St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz (S:t Moritz) claims to be the world's oldest ski resort. And perhaps it is true - it is a very well-known and classic Swiss ski resort. Winter Olympics were held here twice and several other world championships. There are many celebrities who have visited St. Moritz during the last hundred years and it never ceases to be popular.

Characteristic traits of St. Moritz ski resort is luxury and wellness, but also sunshine, "champagne snow" (dry, fluffy snow) and great skiing. It is not a cheap destination but you can find affordable options if you spend some time. If you are looking for a cheap and low-budget ski holiday, there are better destinations to select than St. Moritz.

To just wander around the streets and enjoy the special atmosphere that prevails at this resort can be worth the trip for those who visited other distinctive ski resorts in the Alps and want to experience something new. Check out the ladies in furs covered in jewels and the celebrities sipping a cappuccino in a bar.

Skiing in St. Moritz

The resort is situated at about 1,850 meters, but its location near the Italian border affects the climate so it is a bit warmer than you expect at that altitude. It also affects the altitude at where trees stop to grow, which also impacts the climate. The snow that falls in the region is drier and lighter than it usually is in the Alps and the conditions for great off-piste skiing in the fluffy snow are good.

St. Moritz is a great ski area that consists of several different areas. The largest are Corviglia and Corvatsch with about 55 slopes and 40 lifts. Diavolezza is also very well known. A total of about 350 km of slopes are available. If you snowboard, there are better ski resorts to choose from as this ski system does have some bits and pieces where you will need to walk to cross to other parts.

In Corviglia you can go up the mighty Piz Nair which is over 3,000 meters high and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and then ski down long, wonderful ski slopes. In total, there are about 100 km of slopes and a large snowpark with about 30 different jumps and rails. Most of the slopes are red and Corviglia is most well-suited to those who are intermediate skiers.

If you head to Corvatsch you can experience the beautiful red winding slopes as well as some lovely blue and black slopes. There are also opportunities to go off-pist close to the lifts. You will not need to walk very fare. Since it faces north, the snow is usally light and dry.

Activities in St. Moritz

In St. Moritz you can find any activity you dream of doing, both during winter and summer. This resort lives on tourism and will cater for all your needs. There are for example well-prepared tracks for cross-country skiing. Some tracks start down at the lake and you will the exciting changes of the surrounding terrain, from forests to villages. It also offers climbing and off-piste skiing, snowshoe hikes, and of course all kind of body treatments such as spa and massage. There is something for all ages and visitors - even for those who do not ski.

Lots of Michelin stars in St. Moritz

Given that this is a luxury ski resort, it is perhaps not surprising that there are quite a few good restaurants here. St. Moritz offers a total of five restaurants with stars, and two of them even have two stars. This places the ski resort in second place in terms of high-class food in the Alps, all countries in the Alps included.

Accommodation in St. Moritz

If you plan to come here during holiday periods such as Christmas and New Year, you should book well in advance as St. Moritz is highly popular. There is a great deal of hotels to choose from, but many of them are in the range of four and five stars. There are however also other hotels as well as a quite good selection of hostels and small guesthouses. If you decide on staying in a self-cater apartment and cook your own meals, you could manage to reduce your travel spend substantially.

Travelling to St. Moritz

The nearest airports are Zurich or Milan about three hours away. From Zurich you can reach St. Moritz by train. Car is however a favorable option. Alternative airports are Munich or Basel, about four hours by car.

If you decide to travel by train, you will get a beautiful ride over high viaducts and deep valleys. Rhätische Bahn is the name of the train company and the trains run by Swiss perfection with high efficiency and few delays.