Ski Chalets in St Moritz, Switzerland
Switzerland

Resort St Moritz Resort St Moritz Resort St Moritz Resort St Moritz Resort St Moritz

Description

St Moritz is one of the oldest winter sport’s centres in the world, being founded over 150 years ago. Even now they have retained one of the widest ranges of sports both on and off the slopes. Throughout this time the resort has accrued a reputation for glam and celebrity. For many it epitomises winter spectacle and glamour with many infamous bars and restaurants dotted around the resort. But there is so much more to the resort than jewels, money and designer ski gear.

The resort is famous for being centred on the picturesque frozen lake. This is also the setting for numerous winter activities such as skating and curling. As well as the more unusual winter cricket and ice polo matches. Another renowned aspect of the resort is the bob run, the last remaining natural bob course in the world. The Cresta run part of the course is the original home to the Skeleton sport. Even today it is a men’s only course with no woman being allowed to compete on it.
 
The resort is steeped in history, welcoming many famous faces such as Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Bridget Bardot, Alfred Hitchcock and even Lenin. Many of the buildings date back to the 1800s so the architecture is very classic and traditional Alpine resort. The resort was also host to the Olympics in 1928 and 1948 so there are lots of memorabilia dotted around the villages to commemorate these occasions. The resort was even awarded at UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.St Moritz made history here too by being the only resort in the world to have held the Olympics and have the UNESCO accolade.

This is not the only first that St Moritz has to its name. It was the location of the first electric light, the first ski school and Switzerland’s first electric tram. The village first found fame over 3000 years ago due to its natural mineral springs. These still remain an important part of the culture of St Moritz with lots of spas throughout the villages. The resort also found fame in Hollywood when it was featured in the James Bond blockbuster, The Spy Who Loved Me.

The resort is made up of 3 main villages, St Moritz Bad, St Moritz Dorf and Celerina. The main villages centre on the St Moritz Lake offering breath-taking views of the landscape and the surrounding mountains which encircle the village. The villages sit at a height of 1856m with skiing from 1800m to 3305m. The ski area is made up of 4 distinctive ski sections, these are accessed by either ski lifts or an efficient ski bus from the villages. Across the Engadin region there are 350km of skiing including 2 glaciers which is all serviced by 54 lifts.

The resort is uniquely blessed with a natural climate offering an amazing snow fall from October all the way through to June. In addition to this is the average of 322 days of sun across the Engadin valley. This does make a nicer environment to learn and ski in but it will still be chilly in the winter months despite the sunshine, so you will still need those thermals! The resort also has an extensive network of over 127 snow canons to ensure that they can make the most of the snow and ensure that it stays as long as possible on the more frequented runs.


Getting There

Unless you have booked a package holiday where the travel in all sorted for you, you may want to consider how you are going to get to and from the resort. Not all resorts are as blessed as St Moritz is for transport links. Although not all of them are accessible for everyone, there are still a substantial amount of travel options.

Fly

The most common way to get to resort is to fly. There are four local airports to St Moritz:

Engadin/ Samedan- 7km- 10minutes
Zurich- 200km- 3hrs
Milan Malpensa- 251km- 3hrs
Geneva- 478km- 5hrs

In case you don’t have your own plane so cannot charter a flight from the UK directly to Engadin airport, there are local flights from Zurich, Milan, Geneva and Munich to Engadin. Geneva has the largest range of flights from UK airports and is used to catering for skiers and snowboarders, as it serves most of the French Alpine resorts. However both Milan Malpensa and Zurich are large international hubs so will also provide lots of options in terms of timings and departure airports. They are also much closer to St Moritz.

Transfers from the airport

There are several companies who offer shared and private transfers to get you from the airport to the resort. It is worth checking transfer arrangements before booking your flights especially if you want a shared transfer as these are less regular and you don’t want to be waiting around for hours at the airport.

Which transfer company you use will depend on your group size, flight times and budget. Our recommended transfer companies include:

Ski Lifts have been awarded the world’s best ski transfer operator in the world ski awards. They provide private and shared transfers from Geneva, Zurich and Milan Malpensa.

Sun Transfers offer shared and private transfers from Milan Malpensa, Zurich and Geneva to St Moritz. They tend to have very few shared transfers going every week so it is important to contact them directly and check what time it is running and then arrange your flight around this.

Alps2Alps  provide private and shared transfers from Geneva, Zurich and Milan Malpensa Airports to St Moritz. As with Sun Transfers they do not operate shared transfers every week.

