This year, the Thanksgiving Gala hosted by the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, under the stewardship of the esteemed General Manager and fellow Cornellian, Marc Eichenberger, left an indelible mark on the 36 members and their families from the Cornell Club of Switzerland. The weekend extravaganza proved unparalleled, offering an unforgettable Thanksgiving experience that surpassed any previous gatherings of the club.
Pontresina and the Grand Hotel Kronenhof was a beautiful snowy winter wonderland!
The journey to and from Pontresina, which is not far from St-Moritz is marked by beautiful mountain scenery. Many of us took the train which runs on the same tracks as the Bernina Express and passes over the 65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct, the signature structure of the Rhaetian Railway and the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The festivities kicked off with a captivating guided tour of the historical and picturesque town of Pontresina in the afternoon. Post-tour, many of the attendees indulged in the luxuries of the hotel’s spa, reveling in a sense of exclusivity during the low season – as if they had a private spa oasis all to themselves.
One intention of the weekend was the 37th Annual General Meeting, where members delved into a comprehensive review of club business and events from the past year. The approval of the financial statement, the election of board members, and spirited 1discussions about upcoming events in 2024 all contributed to a lively and engaging session.
The Thanksgiving celebration itself was a gastronomic delight. The evening commenced with decadent hors d’oeuvres featuring foie gras mousse, smoked salmon, and local Engadin delicacies, all perfectly paired with free-flowing champagne. The elegant dinner that followed surprised attendees with not one but two amuse-bouches, paving the way for several courses of traditional yet elevated Thanksgiving cuisine. The gourmet dishes were complemented by impeccable service, creating a culinary experience to remember.
Post-dinner, a convivial gathering took place at the hotel bar, where many indulged in the house specialty – gin and tonics. The bar’s impressive selection of gins provided a delightful post-dinner interlude.
Ultimately, the Thanksgiving Gala at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof proved to be a resounding success, and credit is due to Marc Eichenberger and Christophe Zimmerli for orchestrating this sensational event. A heartfelt thank you goes out to them for ensuring that everyone had a truly magnificent time.
Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all!