St. Moritz (Switzerland) is a popular ski resort located on the shore of the lake of the same name. A small town with a population of just over 5,000 people is rightfully considered one of the oldest and most respectable resorts in the world. St. Moritz is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by alpine mountains that form large areas for skiing. This ski resort in Switzerland has a pleasant climate – the sun shines here more than 320 days a year.

St. Moritz is a ski resort in Switzerland

St. Moritz is visited by world stars of show business, politicians and representatives of royal families. The resort has a high price level, but this does not stop lovers of luxury vacations. About 1.5 million tourists arrive in St. Moritz every year.

How to get to the city

The nearest airport to St. Moritz is located in Zurich, at a distance of 220 kilometers from the resort.

On the train

The fastest way to get to your destination is to take a high-speed train from Zurich to Chur, and then transfer to a train to St. Moritz. Over time, the entire journey with transfers will take approximately 3-4 hours. The fare in a 2nd class carriage is CHF 38-40.

If you decide to stay in Zurich, find out here what is worth seeing in the city in one day.

On a bus

You can get to the resort from the airport by regular buses, and not only from the largest Swiss city, but also from Milan, Munich or Basel.

Winter vacation in St. Moritz

St. Moritz is conditionally divided into three sectors: Korviglia, Korvach, Diavolezza. In the vicinity of the resort, there are about 350 kilometers of ski slopes of various degrees of difficulty:

blue ones – 123 km

red ones – 87 km

black ones – 140 km

Altitude difference: from 1800 to 3300 m.

Corville

The area is aimed at fairly experienced skiers. The station of the same name is located at an altitude of 2486 meters above sea level. Professionals will appreciate the unspoiled slopes located under the stations of Souvretta and Marguns, which are directly adjacent to Corville. These areas are considered to be among the most scenic places for skiing in the world.

Korvach

Korvach is characterized by long tracks, which will be appreciated by experienced mountain skiers. To get to this area, you need to use a bus or your own vehicle. Mount Korvach has a variety of relief, here you can find both calm tracks for beginners and very difficult descents.

The devil

The mountain is located half an hour’s drive from the resort, and there are few prepared trails in the area, which makes it a popular place among freeriders. The slopes of Diavolezza lie below the summits of the peaks of Bernina and Palu, the heights of which are 4049 and 3905 meters, respectively.

St. Moritz is a ski resort with extremely difficult sections accessible only to experienced skiers. For example, the eight-kilometer Hahnensee circuit in the Diavolezza district.

Also available for skiing in St. Moritz:

1. The sled track is 157 meters high and more than a kilometer long.
2. The Olimpia Bob Run bobsleigh track is 1.6 kilometers long, which is unique in its natural glaciation. Many international competitions are held here, including the World Cup in this sport. It is interesting that the speed of descent on the track is approximately 150 kilometers per hour.
3. The unique Free Fall downhill track. She was involved in the 44th (and 5th in St. Moritz) World Ski Championships in 2017. The starting section has a slope of 100%, on it you can accelerate to 140 kilometers per hour in 5 seconds.

Price for a day ski pass in St. Moritz valid in all 3 regions

The resort of St. Moritz is served by 60 lifts, the height difference varies between 1,800 and 3,300 meters. Prices for the ski pass depend on the ski areas, there is a discounted youth and children’s rate, and there are also discounts in the low season. You can buy a general pass, which allows you to ride in all areas of the resort. The price of a standard adult ticket for a full day depends on the date:

in the Korviglia and Korvach regions – from 43 Swiss francs;

in the Diavolezza district – from 37 francs;

general subscription – 82 francs.

St. Moritz is a ski resort in Switzerland, which is aimed at experienced and confident skiers, but in this town you can find slopes for any level of training. We advise you to clarify the marking of specific routes on the spot, in addition, pay attention to the weather, which can significantly complicate the descent. The slopes of the resort are available for skiing in late October – early November. At the same time, tourists will find something to do in St. Moritz even in the summer.

Summer vacation in St. Moritz

Golf in St. Moritz

As you can see from the photo, St. Moritz is hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails, modern bicycle tracks, four golf courses against the backdrop of the Alps. The city is also a spa resort. Here you can improve your well-being and health with the help of healing thermal springs. Tourists are offered a variety of spa procedures: mud wraps, outdoor pools, mineral baths.