By Train

St Moritz has its own train station in the resort itself so there is no need to arrange onward travel up to the resort if you are considering taking the train. The town centre is located about a 5 minute walk from the railway station but if you are staying a bit further afield in Celerina or St Moritz Bad, there are frequent buses between all the villages and the train station.

St Moritz is the final destination for two world famous train routes; the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. The Bernina Express has many different stop offs so you can collect the train from any of them if you do not wish to the whole route from Italy to Switzerland. The Glacier Express runs from Zermatt to St Moritz and it is also possible to board at any of the points on the journey just to do a small stretch. Both of these train routes have a reputation for class and elegance, something that is synonymous with St Moritz. It was when UNESCO bestowed the World Heritage Award on the Rhaetian Railways’ Albula and the Bernina Express train line, that St Moritz made history, being the only place to have held the UNESCO accolade and have held the Olympic Games.

From some airports such as Zurich it is easier and more efficient to take the train to Chur and then switch to the well-known Rhaetian Railway. The Rhaetian Railway earned its fame for magnificent views as it passes through the snow-capped mountains of Eastern Switzerland. The train journey from Zurich to St Moritz takes 3.5hrs and costs approximately 40CHFs.

If you are planning to go from the UK by train to St Moritz, there are no direct trains so the journey can be a little tricky, involving at least 3 changes and taking 10hrs57mins. The easiest journey involves the Eurostar from London or Ashford to Paris, a train from Paris to Zurich, Zurich to Landquart and finally Landquart to St Moritz. Tickets go on sale up to 3 months before the date of travel, it is advisable to keep an eye out for any deals and book as soon as possible to save money on this hefty trip.

By Car

If you do want to travel by car then there are multiple mountain passes via Chur Thusis-Tiefencastel, the Julier Pass or the Alubura Pass leading into St Moritz from all directions. These passes can be treacherous for drivers in the winter and passage is forbidden without snow tyres and snow chains on the vehicle. If the weather does get too bad then the passes will be closed and the train is the only option. Alternatively there is the car train from Davos and get on the Vereina Tunnel Car Transporter Train. 

Unlike driving to the French Alps, it is a much longer journey to get to Switzerland.  The total time is approximately 12hrs and 57minues from London. If you are coming from the UK, you can either travel via the channel tunnel or take the ferry. The euro tunnel departs approximately every 15 minutes from Folkestone and takes 35 minutes. Prices start from £90 each way. You can book your crossing online at - https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/home/. The ferry runs from Dover to Calais with P&O ferries - http://www.poferries.com/en/portal. The Dover to Calais service operates up to 23 times each day and takes 90 minutes. 

On arrival in France remember to drive on the right hand side of the road. It is important to note that there are several tolls on route through to St Moritz, the prices depend on which section of road you use and will be located on the passenger side of the vehicle.

 European travel/vehicle requirements are very strict and on-spot fines can be issued if you don’t have: headlight converters, GB sticker, warning triangle, spare bulbs, high viz vests for each passenger in the car and breathalysers.

In certain weather conditions, the roads may become snowy and icy and although local municipalities are very good and keeping the roads clear, it can be dangerous so it is important to take extra care and attention when driving. It is a legal requirement in France to carry snow chains in your vehicle or police will refuse you access to certain roads. When driving in these conditions, slow down when you encounter any snow, use high gears to avoid wheel spin, and keep moving when driving up an incline on snow.

It can be useful to have a car whilst you’re in resort if your accommodation is far from the centre and slopes.  However parking is both limited and expensive in the centre of the villages. There is also a very efficient bus system that operates between all the different ski areas and villages in the St Moritz area.  


When to Go

St Moritz is famed for its natural climate with a high altitude and 2 glaciers providing snow from November into June. This is combined with an average of 322 days of sunshine every year makes it an ideal attraction for the entire winter season.

St Moritz has a world class reputation but this does carry a hefty price tag and get busy especially around peak dates of Christmas, New Year, Half Term and Easter. However, if you do want to enjoy the ski area but are after a bit more peace and quiet then you can travel to the other ski centres in the Engadin area.


Where to Stay

The resort of St Moritz is split into 3 separate villages located around and near to the lake. All 3 of the villages are linked by ski lifts into the heart of the ski area, Corviglia at 2486m.

Dorf is located directly on the lake shore, ‘dorf’ is the word for village. This is one of the more glamorous villages with lots of luxury hotels, high end shops, restaurants and bars. It is also the location of possibly one of the most famous hotels in the Alps the Badrutt’s Palace. It is serviced by the Chantarella funicular which whisks guests up to the Corvaglia ski area.

