Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, St Moritz epitomizes luxury and style. Renowned for birthing Alpine winter tourism back in 1864, this glamorous resort is a lavish sanctuary that first made a name for itself with its mineral springs discovered 3,000 years ago, establishing its early status as a summer spa resort. Today, it stands as one of the world's most famous ski destinations.
As one of the most iconic ski resorts in Switzerland, St Moritz blends history, luxury, and world-class skiing. We've created this guide to make planning your St Moritz ski holiday easy. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, you'll also find a downloadable resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Ready? Let's get started!
St Moritz, Switzerland - overview
- Where is St Moritz?
- St Moritz the resort
- St Moritz ski area
- Skiing in St Moritz
- St Moritz ski season dates
- St Moritz snow history
- Restaurants in St Moritz
- Things to do in St Moritz
- St Moritz apres ski, and nightlife
- Map of St Moritz
- Practical information
Where is St Moritz?
St. Moritz is situated in the Engadin valley of the canton of Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland.
For a detailed view of St Moritz's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
- St Moritz Engadin airport (7 km)
Transfer time
- St Moritz Engadin airport (8 min)
St Moritz the resort
- Resort altitude: 1850 m
- Resort permanent residents: 4926
Life in St. Moritz is a unique blend of luxury, sports, and culture where the traditional and the modern coexist, offering an exclusive and exciting lifestyle. Renowned as the birthplace of winter tourism and modern Alpine sports, St Moritz encompasses four distinct villages:
- St. Moritz Dorf: The central area of St. Moritz, elevated, overlooking the lake and home to luxurious hotels, upscale shops, and a bustling nightlife.
- St. Moritz Bad: A quiet village positioned at a lower altitude near the lake's shore.
- Champfèr: known for its tranquil setting, offering a more serene environment compared to the bustling St. Moritz-Dorf.
- Suvretta: famous for its exclusive hotels and residences, it's a favorite among those seeking upscale accommodation and leisure.
The town is a blend of luxury and outdoor adventure, famous for its mineral springs, sparkling lakes, and stunning mountain views. It's a magnet for the elite, offering high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and world-class events, all set in a picture-perfect Alpine landscape. This blend of natural beauty and refined living makes St. Moritz a unique and sought-after destination.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Glacier skiing | Accommodation can be expensice |
| Excellent snow quality | Quiet après ski scene |
| Modern ski lift network | The three ski areas are not interlinked |
| Exceptionnal freeride terrain | Can get very cold |
Here is how St Moritz looks like
Watch St Moritz on YouTube .
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St Moritz ski area
- Summit elevation: 3300 m
- Kilometres of pistes: 350 km
- Vertical drop: 1570 m
- Ski lifts: 58
St Moritz, as part of the larger Engadine ski area , offers an extensive skiing experience with over 350 km of pistes in the combined area, spread across 88 pistes (20 blues, 37 reds, 13 blacks, 18 yellows), and served by 58 lifts. St Moritz's main skiing sectors, include:
- Corviglia: This is the most famous ski area in St. Moritz, directly accessible from the town. Known for its wide, well-groomed pistes, Corviglia caters primarily to intermediate and advanced skiers. It's also famous for hosting various World Cup ski races.
- Corvatsch: Located near the town of Silvaplana, Corvatsch offers a higher altitude and is known for its challenging runs and excellent off-piste opportunities. It’s popular among advanced skiers and snowboarders.
- Diavolezza and Lagalb: These areas are renowned for their challenging slopes and beautiful alpine scenery. Diavolezza is particularly famous for its long runs and views of the Bernina massif, while Lagalb is often less crowded, offering a more secluded skiing experience.
- Zuoz and Other Family-Friendly Areas: Zuoz and some smaller areas around St. Moritz are perfect for families and beginner skiers. These areas offer gentler slopes and a more relaxed skiing environment, making them ideal for learning and improving skiing skills.
Skiing in St Moritz
Beginners
Zuoz is particularly accommodating for beginners. With its nursery slopes and drag lifts, novices can get a taste of Alpine skiing in a safe and supportive environment.