Gastronomic festival in St. Moritz

St. Moritz constantly hosts various sports competitions, as well as social events. At the beginning of spring, this ski resort in Switzerland hosts a gastronomic festival of fine cuisine, which gathers gourmets and the best chefs from around the world. Walking through local boutiques will appeal to shopping lovers, on the main streets of the resort there are shops of famous brands: Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and others.

Glacier express

Those tourists who have visited the resort recommend going on the “Glacier Express” excursion. The train journey takes place at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters through numerous tunnels and mountain passes, meadows and streams. A sightseeing trip along a scenic route through Davos , Brig and other mountain settlements of Switzerland takes about 8 hours.

Resort hotels

Where to stay in St. Moritz

Suvretta House

This luxury hotel with great views and free Wi-Fi is located in the Alpine countryside of the Upper Engadine region. The hotel has a large spa center. It offers luxurious rooms with elegant furniture and soft beds.

All the spacious rooms at the Suvretta House Hotel feature beautiful natural light and are decorated with luxurious fabrics. Some modern bathrooms with marble finishes also have a freestanding bath.

Hotel Suvretta is located on the territory of the Natural Park of the Suvretta-Corville region, the landscape of which is perfect for hiking and winter sports. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s free parking and bicycle rental service. The picturesque resort town of St. Moritz is 2 km away.

The modern spa includes a 25-meter indoor pool and an outdoor hot tub. You can also order massage treatments. Other amenities include a fully equipped fitness center and sauna.

The Grand restaurant specializes in the preparation of exquisite specialty dishes, and the Stube Suvretta restaurant offers guests original Swiss cuisine. Young guests can visit the Teddy Club restaurant. In the Club bar, where a pleasant atmosphere reigns, it is nice to relax with a refreshing drink.

Kulm Hotel St. Moritz

The luxurious Kulm St Moritz hotel is notable for its interesting history – it was opened in 1856 by Johannes Badrutt, the man who started winter mountain tourism. Since its opening, the atmosphere of elegance and tradition reigns in the Kulm Hotel.

The guests of each room have a wonderful view of the mountain scenery. Rooms on the south side have windows overlooking Lake St. Moritz, and rooms on the north face the majestic southern slopes of Pitz-Nair peak and other attractions of the Corville region.

The administration of the Kulm Hotel has always attached great importance to the art of preparing haute cuisine. The hotel’s 5 restaurants serve a variety of dishes, ranging from carefully prepared local delicacies to international gourmet cuisine.

The fully renovated spa of the Kulm St. More than 2,000 square meters, the Moritz has a luxurious swimming pool, hot tub, children’s pool and outdoor pool, as well as a Kneipp path, a salt cave, a steam room, a sauna complex and a fitness center with the latest equipment.

The hotel offers a 9-hole golf course with a driving range, putting greens and a professional golf academy. The hotel also has 3 tennis courts. In winter, hotel guests have at their disposal a skating rink and a curling field, as well as the legendary Khresta sled and bobsleigh track.

Hotel Carlton Hotel St. Moritz

From the center of St. Moritz – 1 km

Another landmark of St. Moritz is the historic Carlton Hotel St. Moritz show on the map, the opening of which took place in 1913. Everything is special about this hotel, from the unique interior, which impresses with antique riches, to the gastronomic component. Da Vittorio-St.Moritz, a gourmet restaurant known far beyond the resort, is located in the hotel, and lovers of a carefree vacation will surely be impressed by the three-story spa with a full range of services.

Hotel Badrutts Palace Hotel

From the center of St. Moritz – 0.6 km

Badrutts Palace Hotel is located in a spectacular building of the end of the 19th century, which is able to please all of its guests without exception. Guests have more than 150 rooms, the most attractive of which are deluxe rooms with a view of the lake. The hotel has six restaurants of various specialties, and those who are used to having fun not only during the day, but also at night, will definitely like the stylish night club. A large wellness center is also available to hotel guests, which includes various types of saunas, treatment rooms, and a fitness center equipped with modern equipment.

Hotel Kempinski Residences St. Moritz

From the center of St. Moritz – 1.1 km

In a very beautiful historical building with a snow-white facade, the fashionable Apart-hotel Kempinski Residences St. Moritz. Its rooms are decorated in a traditional Alpine style, they are furnished with furniture made of light wood and decorated with designer fabrics of various textures. The hotel is perfect for family holidays, it has a great wellness center and a playroom for children. Guests of the luxury hotel can use the services of the nearby partner hotel, including visiting its high-class restaurant and casino.

