Badrutt’s Palace Hotel Raises Record Sum At Annual Christmas Tree Auction For Good Causes

For 24 years, Badrutt's Palace Hotel has been holding its esteemed annual Christmas Tree Auction to benefit local organisations in the heart of St. Moritz. The auction returned for the 2022 festive season on 21 December in the Le Restaurant, raising an incredible record sum of CHF 270,000 (approx. £ 241,066). 

Each year, leading luxury brands from the world of fashion, jewellery, art, and gastronomy create a spectacular selection of festive firs to be sold at auction. This traditional charity evening stems from the fruit of a long-standing partnership with the prestigious Palace Gallery shops, who are committed to the event and donating generous gifts each year.

190 guests were present for a sumptuous three-course dining experience and the event was moderated by Swiss TV presenter, Annina Campell. The dinner was followed by the auction of the exclusive trees with the proceedings overseen by auctioneer Cécile Verdier, President of Christie's France. The entire proceeds of the auction will be distributed to local associations Blindenskischule St. Moritz, KIBE, Avegnir and Movimento. 

Mr. Richard Leuenberger, Managing Director, is exceptionally proud of the event: "Taking responsibility is one of the core values of Badrutt's Palace, and we are proud to have been able to support local organisations that have been undertaking valuable work in the region for many years. We are delighted that the campaign was so successful this year and that the amount donated has exceeded all previous years so far."

• The KiBE Childcare, Upper Engadine Foundation supports and advises parents in all matters relating to family-affiliated childcare. Its aim is to support children in the Upper Engadine - especially those of pre-school age - and to promote their social, creative and musical skills. It is also committed to the responsible training and further education of staff and childminders. The foundation's programmes are recognized by the canton and are subject to cantonal supervision. Further information at
• The sun is shining, the snow is glistening, and yet everything is grey. Only silhouettes. Blind skiing, unimaginable for many - reality for some. Since 1981, the St. Moritz Ski School has been offering people with visual impairments a special skiing experience. Today, around 30 specially trained snowsports instructors teach for the Blind Ski School and put a smile on the faces of children and adult guests. The Blind Ski School is organized as a foundation that relies on donations to continue this heartfelt project.
• The association "Avegnir - Friends of Cancer & Long-Term Patients" brings together people who are aware of the hardships of living with an illness and who show solidarity with those affected. In addition to medical and nursing care by doctors and hospitals, Avegnir offers patients and their relatives a highly qualified professional counselling team and a wide range of free accompaniment, support and psycho-oncological counselling in a holistic approach.
• Foundation MOVIMENTO is an organization that has been active since 1987 to support people with disabilities and their carers in the canton of Graubünden. It helps clients through assisted living communities, care, accompaniment and employment. The aim of the organization is to integrate the clients as good as possible, both professionally and socially.

Experience legendary service and an enchanting atmosphere in the heart of St Moritz, with 300 days of sunshine in winter and summer. Unrivalled and unexpected eating and drinking, joie de vivre and a unique sense of belonging in a historic and iconic mountain resort. A celebration of style, sports, culinary adventures, and wellness in the Swiss Alps. In winter, explore one of the world’s most exciting ski regions, at 6,000 ft. In summer, the Engadine Valley’s sun-soaked alpine activities beckon. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has 156 guestrooms all with heart-stopping views of the lake or the charming village centre. Eight on-site restaurants and three bars include Andreas Caminada’s Michelin-starred IGNIV, Japanese-Peruvian Matsuhisa, fine-dining at Le Restaurant and after-hours music venue, Kings Social House. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Deluxe Hotels and Swiss Historic Hotels.