St. Moritz

About St. Moritz

If you’re looking for a luxurious ski vacation, few resorts can top St. Moritz’s famed prestige. The St. Moritz village is situated at the center of the Engadin Valley, which the Inn River passes through. Like most resorts located in the Swiss Alps, you can be assured that St. Moritz offers stunning views of dramatic mountain peaks. The Swiss town was also the proud host of the Winter Olympic Games twice, once in 1928 and again in 1948. 1928 was the year skeleton sledding debuted and the only time it’s been a part of the Winter Olympics— a contest where the competitors raced down the Cresta Run while lying headfirst on sleds. The resort offers a variety of world-class ski slopes, including 87 World Cup standard pistes spread across its four large ski areas. The natural bobsleigh run in St. Moritz is the only one of its kind, providing a truly unique experience for thrill-seekers.

St. Moritz also enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest resorts in the Alps. This favorable climate allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Piz Nair. The base area of the resort is divided into St. Moritz Bad, which has easier access to the lifts, and St. Moritz Dorf, which features an elegant shopping village. The resort incorporates four large ski areas—Corvatsch, Corviglia, Diavolezza/Lagalb and Lifts Zuoz—and their combined 215+ miles of terrain. As host to the Engadin Ski Marathon, Nordic skiing is quite popular, and the resort offers over 142 miles of cross-country trails around the town.

In addition to its winter sports, St. Moritz hosts unique events like the White Turf horse races on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, attracting the international elite. This event, along with other activities off the slopes include winter horse racing, curling, bobsledding, snowshoeing, snowkiting or shopping in dozens of chic shops. Afternoon tea on a sunny café terrace is a must. A whole world of entertainment from informal bars to the casino and stylish nightclubs can fill your evenings. A St. Moritz ski vacation will delight anyone looking for a high-end experience from start to finish.

How to get to St. Moritz

The most unforgettable way to arrive in St. Moritz is by hopping aboard the Glacier Express or Bernina Express. These iconic trains wind through the breathtaking scenery of a UNESCO World Heritage railway line, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn. Whether you're coming from Chur via the Albula Pass or from Tirano, Italy, via the Bernina Pass, the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) ensures your journey to Engadin is as epic as the destination itself.

Navigating St. Moritz is a breeze with its efficient public transportation, including buses, funiculars and trains. The local bus system connects key spots, while the St. Moritz-Corviglia funicular whisks you up the slopes. Walking is also popular, offering scenic views around town and the nearby lakes.

Skiing in St. Moritz

St. Moritz boasts a wide variety of terrain and beginners tend to prefer the Corviglia ski area. Here, there are many options for wide, sloping runs ideal for learning and building confidence. The Hahnensee run, located at the heart of Corviglia, offers easy terrain with stunning views of the Engadin Valley. Similarly, the Salastrains run is another perfect option for novice skiers, with a gentle slope that is perfect for practicing turns and carving.

St. Moritz may be regarded as a paradise for intermediate advanced to advanced skiers and snowboarders, but that doesn't mean it’s without terrain that beginners will appreciate. First-time skiers and riders will want to spend their time at the Corviglia, Salastrans or Celerina nursery slopes. Celerina, in particular, is the best area for children thanks to its lift system. After a couple days, or when beginners feel ready to tackle more of the mountain, a lesson with a professional instructor is highly recommended to ensure optimal enjoyment. Plus, St. Moritz is a large ski area with lots of options, novices really want to know where they’re going and what to expect.

Intermediates are best served on a St. Moritz ski vacation—with nearly 70 percent of the 200-plus miles of skiing. Less seasoned intermediates will prefer the pistes at Corviglia, which is renowned for its excellent grooming capabilities. More experienced or advanced intermediates will enjoy the Marguns Bowl and Corvatsch-Furtschellas, for its high alpine scenery, great snow conditions and steeper, more challenging terrain. The Corvatsch glacier is a particular favorite among advanced intermediate skiers and snowboarders at St. Moritz.

Seasoned skiers and snowboarders will not be disappointed with St. Moritz’ expert terrain offerings—particularly those with a hankering for untracked, off-piste adventures. The summits of Piz Nair and Corvatsch offer some challenging routes. Experts looking for the ultimate St. Moritz excursion should hire a mountain guide and venture down the Roseg Valley from the Corvatsch summit—it’s a truly unforgettable trek. Heli-skiing is also available on Fuorcla Chamoutsch. The Diavolezza glacier run from Piz Bernina to Morteratsch is another don’t-miss St. Moritz expert skiing experience. Those who like speed and steeps will enjoy the black pistes at Lagalb and Diavolezza.

To learn more about this incredible, off-the-beaten path resort or book lodging, heli-trips or cat-skiing tours, a mountain guide or make travel arrangements, call or chat with one of Ski.com’s knowledgeable Mountain Travel Experts.

The St. Moritz Ski School, the oldest and largest in Switzerland, has been setting the gold standard for ski instruction since 1929. With a team of over 350 instructors from 14 different countries, this school blends tradition with innovation, offering top-notch lessons in skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the St. Moritz Ski School provides personalized coaching that helps you master the slopes of one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world.

Families will love the Snowli Kids' Village, where young skiers can learn in a fun and safe environment equipped with carousels and dedicated children's ski lifts. The school’s focus on both skill development and fun ensures that every lesson is a memorable experience. Plus, with unique offerings like telemarking and snowshoe tours, the St. Moritz Ski School isn’t just about learning to ski—it’s about embracing the full winter wonderland experience in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

For more information, please consult a Mountain Travel Expert for details such as requisites and equipment rental.

Family vacations in St. Moritz

With a never-ending index of outdoor activities and things to do in St. Moritz, as well as some great beginner and intermediate slopes and plenty of family-friendly lodging options, families have numerous reasons to make St. Moritz their next ski vacation. On the mountain, Salastrains is the place for families. The ski area offers a children’s ski school and day care and a kid-friendly restaurant. Off the mountain, families will love exploring exciting St. Moritz attractions, like the Cresta Run toboggan track and Heidi’s Hut, together.

Families will appreciate the convenience and kid-friendly amenities, like a game room, at the three-star Hotel Laudinella. With a complimentary breakfast and five onsite restaurants families don’t have to worry about pre-planning meals. The hotel offers a bus shuttle to and from the railway station and is less than 500 yards from the chairlifts, making a stay at Laudinella an extremely convenient choice for families. Parents will appreciate the full-service health spa, sauna, steam bath and fitness center.