St Moritz Bad is located slightly further away, at a 4 minute drive from the Lake edge. It is a quieter village but is still buzzing with restaurants, accommodation and activities to keep its visitors busy. The Signalbahn gondola is located here which takes visitors up into the ski area above.

Celerina is located on the opposite side of Dorf than St Moritz Bad. Located 3km away from the lake edge. The village has quite a few high end properties but also a quieter atmosphere. There are strong Italian influences here which has earned it the nickname of ‘Piccolo Milano.’



Getting around

St Moritz is made up of 3 compact villages that are connected by bus but also are easy to walk between taking a maximum of 30 minutes to walk between them. Getting around is not difficult, but here are a few ideas to help you get your bearings once you arrive. It is important to remember that a lot of the hotels offer a shuttle bus service around the resort. These tend to be used mostly for getting to and from the ski lifts.

Bus Routes

St Moritz operates 7 different local bus routes linking all the different villages to the various ski areas. If you would like to have a look at the route map and a glance at the timetables, then these can be accessed at (https://www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/winter/en/services/oeffentlicherverkehr/busfahrplan/). If you are looking to go skiing in one of the other areas then this ski bus is the easiest way to do it. The price of the bus is included if you purchase a multiple day lift pass ticket. If you are a pedestrian or do not have this type of lift pass ticket there will be a small cost.

Ski Lifts

The Engadin area is serviced by 58 ski lifts including a T-bars, drag lifts, chair lifts, funiculars and gondolas. The major ski lifts heading up from the villages go into the Corvaglia ski area. These are the Signalbahn gondola from St Moritz Bad and the Chantarella funicular from St Moritz Dorf.

Taxi

There are a number of taxi companies in operation in the St Moritz area. It is advisable to book in advance as not all taxis companies work every night. If you are unsure then it is worthwhile asking at your hotel reception desk or restaurant maître’d and they will able to help you.

On Foot

This is the most common way of getting around the villages as they are not very big and easy to navigate. The roads and pavements can be icy so it is best to wear sturdy footwear and purchase some ice-grips for the soles of your shoes if you are concerned.


Apres

Although the après scene is considerably quieter than some of its neighbouring Swiss resorts, you will still find a substantial amount of skiers enjoying themselves at the huts all over the mountain before embarking on the final ski down into the villages.

Hanselmann is one of the resorts more famous après spots. Although there is no table dancing it offers a more sophisticated venue to enjoy a relaxing drink after a day on the mountain. There is also a vibrant after-dinner drinks scene which can be a pricey affair.

Bobby’s Pub is styled after a traditional British venue. It is one of the resorts oldest establishments dating back to 1984. They have vintage video games, a jukebox with over 2 million titles, a pool table, a dart board and a choice of over 20 international beers.

Hemingway’s Club is a cult upmarket bar and claims the title of the liveliest in the resort. There is no après scene here as it does not open until 11om but you can definitely party the night away here with closing around 6am.

King’s Club is another chic bar located inside Badrutt’s Palace and is the most famous bar in the resort. Hosting a dress code of ‘dress to impress’ and some black tie nights it attracts a crowd with world-famous DJs and guests alike. Opening at 10:30pm officially and live music from around 6:30pm on Wednesdays.  
For those of you who are wanting to go all out then head to the St Moritz Casino. Lay down some bets in this James Bond Style classic casino. It features all the classic games such as American roulette, Texas hold’em poker and slot machines.

For whisky lovers try Devil’s Place inside the Hotel Waldhaus am See. This infamous whisky bar houses an impressive collection of over 2500 types of whisky. A feat that has landed it in the Guinness Book of World Records several times.

Stübli Bar is a small, smoky bar in the Hotel Schweizerhof. During the peak of the winter season this little bar comes alive with live guitarists.


Eating out

Like all good ski resorts, St Moritz has its own classic dish. This is the Engadin Walnut Tart. The recipe has been passed down through generations of bakers. If you do fancy bringing some home with you then the bakeries of Hanselmann and Hauser sell pre-packaged ones.

La Baracca is one of the more simple restaurants. It might not strike you as a place to eat in, located in a car park on the outskirts of St Moritz Bad. However it is excellent value and serves delicious foods. The cuisine is local and wholesome with dishes such as polenta available. The simple but hearty atmosphere is a nice change from some of the more swanky venues.

Veltlinerkeller is located in St Moritz Bad. It is a relatively small restaurant with a mid-range price ticket. They serve a variety of specialities including homemade pasta and meat/fish cooked on a charcoal grill.

