Saint Moritz
The reason why resorts like Saint Moritz are famous is because they continue to deliver unique experiences year after year. If you like rubbing shoulders with royals, celebrities, and old and new money, in a winter wonderland with a shimmering aquamarine lake, spectacular mountain views, and a ski town that looks and tastes as good as it costs, then Switzerland’s St Moritz is for you.
Established in 1864 but discovered 3000 years ago for its healing mineral springs that made it the summer go-to resort, St Moritz is the glitz and glamor magnet in the Engadin valley. Having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948 it became the ‘it’ place in the 1960’s for the international jet set and this continues today.
Over half a million visitors invade the 5,200 locals who are passionate about all things alpine and preserving their rich and colorful history. The area’s feast for the eyes was the backdrop for two James Bond movie scenes The Spy Who Loved Me and A View to a Kill, although it was made out to be other locations in the dialogue of the film.
The resort incorporates five ski areas Lagalb, Diavolezza, Corvatsch, Furtschellas, and Corviglia with combined terrain of 220 miles (350 km) serviced by 56 lifts. The base area is divided into St. Moritz Dorf with its elegant shopping village and St. Moritz Bad, which is the preferred location to access the lifts.
A ski trip to St Moritz is an experience for the soul and should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Lodging, Accommodation & Hotel Options
The main part of town is situated within walking distance to the train station and is full of enormous 5-star hotels to choose from. St. Moritz Bad is a short bus or 20-minute walk away that has a mix of upmarket and more budget friend options. As you would imagine, in the number one destination for the rich and famous, luxury properties dominate but that’s not to say you won’t find a charming 3 or 4-star property to meet your needs.
Ski Resort Mountain & Terrain
With multiple ski areas to choose from you will need to decide as there is only one way to ski back to the St Moritz Bad village and that’s from the Corvatsch area. The areas are connected by bus and train so with a bit of planning you are sure to get the experience you are looking for.
The skiing above the town of St Moritz at Corviglia is an intermediate skier’s delight with meticulously groomed blues for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, steeps and wide-open bowls off-piste for the more adventurous. The skiing is accessed just below the summit of the Piz Nair via a cable car with 96 miles (155 km) of trails. It is a great place to cruise around or reacquaint yourself with your ski legs.
Another popular option with its fair share of challenging runs is the Corvatsch area, which is more easily accessed from St Moritz Bad.
For those of you who are looking to challenge yourself on the blacks or like to take it off-piste then a trip across to Diavolezza and Lagalb is going to be your best option as the off-piste skiing stays untracked for days.
For the super adventurous you can hire a guide and explore Corvatsch’s Roseg Valley.
How To Get To Saint Mortiz
The most spectacular way to reach St. Moritz is by taking the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express, which travel along a UNESCO World Heritage railway line. The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) transports passengers to Engadin from Chur via the Albula Pass, or from Tirano (Italy) via the Bernina Pass. Filled with spiral tunnels and dizzying viaducts, they are among the most beautiful and breathtaking railway lines in Europe. Alternatively, you can also travel to St. Moritz from Landquart via Klosters. The train journey from Zurich’s main station to St. Moritz takes three hours.
Thanks to the region’s well-maintained Alpine pass roads, St. Moritz can be easily accessed by bus or car from northern Switzerland, Ticino, Italy, and Austria. It takes around three hours to drive from Zurich or Milan and four hours from Munich. If you would prefer to avoid driving over the Alps, you can also load your car onto a train and travel through the Vereina Tunnel.
Lift Pass Options At Saint Mortiz
As you would expect a full range of lift passes from day to multi-day are available for the whole family.
Snowsports & Ski School Improvement Programs
There are several ski schools ay Saint Mortiz to choose from including Passionski Ski School, European Snowsport, St. Moritz Ski School, Ski Cool St. Moritz, and Suvretta Sports Courses.
Things To Do, Activities & Tours
From ice skating, curling, cross-country skiing, winter golf, and skijoring, a winter sport in which a person on skis is pulled by a horse on the St Moritz lake. To Tea Time at Suvretta House, or a village stroll where you taker in the art galleries, museums, and world-class shopping. The speak freaks will enjoy an adrenaline-filled bobsleigh ride in St. Moritz-Celerina. Since the late 1930s, the Olympia Bob Run has been offering guest rides from St. Moritz to Celerina. Numerous baths – but also many luxury hotels – offer all sorts of wellness packages designed around the natural carbonated iron-rich water spring.
Saint Moritz Restaurants, Bars and Nightlife
If you are a foodie or just love a memorable night out St. Moritz offers gourmet delights of the highest order. Delicious restaurants, historical grand hotels, warming alpine huts, simple guesthouses, modern lounges, and luxurious hotel lobbies serve up a mouth-watering array of local and cosmopolitan cuisine. From caviar to canapes, one in ten restaurants in this winter wonderland town has received an international culinary award.
For those less daring there are plenty of home cooking options and be sure to try the legendary Engadin walnut tart served by traditional coffee houses dotted around the village.
For après-ski and a bit of famous faces among the crowd spotting, you can’t go past the outdoor Roo Bar for a Hauser mulled wine. For a first-class coffeee there is the legendary Elektra espresso machine.
The nightlife in St. Moritz revolves around the dazzling social scene. The mingling and merriment takes place in the many bars and clubs until the early hours. Exclusive parties for the international jet set are commonplace. If you are or know the right people, you may find yourself rubbing shoulders with the movers and shakers in the intimate atmosphere of the strictly private yet world-famous Dracula Club.
Shopping
St. Moritz is a heavyweight in the world of fashion. From Armani and Gucci to Zegna, the resort’s selection of renowned fashion labels is one of the best in the world. Brands include Asprey London, Bogner, Hermes, BVLGAR, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and the list of exclusive fashion brands and jewelers can blow the numbers off your Dubai First Royale Card.
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