Sights of St. Moritz

If you’re lucky enough to be in St. Moritz, a must-see is the Muottas Mural mountain. There is an observation deck at the top, which offers a breathtaking view of three lakes, alpine peaks and the entire town.

Mount Diavolezza

View of the Bernina massif

Guests of the resort should also go to Mount Diavolezza, which offers an amazing panoramic view of the Bernina massif. Tourists are attracted not only by the impressive snow landscape, but also by the longest glacier descent in Switzerland, which starts at a height of 3,000 meters above sea level.

Pizz Noir

At the top of Pitz-Noir

We also recommend reaching the top of Pitz-Noir, which is located at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. To do this, it is necessary to use two funiculars that take tourists to Corville, and then continue the journey on a small lift. The trip will not leave indifferent even the most experienced tourist – a dizzying view opens from the top. From the slopes of Pitz-Noir, you can descend on foot through the Souvretta valley along a scenic route.

Nietzsche Museum

Nietzsche Museum

Connoisseurs of Nietzsche’s work can visit the Sils-Maria suburb, where the summer house of the German philosopher is located. It was here that the great thinker wrote the book Thus Spoke Zarathustra. The museum exhibits Nietzsche’s personal belongings and manuscripts.

Falling tower

Falling tower in St. Moritz

Another attraction of this ski resort is the 33-meter falling tower. It surprises with its slope, which actually exceeds the slope of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The building, built in the 16th century, is one of the oldest buildings in the region and a true symbol of the city.

Segantini Museum

Giovanni Segantini Museum

If you don’t know what to see in St. Moritz, we recommend visiting the museum of the 19th century painter Giovanni Segantini. The Italian depicted the mountain landscapes of Switzerland on his canvases. The cozy museum is located in the building of a medieval tower, many tourists take photos against the background of its walls.

Bobsled track

Bobsleigh track, St. Moritz

A must-see is the Olympic bobsleigh track, which is open from the end of December to the beginning of March. Riding at a dizzying speed of 130 kilometers per hour on the only natural ice track in the world is an unforgettable pleasure. An important condition for the trip is the absence of heart disease in the passenger.

There are quite unusual sights in the city, among which is the Stone of the Druids. It is located not far from the bobsleigh track and is nothing more than a monument of Celtic culture. Many centuries ago, the first inhabitants of these places held religious ceremonies at this place. Railway excursions, which pass through the most beautiful natural places and cover all important historical objects, are extremely popular with resort guests. Travelers who do not find local attractions to be enough will be interested in visiting nearby cities, which are also distinguished by a large number of cultural objects.

The Heidi Flower Trail is ideal for hiking, which is usually called the Italian version of the name – Sentiero dei Fiori di Heidi, but often also the German Heidi’s Blumenweg. The valley is of particular interest for botany lovers: the fact is that more than two hundred different alpine plants are located on its territory, and each of them is incredibly fragrant and beautiful. The scenic trail ends at Heidi’s hut, which is surrounded by a beautiful pastoral atmosphere. The stunning wooden sculptural compositions that can be found along the way are of no less interest. Another well-known path leads to the hut, which is no less remarkable for those who want to enjoy the picturesque spaces of the city – Schellen Ursli Path.

St. Moritz can boast of the fact that a beautiful example of modern architecture is located on its territory – namely, the Chesa Futura bio-tech building. The peculiarity of the structure is that during its construction ancient canons were taken into account, but at the same time modern technologies were used. Despite its unusual shape, which is not characteristic of ancient buildings, it is made of wood – an assistant in construction since ancient times. This is a kind of combination of modernity and antiquity, technology and nature – they have merged together and no longer want to be separate elements. Another feature is that the structure “ages” along with the wood and leaves, and even changes color depending on natural conditions – which, however, does not spoil its functionality in the slightest.

Gourmets: St. Moritz restaurants and cafes. Authentic dishes and delicacies, where to go for dinner

The elite ski resort of St. Moritz is distinguished by a large number of exquisite gastronomic establishments. In total, there are about 80 restaurants, cafes, snack bars and bars operating on the territory of the resort, most of which are located directly on the slopes. Vacationers have a unique opportunity to enjoy their favorite dishes without taking off their skis. Like any region of the country, St. Moritz is distinguished by the presence of unique regional treats. So, in local restaurants and bars visitors are offered to taste excellent mulled wine, the like of which cannot be tried in any other city of the country.

