Forests, glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes and a fantastic location in the Upper Engadine Lake District – St. Moritz is Switzerland’s original winter wonderland and the cradle of Alpine tourism. Probably everyone is familiar with the name. Nobles, the rich and beautiful and all those who want to belong have been coming here since 1864. With the high mountains and the fabulous lake, the village provides a dreamlike backdrop. Perhaps St. Moritz is the most famous resort in the Alps, but certainly the most exclusive and extravagant, at least in winter. In summer, you won’t find the “beautiful people”. Located in the Upper Engadin district of the Swiss canton of Graubünden, St. Moritz is one of the most famous winter sports resorts and health resorts in the entire Alpine region. Many things are “top” here: the location at an altitude of 1856 metres, the dry “champagne climate”, the elegant and exclusive guests and accommodation, the density of highly decorated gourmet restaurants and the cultural programme. Despite all the “Gucci chic” in the bars and all the celebs on the slopes, the place is not just a catwalk. Its real treasure is the difficult black slopes of Diavolezza and the carving slopes of Corviglia.
Great evening atmosphere, Image: yongyot therdthai / shutterstock In St. Moritz, a heart beats with money. At the turn of the 20th century, the European aristocracy met in the village. In the mid-1980s, the nouveau riche and starlets dominated. To this day, the Pradas, Guccis, Kashoggis, Grimaldis or Agnellis prefer to enjoy their holidays in their private villas on the super-sunny Suvretta hillside. St. Moritz consists of two districts: St. Moritz-Dorf on the slope above Lake St. Moritz and St. Moritz-Bad in the flat valley floor at the upper end of the lake. In 1864, a hotelier suggested to four Englishmen that they spend a winter in St. Moritz free of charge. From then on, the municipality became the centre of Switzerland’s largest winter sports region – with 350 kilometres of pistes and 88 downhill runs. The first bobsleigh was built in 1889. On the spectacular natural ice bobsleigh run, brave guests can test the ice channel at 1612 meters to Celerina. In addition to the winter sports offer in the cold season, the focus in summer is on water sports, summer skiing, horseback riding, tennis, golf and other activities. The community centre and the school square form the centre of St. Moritz-Dorf, characterised by luxurious hotel buildings. Further north, in the idyllic old cemetery, lies the Leaning Tower. A visit to the Segantini Museum is also worthwhile. In St.-Moriz-Bad, the healing power of the highest Swiss mineral springs beckons. Beautiful panoramic paths invite you to take long walks.
St. Moritz ski area – fantastic slopes, cosy huts, modern lifts and a fantastic panorama
View of St. Moritz, Image: Mike Fuchslocher / shutterstock The excellent ski area of all levels of difficulty is very well developed by mountain railways and numerous lifts. The general ski pass covers all slopes, including Celerina, Silvaplana, Diavolezza, Pontresina, Zuoz and Sils-Maria. Downhill fans usually head for three important areas: Corvatsch, Corviglia and Diavolezza. In Corviglia (2486 meters) you will find well-kept slopes with a fantastic view of the mountains. From St. Moritz-Bad, a cable car runs to the slopes of Piz Nair. It is best to drive to Signal, where the queues are shorter. At Corvatsch (3303 meters) above the nearby Silvaplana there are various opportunities to ski. The fun on skis ranges from spectacular glacier descents to the black slope to the Hahnsee to immaculate snow meadows. Meanwhile, Diavolezza (2978 meters) is a must for freeriders and fans of breathtaking descents. The glacier world is breathtaking. Cross-country skiers are the connoisseurs. They appreciate the scenery and the seductive huts at the edge of the slopes. Groomed trails lead over 160 kilometres through snow-covered forests and over gentle plains. Good to know: Switzerland’s first ski school was founded in St. Moritz in 1929 – one of the first ski lifts in Switzerland hummed here in 1934. In addition, the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948 as well as World Cups and World Championships made St. Moritz the No. 1 in international skiing. Thanks to the snow-making facilities and the glaciers on Diavolezza and Corvatsch, you can indulge in cheerful “Brettlfun” from November to May. Every year, Concours Hippique on snow and three international horse races, polo tournament, polo golf tournament and greyhound races take place on the frozen lake.
Hiking, climbing and relaxing
Lake St. Moritz, Image: Eva Bocek / shutterstock Enchanting paths invite you to extensive hiking tours. Particularly popular is the waterway on the Corvatsch, which connects six mountain lakes. If you like, you can climb the Piz Nair, which towers high above St. Moritz. From here you can enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the peaks, lakes and the valley. Climbing enthusiasts are drawn to the dizzying Via ferrata of Piz Trovat in the Diavolezza ski area. Climbing equipment is available at the valley station. Fancy an eco-tour? Guests thirsty for knowledge join a two-and-a-half-hour Clean Energy Tour and learn interesting facts about the different forms of renewable energy. Last but not least, tired muscles can relax with a soothing mineral bath in the medical spa. Afterwards, things get hot on the terrace of the Roo Bar in the Hotel Hauser. Others enjoy Bobby’s Pub and enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The English pub has 30 different beers on offer. Engadine gem and glamorous winter sports oasis: Guests are greeted with a warm “Allegra” in the Engadine. St. Moritz enriches the Upper Engandin landscape bathed in light in its very own way – a sunny high valley where the sun shines 322 days a year.
