What is the Cresta Run?
It is a natural ice run, built with snow anew every year since the winter of 1884/85. It is approximately ¾ mile in length with a drop of 514 feet. The gradient varies from 1 in 2.8 to 1 in 8.7. There are two starting points, Top and Junction. Riders from Junction begin opposite the Clubhouse, about one-third down the Run from Top. Only experienced riders can qualify to ride from Top.
The Run has 10 corners, all of which are named. The most famous (or notorious) is Shuttlecock. This left-hand bank, about half-way down the Run acts as a safety-valve; if a rider is out of control he will fall out at Shuttlecock into a carefully prepared falling area of snow and straw. Fallers at Shuttlecock automatically become members of the Shuttlecock Club and are entitled to wear a Shuttlecock tie.

PLAN & PROFILE OF THE RUN

What is the difference between the Cresta, the Bob, the Luge and Bob-Skeleton?
a) On the Cresta Run, the rider goes down by himself on a toboggan in a lying position on his tummy, head-first, using rakes on the end of special boots to brake and steer.

b) On Bob Runs, riders go down in pairs or teams of four in a metal capsule on runners. One person steers, another operates the brakes. Riders go down in a seated position.

c) The Luge. Riders lie on their backs on toboggan, feet first. They ride on Bob Runs and Luge Runs, both singly and in pairs.

d) The Bob-Skeleton. As on the Cresta, individuals ride head-first, on similar toboggans, but without rakes. They ride on Bob Runs.
( For further information see The British Bobsleigh Skeleton Association
www.icetrack.org.uk. Those interested in experiencing the Bob or Bob-Skeleton can do so at Lillehammer, through SYS, the ultimate event company: www.sys-ultimate-events.com. )
There are around the world about 12 Bob Runs, the oldest and only one made of natural ice in St Moritz, and two natural ice Luge Runs. Sports tend to be dominated by professionals. There is only one Cresta Run and it remains one of the last truly amateur sports.

When is the Cresta Season?
Depending on snow conditions (i.e. whether it has been cold enough to build the Run), the Cresta Run is open from just before Christmas until the end of February. At the start of the season riding is only from Junction. Riding from Top starts in mid-January.

Can anyone ride the Cresta Run?
Although it is a private Club, it is possible for non-Members to ride. Certain conditions apply:

a) Riders must be over 18
b) Women are not permitted to ride the Cresta Run.
c) Non-members may not ride on race days (generally Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the season.)

Non-members put their names down on the Supplementary List and become temporary Members for one season as 'SL Riders' or 'SLs'.

How do I get on the Supplementary List and ride?
Provided you fulfil the conditions (i.e. you are a) male, b) over 18) the Run is normally open to riders on the Supplementary List ('SL Riders' or 'SLs') on Practice Days (normally three or four days during the working week). Beginners receive special treatment, which includes an introductory talk from the Secretary, and instruction from the Club 'Gurus' - senior SMTC Members with vast experience of teaching new riders how to ride.

How much does it cost to ride as an SL?
In their first season SLs pay SFr.600 for their five rides. Extra rides cost SFr.50 each. For SLs under the age of 28, extra rides are SFr.35 each.

In second and subsequent seasons SLs pay SFr.500 for their first five rides. Extra rides cost SFr. 50 each. SLs under the age of 28 pay SFr.35 per ride after their first five.

This includes the equipment (helmet, boots with rakes, handguards, elbow and knee pads and a toboggan) and instruction for Beginners.
Payment can be made in cash or by credit card.

What happens on my first day of riding?
Whether you are a Beginner or an SL rider, you need to be at the Clubhouse when the doors open. In December, this means at or very soon after 7.30 a.m. In January, between 7.00 and 7.15 a.m.

• Beginners: check that your name is on the Beginners Riding List and get your riding equipment of helmet, boots, knee and elbow pads and handguards. Complete a registration card. Club Assistants will be in the Dressing Room to help you through this process. Once you have all your kit, take your registration card and cash/credit card, to the Bar area upstairs, to pay and have your details entered on the riding system. You will then have an introductory talk by the Secretary and meet your 'Guru' (Instructor) before riding.
• SLs: Enter your name on the SL Riding List. Get your riding equipment, complete a registration form and go upstairs to the Bar to pay. Depending on where your name is on the SL Riding List, be ready to ride when the Run opens.

And on my second day of riding in a season?
You still need to be at the Clubhouse on time. You are only a Beginner on your first day. Subsequently, you are deemed to be an SL rider, and as such all SLs need to enter their names on the SL Riding List legibly and in the same format used on the riding system. Then collect your riding kit and wait for your name to be called to ride when the Run opens.

How long does it take to get 5 rides as an SL?
We try very hard to ensure that beginners get two rides on their first day, and then one ride a day during practice riding thereafter. We recommend that you allow AT LEAST three practice days to guarantee your five rides. Please remember it is a private Club, and Members have priority. Obviously, if there are not many SLs or Members about, then you will get more rides each day, but experience over the last few seasons means we would rather you err on the side of caution.

What do I wear?
Wear fairly tough clothing such as jeans or cords and a warm jacket or thick jersey. Bring your own ski-gloves and goggles. We provide the rest of the riding equipment.

What about insurance?
We recommend that you arrange your own insurance before coming to St Moritz. Do check your policy, as some specifically exclude tobogganing or skeleton riding.

It is also possible to buy cover at the Clubhouse. It is made available by the Club for the benefit of those who have arrived at the Cresta without proper insurance, and who do not wish to delay riding while they investigate alternatives. The Club is paid a commission by the insurers for the work involved, but the Club does not act for individuals taking out the insurance, and owes no duty to such individuals. The Club gives no assurances, and makes no representations, as to the merits of the Policy, and has no responsibility to you in respect of any uninsured or unpaid claim. In particular you should note:

a) The policy relates only to medical treatment until you are able to return home.

b) The policy contains limitations on cover and you should consider these before incurring expenses.

c) You remain directly liable for any bills which are not paid by the insurers.

To take out insurance at the Clubhouse, see Richard Robbins or Harriet Brabazon in the Clubhouse when you come and ride. Payment must be made in cash.

How do I get to St Moritz?
We do not act as a travel agent. People travelling from the UK tend to fly to Zurich and then either take the train to St Moritz or hire a car.

Can you recommend an hotel?
St Moritz has many fine hotels. Details of the range available can be found at the following: www.stmoritz-hotels.ch

The home of the Cresta outside riding hours is the Sunny Bar of the Kulm Hotel.
www.sunnybar.ch