ode to the season, and invite our friends both old and new to join us in New York City and St. Moritz to experience one-of-a-kind moments with our team.”

On Chalet de Ning’s opening day, the Peninsula will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony with Victoria carolers, complimentary cocktails and light bites from 6-7 PM. After that, guests can order from the menu created by the Badrutt’s Palace food and beverage team. Cocktails include the St. Moritzino with Grey Goose, Cointreau, the almond flavored Orgeat Syrup and Fresh Lime and the Winter Spritz with Aperol, White Wine, Apple Juice and Crème de Pêche; food items include Truffle Fondue with Gruyère, Fresh Truffle, Kirsch and Sourdough, Smoked Trout Rillete with Celery Stalk and Rye Cracker, and, naturally, Swiss Chocolate Fondue. Fifty percent of the night’s proceeds will be donated to The New York Center for Children. On other nights in December, the space is available for takeovers for private events and on its last night, both the Chalet and the other section of the terrace of Salon de Ning transform into a New Year’s Eve party disco.

Over in St. Moritz, December 1^st is also the day that Badrutt’s Palace reopens for ski and winter sports season with a packed lineup of international social/sporting events. The most famous is the New Year’s Eve gala, titled realistically “A Night of Infinite Sparkle.” In January, the resort is host to the 38^th annual Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz tournament and two events that take place on the presumably frozen Lake St. Moritz: The ICE, an elite car show, and White Turf St. Moritz showcasing thoroughbreds from various parts of Europe. First, though, there is a philanthropic event conducted in tandem with several major fashion houses: the Holiday Tree Auction Charity Gala on December 21^st in which guests can bid on Christmas trees designed by teams at Bulgari, Moncler, Gucci, Cartier, and Dior among others with proceeds going to four local charities. And every day, skiers can take a break from the slopes at Paradiso for area specialties and the counterpoint to New York skyscrapers: a view of the mountains.