St. Moritz

Switzerland · Graubünden · 1,716m - 3,303m · ~300 km of pistes · 55 lifts · 3 areas · Glacier

Summary

St. Moritz is the birthplace of winter tourism — winter holidays were invented here in 1864 and it hosted two Winter Olympic Games (1928, 1948). The Upper Engadine offers three complementary ski areas — Corviglia, Corvatsch and Diavolezza-Lagalb — totalling around 300 km of pistes and 55 lifts, connected by lift pass but not by mechanical lifts (bus/train between areas).

At 1,822 m altitude, St. Moritz enjoys one of the best solar exposures in the Alps (322 days of sunshine per year) and a village that blends extreme luxury with genuine Alpine history.

Technical details

Corviglia (main hub)

Corvatsch

Diavolezza-Lagalb

Engadine region (total)

Why ski here

1. The birthplace of skiing: living history Two Olympic Games, World Cup races, the Cresta Run (bobsled since 1884). Skiing in St. Moritz is skiing in a living museum of winter sport.

2. Three areas, three experiences Corviglia for racing and technical reds. Corvatsch for altitude and night skiing (4.2 km illuminated). Diavolezza for the 10 km glacier descent to Morteratsch — one of the most memorable Alpine experiences in Switzerland.

3. 322 days of sunshine per year The Engadine has an exceptional microclimate. Sunshine even when the northern Alps are clouded over. The “champagne climate” is not just marketing.

4. Scenic trains Bernina Express and Glacier Express pass through St. Moritz. The train journey is part of the experience — UNESCO World Heritage (Albula-Bernina line).

5. Luxury with history Badrutt’s Palace, Kulm Hotel, Suvretta House — legendary hotels with over a century of history. St. Moritz is not new luxury: it is luxury that invented the concept.

Notable pistes and zones

Corviglia / Piz Nair (3,057m)

The main area above St. Moritz. World Cup piste, technical reds, views over the Engadine lakes.

Corvatsch (3,303m)

The highest altitude in the region. Unique night skiing: 4.2 km of illuminated piste. Snow guaranteed.

Diavolezza – Glacier descent (10 km)

The Engadine highlight: 10 km descent across the Morteratsch glacier among seracs and crevasses. With guide. Pure Alpine experience.

Zuoz / Ftan

Traditional Engadine villages with minor local pistes — charm without crowds.

Accommodation

Tip: Pontresina (5 min by train) offers access to the same domain at significantly lower prices.

Après-ski

Elite and discreet — St. Moritz après-ski is not beer on the terrace but champagne in the lounge:

• King’s Club (Badrutt’s Palace) — The most legendary nightclub in the Alps
• Roo Bar — Terrace with views
• Dracula Club — Exclusive, members only
• Hauser’s — Historic café-bar, more accessible

How to get there

How much does it cost to ski in St. Moritz and what does booking with Skialpes include?

Quick answer: day lift pass from 77 CHF St. Moritz Mountains (Corviglia, Corvatsch, Diavolezza, ~300 km total). Apartments from 100 CHF/night; 3-star from 120 CHF; 4-star from 200 CHF; 5-star legendary (Badrutt’s Palace, Kulm) from 500 CHF/night. Pontresina cuts 30-40% whilst maintaining the same lift pass. Booking with Skialpes includes accommodation, lift pass, transfer from Zurich or Milan (or scenic train), extras (glacier guide, lessons, insurance) and human contact CICMA 2283 with no intermediaries.

St. Moritz is not just another resort: winter holidays were invented here in 1864 and it hosted two Winter Olympic Games (1928, 1948). The region functions as three complementary areas (Corviglia for the main hub with 155 km, Corvatsch for night skiing and altitude, Diavolezza-Lagalb for the glacier descent) sharing a lift pass but not connected by mechanical lifts; you move between them by bus or train, included in the lift pass. Strategy for 7 nights: 2 days Corviglia, 2 days Corvatsch, 1 day Diavolezza with guide, 2 days village and scenic train. Pontresina (5 minutes by train) is the smart choice to reduce accommodation costs without sacrificing access.

Is the Diavolezza-Morteratsch glacier descent worth it?

Quick answer: yes, if conditions permit and you hire a guide. It is 10 km of descent across the Morteratsch glacier amongst seracs and crevasses, one of the most memorable Alpine experiences in Switzerland. It requires solid red-run level and endurance, not technically extreme but long.

The Diavolezza-Morteratsch descent is St. Moritz’s defining experience, not replicated in many places in the Alps. Ten kilometres from 3,000m to the valley floor, passing between seracs and crevasses of the glacier. A guide is mandatory for safety (routes change each season according to ice conditions) and navigation. Best conditions usually occur between February and April, with long daylight and stable snow over the glacier. For intermediate skiers who are confident it is perfectly manageable; it is not a technically difficult piste, but you need to arrive fresh at the start because it is 10 km continuous with no intermediate lifts.

Skialpes advice

We have not skied here personally. Profile based on verified sources.

St. Moritz is for those who want the most complete Alpine experience in the world: Olympic history, scenic trains, palace gastronomy, glacier, and 300 km of skiing under 322 days of sunshine. It is not cheap, it is not crowded — it is the quintessence of Alpine luxury with substance.

Essential:

• Diavolezza-Morteratsch glacier descent (10 km, with guide)
• Night skiing at Corvatsch (4.2 km illuminated)
• Walk through St. Moritz Dorf at sunset + dinner at Chesa Veglia

Strategy: 7 nights. 2 days Corviglia, 2 days Corvatsch, 1 day Diavolezza (glacier), 2 days village/scenic trains.

Related profiles

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• [[davos-klosters]] — Neighbouring Graubünden
• [[verbier]] — 4 Vallées, freeride
• [[crans-montana]] — Valais, sunshine and luxury

SkiPedia Encyclopaedia

Extended profile on SkiPedia — St. Moritz: historical context, honest recommendations against and seasonal data.