Joehri’s Talvo is considered one of the most prestigious restaurants of the resort, it is popular with fans of haute cuisine. Each signature dish of the restaurant is a rare delicacy, prepared according to a secret signature recipe. Joehri’s Talvo restaurant has been awarded several times for the excellent quality of its dishes, including a Michelin star.

At the Roland Joelri restaurant, visitors can try excellent seafood dishes, and fans of meat dishes will like its menu. Young lamb and veal dishes are excellent for cooks, and fans of exotic dishes will like lobsters with spicy herbs. The location of the exquisite restaurant Bumanns Chesa Pirani is a beautiful building of the 18th century. The main secret of its chefs remains oriental spices, thanks to which all signature treats acquire a unique taste.

Those who are interested in Asian cuisine should also visit Le Relais restaurant. Its main distinguishing feature remains a large number of meat dishes, which are prepared in full compliance with classical oriental recipes. The Le Relais restaurant is also suitable for organizing solemn events, its spacious and originally decorated hall is perfect for relaxation. For those who want to try popular local dishes, the Suvretta Stube restaurant can be recommended.

It always has a relaxed and fun atmosphere, the restaurant will be a great place for family vacations. Unlike many fine establishments, Suvretta Stube’s prices remain at an attractive level. Another popular traditional restaurant – Chasellas – is located next to it. In addition to a large number of specialty dishes, it can offer its guests an interesting entertainment program.

Restaurant Suvretta Stube

St. Moritz is popular not only among fans of skiing and other winter activities, but also among gourmets. For several years now, the resort has held an annual culinary festival dedicated to haute cuisine and the traditions of Swiss gastronomy. The gourmet festival in St. Moritz is held in January, with the participation of Europe’s most famous and awarded chefs. On the days of the festival, famous chefs hold master classes, participants of which can observe the process of preparing magical dishes.

The most pleasant and interesting stage of the festival remains the tasting of dishes, and everyone can also receive individual cooking lessons from leading European chefs. Most connoisseurs of gastronomy visit the resort in January, during this period interesting culinary programs are held in all hotels and restaurants.

Fans of fine cuisine will be interested in visiting St. Moritz at any time of the year, the resort has excellent restaurants of Swiss cuisine. Here you can try traditional fondue and raclette, as well as enjoy exquisite meat delicacies and the best varieties of local cheese. The local cuisine will impress with its simplicity and sophistication, truly masterpiece dishes are prepared here from the simplest and well-known products.

A great example is “Plain in pigna” – potato casserole with smoked meat, which is considered a historical dish of local peasants. In many restaurants of the resort, the casserole continues to be cooked in a real wood-fired oven. An equally common dish is “Pizokels” – potato dumplings with cheese. Lovers of meat dishes in the restaurants of St. Moritz will have the opportunity to try special game dishes, venison dishes are considered one of the main local delicacies.

“Plain in pigna”

A very interesting local dish is “capuns” – stuffed chard leaves. A mixture of dried beef, onion, bacon and salami is prepared as a filling for the dish. The dish is incredibly tasty and filling, it is always served with a large portion of broth. The most popular dessert at the resort is the “Bundner Nusstorte” cake, which uses a special type of shortcrust pastry. The filling for the cake is prepared from walnuts, every chef has his own special secrets for preparing the dessert, which has long gained world popularity.

Cake “Bundner Nusstorte”

Active recreation, entertainment and nightlife St. Moritz. Where to go for a cultural vacation

Excellent quality and a large selection of ski trails, a large number of different sports and health centers will delight all fans of active recreation. The Engadin resort area offers vacationers about 150 kilometers of excellent trails, both experienced skiers and beginners will be able to choose places for skiing here. The Korviglia area is characterized by a large number of wide and gentle tracks, which are ideally suited for beginners. For travelers who are on vacation with children, it is best to choose this region for skiing.

Scenic routes through dense forests are located in the Bernina and Pontresina districts. There are three excellent ski clubs in the resort: Private Ski Instructor Association, Schweizer Skischule St. Moritz and Suvretta Snowsports School, whose experienced staff will teach beginners the basics of skiing in a few lessons. In addition to ski trails, sledding trails are available to vacationers, and snowboarders can ride in well-equipped parks.