Intermediates
Corviglia's sun-kissed slopes, with its 155 km of mainly blue and red pistes, provide serene panoramic views ideal for cruising. Further explorations at Corvatsch offer high-altitude red and blue runs, providing an exhilarating skiing experience. Celerina and St Moritz Bad serve as perfect starting points to access the vast intermediate-friendly terrains.
Advanced
For the seasoned skiers, Corvatsch beckons with its steeper terrains, such as the famed Standard Run. Diavolezza and Lagalb bring forth challenging pistes, including the 10 km glacier descent to Morteratsch, one of Switzerland's longest.
Off-piste skiing
The allure of off-piste in St. Moritz is undeniable. Corviglia boasts vast off-piste terrains, from expert chutes to sprawling alpine bowls. Meanwhile, Diavolezza and Lagalb promise pristine snow quality, with countless off-piste opportunities awaiting the intrepid skier.
Glacier skiing
Corvatsch stands out with its glacier skiing offerings. Being snow-sure due to its altitude and glacier, it is ideal for early or late season skiing. The descent from Diavolezza down the Morteratsch Glacier is a unique experience, dropping 1100 m over 10 km, making it a must-try for enthusiasts.
Snowboarding
Snowboarders find a haven in St. Moritz. The Mellow Snow Park in Corviglia, supplemented by the smaller park in Zuoz, caters to boarders of all levels. For those seeking untamed terrains, freeride areas in Corviglia and glacier terrains in Corvatsch provide ample opportunities. Diavolezza mountain also houses impressive freeride zones, making St. Moritz a versatile snowboarding destination.
St Moritz ski season dates
The ski season in St. Moritz for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 7th and run until April 20th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to St. Moritz this season, be sure to explore our St Moritz ski deals for the best ski offers available.
St Moritz snow history
St Moritz offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 28 cm and 25 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly increases to 29 cm and it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.6 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in St Moritz, with an impressive 43 cm of snow over 4.3 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 30 cm of snow over 4.1 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|
| December | 28 cm | 3.3 days |
| January | 25 cm | 3.4 days |
| February | 29 cm | 3.6 days |
| March | 28 cm | 4.1 days |
| April | 30 cm | 4.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
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Restaurants in St Moritz
Mountain restaurants
- White Marmot: Perched amidst the alpine scenery, White Marmot offers an exclusive dining experience, combining local ingredients with modern culinary techniques.
- Restaurant & Bar Margus: With panoramic views, Margus is the go-to for those looking for a blend of traditional mountain dishes and contemporary fare.
- Chadafö restaurant: A delightful mountain eatery, Chadafö serves classic Swiss dishes.
- Chamanna: Renowned for its cozy ambiance, it offers a traditional mountain chalet dining experience, with classic alpine dishes.
- Alphütte Clavadatsch: A rustic retreat serving local specialties in an authentically Swiss environment.
Resort restaurants
- Restaurant Engiadina: Located in the heart of the resort, Engiadina offers a sumptuous mix of Swiss and international dishes.
- Dal Mulin: Emphasizing freshness and quality, Dal Mulin blends Swiss flavors with international culinary trends.
- La Stalla Restaurant Pizzeria: For those craving Italian, La Stalla serves up authentic pizzas and classic pasta dishes.
Things to do in St Moritz
- Ice skating
- Kite skiing
- Spa & wellness
- Snowshoe hiking
- Bob run
- Tobogganing
- Glacier excursions
- Sledding
St Moritz apres ski and nightlife
Après ski bars
- Alto Bar: The ideal spot to wind down after a day on the slopes, offering a selection of local brews and cocktails.
- Roo Bar: A favorite amongst locals and tourists alike.
- Bobby's Pub: A typical British pub in the heart of the Alps.
- Cascade Bar: A chic and stylish setting, serving up crafted cocktails and a curated selection of wines.
- Hossa Bar: Celebrated for its energetic atmosphere with lively music and a range of après-ski refreshments.
Nightclubs
- Bar Hemingway's Club: A name synonymous with sophistication, featuring a dance floor, live DJ sets, and an exquisite drink menu.
- Vivai Dance Club: Vivai sets the night ablaze with its pulsating beats and vibrant light displays.
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Map of St Moritz
Download St Moritz resort map here