Chesa Veglia is definitely one of the more upmarket restaurants in the resort and the price does reflect this. Housed in an authentic farmhouse in the centre St Moritz Bad. It is owned by Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offering classic pizzas to Swiss delicacies. There is also a section called Grill Chadafö which has a menu of grilled meats and fishes.

Chesa al Parc is housed in the exclusive Klum Hotel. They specialise in authentic Swiss cuisine especially a fantastic fondue and Bünder soup. The décor is very traditional with a large terrace offering spectacular views of the park and the mountains.

Dal Mulin is right in the middle of St Moritz Bad. It has recently just been reopened after an extensive refurbishment so now the décor is sleek and modern. Their Italian dishes are beautifully presented with delicious flavours. Particularly tasty are the salads and the oxtail ravioli. If you are a keen wine drinker then they offer a huge range of wines from multiple countries and regions.

On the Mountain

Trutz is an Italian eatery owned by the Suvretta House Hotel. It is located in the Corviglia ski area at the top of a private lift, solely for customers of the restaurant. For St Moritz the prices are reasonable but it is still quite a pricey spot. The hearty dishes include barley soup, tortellini and gorgonzola polenta. They also have a large dessert menu.

Alpetta is located in the Corvatsch ski area. It is a rustic mountain hut which celebrates local game and a charismatic owner who jokes that the menu is made from his Range Rover roadkill. There is also a large sun terrace for guests to enjoy the mountain sunshine.

For a truly unique mountain experience head to the Restaurant Chasellas. Also owned by the Suvretta group it serves relatively simple lunch time classics such as salads and cold meats. But in the evening gourmet specialities appear. It has also been awarded 14 Gault-Millau points.

La Marmite is situated in the Corvaglia region and is known worldwide for being one of the highest restaurants in the world. Located inside the dominating Mathis Food Affairs building, it is one of the six restaurants housed here. La Marmite is an exquisite fine dining establishment serving delicacies such as venison, lobster and caviar.



Activities

Ovaverva is a relatively new sports centre in St Moritz Bad. It opened in 14/15 with indoor and outdoor pools as well as an extensive wellness and fitness centre.

Via Serlas is St Moritz’s answer to Rodeo drive, even if it is slightly more compact! High end galleries and prestigious shops line the street. But even if designer items are not in your budget it is definitely an interesting place to take a stroll.

Giovanni Segantini is considered one of the most important artists for his work on realistic symbolism. Many of his paintings feature the Alps and specifically the Engadine area after he moved here in 1894. In 1908 St Moritz opened the Segantini Museum to celebrate his work.

Olympic Bob sleigh run is perfect for those wanting to try something sporty. The two legendary institutions on offer here are the Olympic Bob Run St Moritz-Celerina and the Cresta Run. The bob run is a one of kind, being the only track left in the world that is not artificially cooled, it is maintained solely by snow, water and manpower making it the only completely natural bob run left. The run has hosted countless athletes competing in world championships and Olympic Games. If controlling a sleigh hurtling down an ice track at 135km/h is slightly off-putting then you can enjoy a bob taxi ride. These are slightly larger and will be controlled by professional bob pilots and a brakeman.

The Cresta run is an elite member’s only club but they do let beginners give it a go. Existing members consider it an honour to teach beginners and visitors how to conquer this nerve-racking track. Beginners are only allowed to complete half the course as the full length one is considered to be too dangerous. Unfortunately the club only allow gentlemen on the course except for the last day of the season in which women are allowed.

St Moritz makes a stunning place to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Alps and indulge in some winter walks. There are over 150km of groomed walks weaving in the picturesque landscape. The trails are well signposted so are clear to follow on your own. Whether you want a short and easy stroll or a longer hike there is a trail for you. Do be aware when using any trails across the lake, they are only open for use if the trail is marked red otherwise the trail is deemed too dangerous.

Glatschin is the new ice park that has been created at the Plaza Rosatsch in St Moritz Bad. The resort has long had a connection to figure skating and has often held ice skating festivals. This is unique in that it is an ice path which is lined with market stands selling local handicrafts and drinks in addition to the actual ice rink. There are also private hotel ice rinks and a larger ice area.

Curling is a very popular sport in St Moritz with many clubs and teams choosing to practice on the natural ice of the St Moritz Lake. This does mean that the ice is always in tip top condition. The local club runs group training sessions for visitors to try their hand at the sport.