Among the latter, the Motion park is considered the most popular. The largest rink is located in the Icearena sports complex. Here you can have a great time with the whole family and rent all the necessary equipment. Roseg, Center da Sport, Mulets and Muot Marias sports complexes provide visitors with a huge choice of entertainment.

In addition to first-class ski slopes and excellent conditions for winter sports, St. Moritz is also famous for its healing thermal springs, which were first used several hundred years ago. Their water is enriched with rare minerals and really has healing properties, now a first-class health center has been formed around the thermal springs. You can relax in it all day, enjoying water and wellness procedures, this center is very popular among vacationers with children.

Those who can’t imagine a vacation without spa treatments and want to spend a vacation with health benefits should visit the complex of St. Moritz Spa. A huge selection of massage and cosmetology rooms, individual health programs, a swimming pool with a terrace and hydromassage baths – this is only part of the services that the most popular spa complex of the resort can offer to customers.

Small guests of the resort will be delighted by a huge selection of clubs and entertainment complexes, specialized children’s centers are located on the territory of all large hotels. Fans of gambling will not have to be bored either, Casino St. is waiting for visitors every evening. Moritz. Until late in the evening, The Sunny bar welcomes guests, which has become a permanent venue for themed parties and show programs. A large selection of drinks and dishes will be a pleasant addition to your vacation. Literally all possible types of entertainment are available to the guests of the resort, every year its infrastructure becomes more and more ideal.

In addition to winter sports, guests of the city will be able to enjoy extreme activities – for example, jumping with a parachute. You can have a great time at the resort if you organize a horseback excursion with riding on graceful horses through the picturesque spaces of the surroundings of St. Moritz. Such a pastime will bring unprecedented pleasure to both small tourists who are simply crazy about horses, and adults. You can organize a horse tour at the Riding Center St Moritz or Ginas Reitschule riding schools, both places offer quality leisure time.

For fans of speed descents, the Olympia Bobrun sports center is perfect, thanks to which those who have tried the entertainment will have only the most pleasant impressions. In St. Moritz, you can also play tennis at the Corviglia Tennis & Golf Center sports club. As for golf clubs, the best among other centers are such complexes as Engadine Golf Club and Kulm Executive Golf Course. The peculiarity of the golf courses is that they are located in the middle of the picturesque spaces of the resort town. It is definitely worth trying such entertainment as escape quests – especially since there is a wonderful place for this in the resort town. We are talking about a club called Engadin Mission.

For those who want to watch something from the cinema, it is worth mentioning such an interesting cinema as Kino Scala with always fresh new products and a comfortable cinema hall. Those who want to walk through the picturesque spaces of the outskirts of the city, feeling the pastoral atmosphere and inhaling the fresh aroma of the alpine air, should be advised to go along the Heidi Flower Trail (or Sentiero dei Fiori di Heidi, although sometimes the valley is also called the German version – Heidi’s Blumenweg). The place is also great for family time, as you can find a children’s playground here. The valley is interesting both for its impressive sculptures and, of course, for the fragrant aroma of fresh alpine flowers. No less interesting will be a walk to the beautiful in its picturesqueness of the same name as the city of Lake St. Moritz.

 

Among other bars, which will certainly be appreciated by those who want to spend their leisure time at night, it is worth noting, first of all, the most popular night club Dracula. The Pavarotti & Friends bar, which offers a wide selection of wines for every taste, is no less in demand. For those who prefer cocktails, a visit to the Miles Davis Cigar & Music Lounge should be recommended. Most of the beautiful bars, cafes and clubs that welcome guests until the early hours of the morning are located on the territory of luxury hotels. One of the most luxurious is the bar located on the territory of Badrutt’s Palace Grand Hotel. Here, by the way, you can find a beautiful spa salon with an incredibly relaxing atmosphere.

Shopping

On Via Serlas street you will see all the latest collections of clothes and jewelry displayed in the windows of fashionable stores with stylish interiors.

The brand names on the signs will appeal to the most fastidious representatives of high society: an incredible number of fashion boutiques are concentrated in small St. Moritz. From Asprey London to Escada, from Gubelin to Gucci, from Les Ambassadeurs to Prada, from Louis Vuitton to Ralph Lauren and Van Cleef, all famous international brands are represented here. Countless hotels and shops offer butler services that will deliver purchases directly to the hotel (with the buyer’s permission).

The resort also has gastronomic boutiques selling delicacies, souvenir and sports shops.