- Country: Switzerland 🇨🇭
- Region: Engadin Valley, Graubünden
- Base altitude: 1,800 m
- Summit altitude: 3,303 m (Corvatsch)
- Total skiable area: 350 km (Engadin ski area)
- Lifts: 56
- Season: December – April
- Nearest airport: Zurich (ZRH) — approx. 3 hrs by rail
- Annual snowfall: ~5 m (195 inches)
Resort Overview
St Moritz invented the modern concept of the winter holiday. In 1864, hotelier Johannes Badrutt bet his English summer guests that winter in the Engadin was so sunny and beautiful they would love it — and offered to pay for their travel if they didn’t. They came, they were conquered, and the luxury ski resort was born. Today, St Moritz remains the gold standard of Alpine glamour, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1928 and 1948) and continues to host the annual White Turf horse races on the frozen lake.
The Engadin Valley’s unique geography delivers an extraordinary 322 days of sunshine per year — more than many Mediterranean destinations. The snow stays in excellent condition despite the high solar exposure due to the altitude and the dry Engadin climate. The result is a resort that feels reliably sunny and bright even in the depths of January.
Terrain Guide
The ski area around St Moritz spans three main sectors: Corviglia (the main mountain, sun-facing and well-groomed), Corvatsch (shadier, higher, with excellent off-piste and glacier terrain), and Diavolezza (a spectacular glacier area with one of the finest panoramas in the Alps). The piste breakdown is approximately 25% beginner, 55% intermediate, 20% expert.
Ski Schools & Lessons
The Swiss Ski School St Moritz (SSS) is the main official school. Stoked Ski School offers excellent English-speaking instruction with a focus on technique and smaller group sizes. Private instruction from CHF 130/hour; group lessons from CHF 250/5 half-days.
Where to Stay
Budget — Hotel Bernina
Good value by St Moritz standards, clean and well-run. From CHF 180/night.
Mid-range — Hotel Monopol
Excellent central location, warm service, and good ski access. From CHF 350/night.
Luxury — Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
The most famous hotel in the Alps — a Victorian palace overlooking the frozen lake. Pool, casino, multiple restaurants, and unimpeachable glamour. From CHF 900/night.
Getting There
The Glacier Express from Zermatt is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys and arrives in St Moritz after 8 hours of breathtaking alpine scenery. From Zurich by rail takes approximately 3 hours via Chur. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the main gateway. There is also a small airport at Samedan, 5km from St Moritz, which operates charter flights in season.
Dining & Après-Ski
Sunny Bar (Corviglia) — the most famous après-ski destination in St Moritz. Legendary DJ sets and a crowd that epitomises Engadin chic.
Restaurant Mathis Food Affairs — one of the finest mountain restaurants in Switzerland. Spectacular Corviglia terrace setting.
Hatecke — the legendary St Moritz butcher and deli. The best Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) you will ever taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Moritz worth the price?
St Moritz is among the most expensive ski destinations in the world. Whether it is worth it depends on what you value: if sunshine, impeccable service, extraordinary scenery, and the history of winter sports matter to you, the answer is yes. For those who primarily want the best skiing at the best value, there are cheaper resorts with comparable terrain.
How sunny is St Moritz really?
The Engadin Valley genuinely is exceptionally sunny by Alpine standards — the statistics of 322 sunny days per year are verifiable and consistent. South-east facing orientation and the unique microclimate of the high Engadin plateau are responsible. Blue-sky days are the rule rather than the exception, even in mid-winter.
Nearby Resorts
- Pontresina — 10 minutes by road. Shares the Engadin ski area, quieter and less expensive.
- Davos/Klosters — 1.5 hours by road or Glacier Express. Switzerland’s largest ski area.
- Livigno (Italy) — 45 minutes by road. Duty-free shopping and excellent value skiing just across the border.
Last updated: April 2025. Data sourced from St Moritz Tourism and Engadin St Moritz Mountains AG official statistics.
Ski Lessons & Activities in St. Moritz
Planning your time on the slopes? GetYourGuide offers a wide range of ski lessons, guided tours and winter activities in St. Moritz — from beginner group lessons to private coaching and off-piste adventures. Browse ski lessons and activities in St. Moritz.