Slegding is a must when in the mountains. The most popular run is located above the Muottas Muragl Funicular railway. This is located just a short ski bus journey from the villages of St Moritz. It covers a whopping 4.2km and has about 20 corners to shoot around.

If you are keen squash or tennis lovers then ST Moritz has 4 indoor tennis and 2 squash courts. Don’t worry though they are all indoor, not like they used to be!

If you are looking to top off that winter wonderland holiday then try a horse drawn carriage snuggled under fur blankets and soak in the scenery, for that ultimate magical experience.

Enjoy afternoon tea at the Badrutt Palace Hotel. Although this hotel is amongst the most exclusive and expensive in St Moritz, everyone can pop into the lobby and sample the delicious food on offer to the guess. This iconic hotel is a must visit whilst in the area and why not have some cake and tea whilst you’re there!

Head to the summit of Muottos Muragl on the vintage funicular railway. It has the most enchanting views of the Engadine lakes and mountains.



Ski School

There are a number of very good and renowned ski schools in St Moritz. They cater for all skiing and boarding abilities from beginners all the way to providing off-piste courses.

The ski schools offer a wide variety of services from group lessons to private clinics. Group lessons tend to be more sociable and normally work out cheaper, however they can be less intense as there are more people for the instructor to watch. It is important to consider the maximum size of the group that the ski school offers, if it is too big then it is less likely to be beneficial. Private one-to-one tuition is generally a better option but can be pricey. If there are a few of you who want a lesson together this can be a good option as you split the cost between you for the instructor. If you are unsure of the best option for you, then most ski schools will be happy to talk you through the different choices on offer. For group ski schools they usually run an assessment on the first day to place everyone in the correct level for their ability.

Although it is not mandatory, it is advisable to book your ski school in advance as availability is limited and lessons may sell out. This is especially true for peak weeks such as Christmas, New Year, Half Term and Easter.

PassionSki are a small ski school with highly qualified instructors. They aim to build confidence and ability by sharing their own experiences and enthusiasm for the sport.

St Moritz Ski School this is the largest and the oldest ski school in Switzerland. They are particularly good with children, offering childcare and lunch to young children as well as specific child lessons tailored to age and ability.

Ski Cool St Moritz offer a wide range of activities in addition to private and group lessons for a varying amount of time. They also offer off-piste guiding and a snow safari of nearby skiing villages.

Suvretta Snowsports has a team of passionate instructors who specialise in freestyle skiing. They do not only do freestyle lessons though with a combination of private, group and children’s lessons for varying lengths of time and ability. 

True Values Snowboard School offer private and group lessons. All the instructors are specialists in their own areas from beginners to advanced skiers.

European Snow Sport specialise in private ski lessons and off piste lessons. They do not have a large team of instructors rather they emphasise their skill and expertise in their chosen field. They also offer Nordic and telemark skiing as well as private and off-piste snowboard lessons.


Getting around

St Moritz is made up of 3 compact villages that are connected by bus but also are easy to walk between taking a maximum of 30 minutes to walk between them. Getting around is not difficult, but here are a few ideas to help you get your bearings once you arrive. It is important to remember that a lot of the hotels offer a shuttle bus service around the resort. These tend to be used mostly for getting to and from the ski lifts.

Bus Routes

St Moritz operates 7 different local bus routes linking all the different villages to the various ski areas. If you would like to have a look at the route map and a glance at the timetables, then these can be accessed at (https://www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/winter/en/services/oeffentlicherverkehr/busfahrplan/). If you are looking to go skiing in one of the other areas then this ski bus is the easiest way to do it. The price of the bus is included if you purchase a multiple day lift pass ticket. If you are a pedestrian or do not have this type of lift pass ticket there will be a small cost.

Ski Lifts

The Engadin area is serviced by 58 ski lifts including a T-bars, drag lifts, chair lifts, funiculars and gondolas. The major ski lifts heading up from the villages go into the Corvaglia ski area. These are the Signalbahn gondola from St Moritz Bad and the Chantarella funicular from St Moritz Dorf.

Taxi

There are a number of taxi companies in operation in the St Moritz area. It is advisable to book in advance as not all taxis companies work every night. If you are unsure then it is worthwhile asking at your hotel reception desk or restaurant maître’d and they will able to help you.

On Foot

This is the most common way of getting around the villages as they are not very big and easy to navigate. The roads and pavements can be icy so it is best to wear sturdy footwear and purchase some ice-grips for the soles of your shoes if you are concerned.


