St Moritz resort guide
Promising glitz, glamour and glorious skiing, St Moritz is a playground to the stars, with an expansive ski area that’s best for intermediate skiers, spectacular views, lively après-ski, and plenty to do off the slopes.
St Moritz has long attracted the rich and famous, with its blend of luxury boutique hotels, spas, top-notch mountain restaurants and fabulous, high-altitude skiing. It’s little wonder that the resort brands itself ‘the top of the world’.
St Moritz isn’t merely about exclusivity and glamour, though – its setting will ensure that while you’re skiing, you won’t be able to resist stopping and staring out at the view in front of you, such is the majesty of the scenery here. The skiing itself is extensive, and particularly good for intermediate skiers. And off the slopes you’ll be spoiled for choice – you can even play snow cricket or polo during a stay here.
Resorts facts and figures
Resort altitude 1822m
Highest point 3303m
Season Dec-Apr
Ski area Upper Engadine (covers Corviglia, Corvatsch, Diavolezza-Lagalb)
Pistes 350km
Pistes available Beginner: 10%, Intermediate: 70%, Expert: 20%
Best for Intermediates, but also some good off-piste glacier runs for experts
On the mountain
Most slopes are above the tree-line, stretching across 3 areas, covered by 3 piste maps – so there’s plenty to choose here, even if each area feels rather separate from the others. You can take your pick from high-altitude glacier runs up Corvatsch, wide bowl runs above Marguns, challenging slopes on Lagalb, or the world-famous Cresta run – and that’s just for starters. Experts are a little limited on piste, but there’s great off-piste potential on Piz Nair and Corvatsch, and a spectacular run at Diavolezza. Heliskiing is an option here, too. Intermediates have the most places to play here, with lots of fun reds and blues – and many blacks are predominantly red, with a few trickier bits to warrant their black classification. For beginners there are some lower easy runs in the trees, and nursery slopes at Celerina.
Mountain restaurants
There are lots to choose from, including glamorous spots with gorgeous food but high prices, as well as more basic set-ups where the food is fine, but the real reason to go is the breath-taking view – when the sun is out, Fuorcla Surlej’s terrace is one you may never want to leave. Whether you’re making a pit-stop for a slice of strudel, you want a long, table-served lunch in the sunshine, or a haven to shelter in during a white-out, you’ll find something suitable in St Moritz.
Non-skiing activities
One of the best for those who either don’t ski or fancy an afternoon off the slopes, St Moritz has plenty to offer. In mid-winter, St Moritz’s lake play host to all sorts of fun and games, including cricket, golf and polo. The town is famed for its fabulous shopping, and there’s the Engadine Museum, too. Walking trails are available, and for the less energetic, the Bernina Express train to Italy is a great option for taking in the spectacular mountain views; and there are several sumptuous spas, too.
Après, dining and nightlife
St Moritz is the place to be seen – so après-ski time is always fairly lively. From cocktails in the Schweizerhof, to country music at the Mulibar, you’ll find something to suit your style. After dark, there are few discos to choose from, including Vivai, King’s (only for the smartly-dressed!), and Diamond’s. There’s also a casino if you want to flash a bit more cash. Dining out can be expensive here, but there are some more humble options too. And if you want to do something a little special, try an early dinner at Muottas Muragl up the mountain for wonderful views and, on a fair-weather day, a fabulous sunset.
Family and ski school
The are two main schools on offer: the Suvretta and the St Moritz, the latter offering heli-trips, too. Children have a few options for ski school, and there’s also a kindergarten and a children’s restaurant at Salastrains.
Useful links
www.stmoritz.ch/en
www.cresta-run.com
www.engadin.stmoritz.ch
