12-13 July 2025 – Pontresina
This July, the Cornell Club of Switzerland gathered for its 11th Mountain Weekend in the majestic Engadin valley, with 42 adults, 6 children, and 3 cheerful dogs enjoying a sun-soaked summer escape at the legendary Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina.
The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly Saturday evening’s extraordinary champagne apéritif, graciously hosted in the private apartment of General Manager Claudio Laager. In a first for the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Claudio opened his personal residence to our group, an unprecedented and deeply appreciated gesture. Claudio, whose passions include both cooking and hunting, welcomed guests wearing an apron, offering gourmet bites he had personally prepared with his culinary staff, including his own homemade venison sausage. Each canapé was a miniature work of art, served in a warm and convivial setting that made everyone feel like family.
Following the apéritif, we descended into the beautifully ornate Blue Salon for a private four-course dinner, complete with amuse-bouche. Chandeliers sparkled above as guests gathered around long tables adorned with elegant red and white floral arrangements in honor of Cornell’s colors. After the final course, Christophe, our President, invited everyone to join him in the Kronenhof bar for a gin and tonic, an excellent choice given the bar boasts the largest gin selection in the Engadine.
Sunday morning concluded the official weekend with a refined and relaxed brunch, where we said our goodbyes (or see-you-soons), while others lingered to enjoy a few more days of mountain air, lakeside walks, and spa indulgence.
For those who arrived early, Pontresina’s charming Laret Market on Thursday evening offered a local treat, with regional Grisons specialties, artisanal goods, and live music echoing from several village stages. A whimsical touch in front of the Kronenhof delighted children and adults alike was a personalized bouncy castle modeled after the hotel itself, complete with name and architectural details.
On Friday evening, some guests indulged in a gastronomic experience at the Kronenstübli, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant awarded 16 Gault Millau points, where Italian-Mediterranean and French cuisine met the highest culinary standards.
Throughout the weekend, guests explored nearby mountain trails, lounged in the luxurious spa with its saunas and steam rooms, or simply relaxed poolside. Meanwhile, the youngest Cornellians enjoyed their own adventures in the hotel’s dedicated kids club.
A heartfelt thank you to Claudio Laager for making this weekend not only possible, but unforgettable. Your warmth, hospitality, and passion elevated the entire experience.
We cannot wait to return next July!
Table Shots