Family ski

St Moritz is a world-famous resort for its luxury and class, attracting wealthy clientele from every country. However the skiing and snow is hard to beat. The resort sits at 1856m with skiing from 1800m to 3305m and houses 2 glaciers.

The natural climate allows the resort to enjoy an extremely long season with some parts of the resort being open from late October right the way through to the beginning of June. The resort also boasts a shocking 322 days of sunshine a year.  These are ideal conditions for children to learn to ski in. It also means that if you are restricted by school holidays then the end of the season will not have any compromise in snow conditions and Easter will still be an excellent time to travel here.

The slopes work well for beginners with a dedicated nursery area is Celerina. There is also some great blues to practice on throughout the area. Unlike in France there are no green classification of runs so the only options are blue, red and black. So the blues are very doable for beginner skiers.

For families looking for childcare, there are several options available. The most common is a crèche. This needs to be taken into consideration when choosing a property as the crèches are contained within the hotels themselves rather than a local crèche. It is advisable to book your childcare in advance of travelling during school holidays in order to secure the care you need and avoid disappointment.

Crèche Facilities

Most of the larger hotels have private crèche facilities inside the hotel. They tend to offer a range of childcare between the hours of 09:00 and 21:00, allowing to tailor their childcare to their specific needs. These are a few examples of the type of care on offer:

Hotel Kempinski accept children from 3 months to 3 years old. They also offer babysitting in the evenings for an additional charge.

Hotel Klum accept children from the age of 3. They also offer babysitting in the evenings for an additional charge.

Club Med Roi Soleil offer childcare for those between 4 to 17 year olds. They also offer care for children in the evenings until 9pm.

Private Nannies

There is not a wide range of private nannies available in St Moritz. If you are not staying in a hotel that has a nursery then this is good option for flexible childcare.

My Travelling Nanny is a family run specialist holiday nanny agency who match families with the perfect Travelling Nanny for their holiday.

If you do decide to hire a local nanny via the tourist office or another website do be extra careful in checking that they have all the necessary qualifications.


Group Ski

St Moritz is a high altitude village sitting at 1853m with skiing from 1800m - 3305m. The resort has an extremely long season lasting from late October to mid-June some years. St Moritz is linked by ski bus to an additional 4 areas, giving a massive 350km of pistes. With such a wide choice of runs, mixed ability groups will find something to keep everyone happy.

St Moritz is one of the most expensive resorts in the Alps with a host of shops, restaurants and bars on the pricey side. There are not too many chalets available in resort, the majority of accommodation is self catering chalet and hotels.


Childcare

St Moritz is glitzy, stylish and fashionable, and famous for its spectacular scenery and high-altitude slopes offering snow-sure skiing from December through to April – but the slight lack of learner-friendly terrain, disjointed ski area, and limited child facilities and services mean it’s not high on the list for families in search of simplicity. With that said, this is a ski resort of high international standing, with something special to offer all visitors. 

Perhaps the best accommodation option for parents looking for exciting adventure with the kids is the relaxed and welcoming Club Med St Moritz Roi Soleil, with childcare services aimed at youngsters from 4 months to 17 years of age. Here, a diverse and exciting range of in-house childcare programmes like nursery, ski play, morning or afternoon ski lessons, supervised lunches, and evening entertainments combine to offer families a relaxing and hassle-free all-inclusive ski holiday experience in the Alps. With such an all-encompassing range of services, parents can book the kids into childcare and relax knowing they’re cared for and entertained.

Non-ski activities available in St Moritz are a step away from the ordinary, after all, this is a seriously stylish Alpine destination. There’s an exciting 4km luge run, plus ice-skating on the Eisarena Ludains ice rink. You can also try your hand at Bavarian curling or ice-hockey, or step into the wilderness along the 150km of winter walking trails. 


The Piste

The pistes are split into 4 main sections, Corviglia, Corvatsch, Diavolezza/Lagalb and Zuoz with an additional 6 smaller sectors elsewhere in the valley. All 10 of the areas host their own beginner area. Some of the larger ones do get busier during the peak weeks, whereas the smaller ones remain relatively quiet, making it definitely worthwhile trying to explore the wider area. All of the following areas are linked by a regular ski bus so it is very popular to spend about a day in each domain so that you make the most everywhere.

Corvaglia

Sometimes referred to as Piz Nair. This is the central area which all the ski lifts in the various villages rise up to. Resting at 3057m directly above the lake. Corviglia is the hub which is based slightly below the peak of Piz Nair.

