Glitzy, Glamorous St. Moritz
St. Moritz, Switzerland has long been a playground for the rich and famous.
For the past 140 years, St. Moritz has been a winter haven for skiers and lovers of winter sports. The town, which had its humble beginnings as a summer resort known for its comforting and curative mineral springs, didn't start attracting skiers until the mid 1800s.
Today, St. Moritz' reputation as "the place" to be seen on the slopes precedes itself. This magnificent resort attracts royalty, movie stars, and otherwise wealthy individuals who come to enjoy not only the great skiing but also the happening après ski scene, the shopping, and the exceptional restaurants.
Skiing St. Moritz
Probably one of the most attractive things about skiing at this Swiss Alps resort is its moderate temperature and abundant sunshine. Locals brag that the sun appears in the sky at least 320 days each year, resulting in comfortable conditions all year long.
In St. Moritz, there are three major ski areas: Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Muottas Muragl. Several smaller ski areas are located just a short bus ride away if you prefer less-crowded slopes.
Because the base elevation of St. Moritz, Switzerland is so high (6,089 feet), much of the skiing here occurs above the tree line, providing broad trails and lots of bowl skiing. Still, the maximum skiing elevation reaches over 10,000 feet.
Skiers of all levels can ski comfortably here, with Corviglia boasting the most varied runs. Advanced skiers can also enjoy extensive bowl skiing, high-altitude glacier skiing, and daring heli-skiing.
More Winter Activities
If you're not a skier, you can still have loads of winter fun in St. Moritz. Strap on a pair of snowshoes or Nordic skis and traverse the beautiful winter scenery of the Swiss Alps.
Check out the Olympic bobsled run here, carved from natural ice. It costs a lot to experience the run but it's worth the money! You'll even get a certificate to prove to your friends back home that you took up the challenge!
St. Moritz even boasts runs especially designed for tobogganing. Ice skating is popular, too, as is high Alpine, backcountry touring. You can even play winter golf…with a red ball that's easy to find in the snow.
For something truly European, try your hand at Skikjoring, where polo ponies pull you over the snow-covered ice of the frozen lakes.
Summers in St. Moritz
In the summer, hiking and climbing are the most popular active pursuits. Mountain biking is also a great way to see the resort area and the neighboring national parks.
St. Moritz is a mecca for festivals and most of them occur during the summer. You'll find arts and crafts festivals, musical extravaganzas, and gourmet food gatherings, just to mention a few.
Après Ski
St. Moritz, Switzerland is après ski at its finest! You'll find a large variety of restaurants and clubs here, mostly high-priced but certainly some that fit the pocketbook of those traveling on a smaller budget.
Restaurants here are phenomenal. Visitors can sample fine local cuisine as well as incredible French, Italian, Asian, and American food. Wine flows freely and many bars and restaurants seem to stay open all night.
Shopping
Warm up those credit cards! The village of St. Moritz boasts more than 100 shops, many of which bear the name of the world's top designers.
If you're looking for the latest in skiwear, you'll definitely find it here. If jewelry is your heart's passion, the selection here rivals New York's Fifth Avenue.
Getting Here
St. Moritz isn't really close to any major airport. Flying to Zurich will be the most convenient way to get here and then you can rent a car and drive the remainder of the 125 miles to the resort. However, many travelers prefer to use the excellent Swiss rail system, eliminating the need to park in St. Moritz, which can be difficult.