St. Moritz sits in the high Engadin valley above a frozen lake, famed for sunshine, dry snow and a glamorous reputation. It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, and it remains one of the world's most storied winter destinations. The wider Engadin St. Moritz region advertises around 350 km of pistes across several linked and nearby areas.
Why ski St. Moritz
Corviglia, reached by funicular from the village, offers broad, groomed slopes that suit intermediates, while Corvatsch (3,303 m) and Piz Nair (3,057 m) add altitude. The famous gourmet mountain restaurants make lunch part of the experience. Beyond skiing, the Engadin is a hub for cross-country skiing and winter sports on the frozen lakes.
Slopes and difficulty
Most pistes are wide and rolling, making St. Moritz excellent for confident beginners and intermediates who like long cruising runs. Experts can head to Corvatsch's steeper sections and the Diavolezza and Lagalb areas, where guided off-piste routes, including a glacier descent, are popular. True beginners should arrange lessons first, as lift systems can be extensive.
Snow conditions
The Engadin's altitude and dry continental climate usually give light, dry snow during the main season. The region has substantial snowmaking on key runs. Late-season conditions depend on weather, so check live reports at the official site before you travel.
Ski pass prices (indicative)
| Ticket | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Adult day pass | Roughly CHF 75–100 depending on date and areas included |
| Multi-day | Lower cost per day; wider region coverage costs more |
| Children and youth | Reduced; check age requirements each season |
| Season pass | Available; compare early-bird deadlines |
Verify: Tickets and area coverage change annually. Always check the official St. Moritz and Engadin ticket information.
Where to stay
St. Moritz is the benchmark for alpine luxury, with historic properties such as Badrutt's Palace and the Kulm Hotel, alongside boutique hotels, serviced apartments and more modest options in Celerina, Pontresina and Samedan. Staying in St. Moritz Dorf places you near shopping and dining; St. Moritz Bad is quieter and often better value.
Family activities
Ski schools and children's areas operate on Corviglia, and families can try tobogganing, ice skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Cross-country trails across the frozen lakes are easy to learn. Check opening dates for specific attractions, as they vary through the season.
Après-ski and winter traditions
Après here means a sunny terrace lunch, champagne at a lounge or a long dinner. Signature spectacles include the Cresta Run, the natural-ice Olympic Bob Run, snow polo and the White Turf horse races on the frozen lake in February. The Engadin Skimarathon in March draws thousands of cross-country skiers.
Getting there
Trains from Zurich reach St. Moritz in about 3.5 hours via Chur on the Rhaetian Railway, including the UNESCO-listed Albula line. The Glacier Express and Bernina Express offer scenic alternatives. Engadin Airport in Samedan, Europe's highest airport, mainly handles private aviation. See our transport guide.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sunny, wide-open pistes
- Outstanding hotels and dining
- Unique winter events
Cons
- High prices in peak weeks
- Fewer extreme runs than rivals
- Spread-out ski areas