This is great for intermediates with a plethora of long cruising runs as well as a few harder blacks for more advanced and confident intermediates to sample. Corvaglia has hosted the World Cup downhill races before so there are some steep runs to be found. As it is the hub of the resort it can get busy so it is wise to avoid this area at weekends. Also located here is the Mellow snow park which mainly has easy and black lines. For many this area will be large enough to keep beginners and intermediates entertained for a whole holiday.

Corvatsch

This north facing slopes is located at Lake Silvaplana. This is a simple bus ride away from St Moritz Bad and Dorf. Due to the north facing slopes it often hosts some of the best snow conditions in the area. It also hosts the highest lift in the valley which transports visitors up to the glacier. The glacier stands at 3305m with lots of lengthy runs which are usually very empty for the majority of the season.
The run down from Corvatsch Bergstation all the way down to Corvatsch Surlej is one of the most famous runs in the valley. It is possible to head from this area all the way back to St Moritz Bad via a challenging black but this run can become very icy so it is no easy feat with tired legs at the end of the day.

If you are a keen free rider then this is the area to head to with extensive range of obstacles and jumps as well as a half pipe. The Corvatsch area is also home to Switzerland’s longest night skiing slope at 4.2km in length. Although this is not for the faint hearted with it being the daring black Hahnensee run.

Diavolezza/ Lagalb

These two are close mountains in the Bernina Valley, this is linked to St Moritz by train or bus. The Diavolezza glacier at 3066m has some cracking runs. It also boasts some impressive off piste trails into the Val Arlas. If you are interested in doing some off-piste it is advisable to hire a local guide who will be able to take you to the best areas and find the best snow.

Lagalb is located across the valley and linked to Diavolezza by a short drag lift and a hike. A cable car takes visitors up to the summit at 2959m to enjoy a few red runs ideal for those who enjoy picking up a bit of speed. There is also a not so easy black run.

Zuoz

Zuoz is located at the head of the Engadin valley. It is a family resort that is a favourite of many locals. It can easily be reached by ski bus or train. It is popular with beginners and children but also has quite a few intermediate slopes which are ideal for those beginners wanting to challenge themselves.

If you fancy a spot of night-skiing then head to Corvatsch who run an event every Friday night to allow visitors to stay out on the slopes until 2am! They keep Switzerland’s longest ski run open, allowing guests to make the most of the 4.2km run all night under the stars. After the skiing has ended throw your ski boots off and put on your dancing shoes to head to Hossa Bar.

Beginner

You couldn’t ask for a better start to your skiing career than St Moritz, not only is the resort impressive but the beginner skiing is incredible and varied. However the resort is not purpose built so there it can be quite tricky to reach these and it does often involve walking or taking a ski lift to reach these areas. The key area to concentrate on is Corvaglia. In addition to the beginner runs and drag lifts, there is also quite a few runs to progress on to. The Salastrains (2 mini- drag lifts) are used for teaching children are easily reached from the St Moritz Bad cable car.
Some beginners might find it easier to visit the neighbouring village of Celerina with its nursery slopes or Salastrains. Both are very easy and convenient to get to from the villages of St Moritz Bad and St Moritz Dorf.

Intermediate

There is a wide range of slopes which will suit intermediates of all abilities. With a staggering 61 red runs, there should be no shortage of runs to try and hone your skills on. To get familiar with the snow and build confidence start at Corvaglia. This is easily reached by ski lifts from the villages of St Moritz and offers a number of friendly blue roots back down into the villages at the end of the day.

Corvatsch is also another great option for intermediates, giving them the option to experience the high altitude glacial runs. All of the reds here are great and present their own little challenges. The snow tends to be excellent this high and you can just make your way around the piste map without hesitation.

Advanced

Although it is not an obvious choice for advanced skiers, over a third of the pistes are made up of black runs. For more advanced skiers to meet their needs in terms of challenging pistes and mileage the best option is to travel and visit the surrounding areas. At Corvaglia there is the World Cup Downhill race course used in the 1928 and 1948 Olympics. This starts at the tip of Piz Nair and stretches all the way down the mountain. For some more tougher terrain head to the sides of the Fuorcla Grischa and Las Trais Fluors.

At Diavolezza and Lagalb head to the Lagalb descent, nicknamed ‘the Queen of the Mountains,’ it is generally regarded as the most challenging run in Engadin. There are also a large amount of ski touring routes from this point heading to La Rösa. There are also lots of itinerary runs that can be very fun, specifically the 10km Morteratsch itinerary is very challenging.

The area is rich in off-piste, however the area suffers from slab avalanches. Due to this it is always advisable to hire a mountain guide as they are familiar with the snow and the conditions of the mountain. They will also provide all the necessary off-piste gear as well as teach you how to use it.


Ski School

There are a number of very good and renowned ski schools in St Moritz. They cater for all skiing and boarding abilities from beginners all the way to providing off-piste courses.

The ski schools offer a wide variety of services from group lessons to private clinics. Group lessons tend to be more sociable and normally work out cheaper, however they can be less intense as there are more people for the instructor to watch. It is important to consider the maximum size of the group that the ski school offers, if it is too big then it is less likely to be beneficial. Private one-to-one tuition is generally a better option but can be pricey. If there are a few of you who want a lesson together this can be a good option as you split the cost between you for the instructor. If you are unsure of the best option for you, then most ski schools will be happy to talk you through the different choices on offer. For group ski schools they usually run an assessment on the first day to place everyone in the correct level for their ability.

Although it is not mandatory, it is advisable to book your ski school in advance as availability is limited and lessons may sell out. This is especially true for peak weeks such as Christmas, New Year, Half Term and Easter.

PassionSki are a small ski school with highly qualified instructors. They aim to build confidence and ability by sharing their own experiences and enthusiasm for the sport.

St Moritz Ski School this is the largest and the oldest ski school in Switzerland. They are particularly good with children, offering childcare and lunch to young children as well as specific child lessons tailored to age and ability.

Ski Cool St Moritz offer a wide range of activities in addition to private and group lessons for a varying amount of time. They also offer off-piste guiding and a snow safari of nearby skiing villages.

Suvretta Snowsports has a team of passionate instructors who specialise in freestyle skiing. They do not only do freestyle lessons though with a combination of private, group and children’s lessons for varying lengths of time and ability. 

True Values Snowboard School offer private and group lessons. All the instructors are specialists in their own areas from beginners to advanced skiers.

European Snow Sport specialise in private ski lessons and off piste lessons. They do not have a large team of instructors rather they emphasise their skill and expertise in their chosen field. They also offer Nordic and telemark skiing as well as private and off-piste snowboard lessons.


Equipment Hire

Several of the hotels in resort have their own ski hire located in the premises for the convenience of guests. If you have booked into a hotel, it is worth checking if they have their own store.

Alternatively, there are several stores throughout the resort which offer a good range of equipment. it is worth booking in advance as many stores will offer online discounts.

Our recommended stores in St Moritz include:

SkiService have shops located in all of the major hotels including the Badrutt’s Palace, Hotel Carlton and Kempiniski Grand. They stock all the top brands of equipment to a very high quality. They have locations all over the villages and will happily swap your equipment at any of the branches.

SkiService Corvatsch, Signal is another branch of the SkiService shops, they stock all the top brands of equipment to a very high quality. They have locations all over the villages and will happily swap your equipment at any of the branches. This specific one is located at the bottom of the Gondola in St Moritz Bad. There is also another branch near to the St Moritz Dorf Tourist office.

Testa Sport is situated in Celerina. They have a wide range of equipment for skiing, snowboarding and even snowshoeing. They also tend to have a discount for booking online in advance.

Ski-Lab Speciale is located in the centre of Celerina in the basement of the Hotel Speciale. They stock a wide range of equipment for all abilities of adults and children. They also have a highly trained team of staff to perform maintenance on personal equipment.

Suvretta Sports is located in the centre of St Moritz Bad. They specialise in cross-country/ Nordic ski rental
.
Ski Set is located in the heart of St Moritz Bad. They are a well-known rental shop with stores in many Alpine resorts. They stock state of the art equipment to hire.

Intersport is located inside the Ender Sport Trend Fashion shop. It is near to the Hotel Klum in St Moritz Dorf. This is another usual feature of Alpine resorts. They stock all the top brands of ski and snowboards for hire.


Lift Passes

The below lift pass prices are based on the current rates in resort buy may change at the time of booking.

Lift Tickets    Child (6-12yrs)   Teen (13-17yrs)     Adult
1 Day Price   CHF26                CHF52                 CHF76
6 Day Price   CHF126               CHF250               CHF376

There are free passes available for children under 6yrs.

You can buy in resort or pre book through the lift pass office or your tour operator who will deliver the pass to your accommodation for when you arrive in resort.





Resorts statistics

  • ALTITUDE

    1770m

  • LONGEST PISTE

    12km

  • HIGHEST SKI LIFT

    3303m

  • TOTAL LIFTS

    23

  • TOTAL PISTE

    350km






Ski chalets in St Moritz

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