Hey there! Are you ready for some serious winter vibes? Then you'll wanna hear all about St. Moritz, Switzerland, the ultimate destination for jet-setting snow bunnies. This swanky town may have a rep for being a playground for the rich and famous, but don't let that scare you off, fellow budget-conscious adventurers. St. Moritz is also a winter wonderland for those of us who don't have a private jet (yet!). From hitting the slopes to sipping cocoa, St. Moritz is a dreamy escape for all types of travelers. So, grab your sunglasses and let's head to the Swiss Alps for some seriously epic winter fun!
Where is St Moritz?
St Moritz is a renowned winter destination located in the Engdadin valley in the Swiss Alps. It is famous for its opulent lifestyle and top-notch winter sports facilities, attracting tourists from all over the world. The town is characterized by its cold climate with average temperatures around 20°F (-6°C) and is blanketed in snow, providing the perfect setting for winter sports enthusiasts.
As you arrive in St. Moritz, Switzerland, you'll be greeted by people wearing a fascinating mix of chic fur coats, expensive dog breeds, winter sports enthusiasts, and hikers. The city center has luxurious brand shops, and the mountain hides stunning ski slopes and winter hiking trails. St. Moritz is an absolute winter dream, and you won't want to miss discovering all this charming town in the canton of Graubünden has to offer.
The town offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including ski tours, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For those seeking a more leisurely pace, there are many indoor activities available such as wellness spas offering pampering treatments, fine dining restaurants serving gourmet cuisine, and cultural events showcasing local talent. It's an ideal destination for anyone
How to get to St Moritz from Zurich
To travel from Zurich to St. Moritz, you can take the following options:
Train:
Take a train from Zurich to Chur and then transfer to another train to St. Moritz. The total journey takes around 3 hours.
Bus:
Take a bus from Zurich to Chur and then transfer to another bus to St. Moritz. The total journey takes around 4 hours.
Car:
Rent a car in Zurich and drive to St. Moritz, which is around 220 km away. The journey takes around 2.5 hours.
Flight:
There are no direct flights from Zurich to St. Moritz. The closest airport is in Samedan, which is about 10 km from St. Moritz. From Zurich, you can take a flight to Samedan and then take a taxi or bus to St. Moritz.
Where to stay in St Moritz
There are many accommodation options for visitors, ranging from luxurious hotels, cozy chalets to Airbnb.
Hotel Waldhaus am See.
The Hotel Waldhaus am See in St. Moritz is a top-ranked 3-star hotel with 50 rooms and a stunning view of the Engadine mountains. Run by the Bernasconi family for over three decades, the hotel offers excellent service and attention to detail. Recently renovated, the hotel features a unique location on the lake, a whiskey bar with over 2,500 varieties, and a wine cellar with a collection of 1,300 wines.
If you prefer to stay somewhere else, here is a list of hotels that could be just what you're looking for.
Berghotel Randolins⭐⭐⭐
Berghotel Randolins is located on the Suvretta hillside, offering ski-in/ski-out access and hiking trails. The hotel has a wellness area with a hot tub, sauna, and steam bath. Rooms have mountain and lake views, and regional specialties are served in the restaurant. A buffet breakfast and free St. Moritz Train Station pick-up service are included. Stay two nights or more in summer to get free access to regional transportation, or get a discounted ski pass in winter.
Hotel Hauser Swiss Quality ⭐⭐⭐
At the Hauser Hotel in St. Moritz, you will be just a few steps away from mountain cable cars and public transport. The rooms have been renovated and furnished with local wood and include amenities such as a writing desk, IP-TV, radio, phone, safety box, and free WIFI. There is also a free internet point available in the lobby.
If you stay at the Hauser Hotel for at least two nights in the summer, you will get access to the mountain cable car inclusive deal, which includes free use of all cable cars, funiculars, busses, and trains in the upper Engadin. In the winter, you will have the opportunity to enjoy over 350 km of ski and snowboard slopes or cross-country slopes.
Hotel Schweizerhof ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you're looking for a family-owned hotel with a superior ranking, Hotel Schweizerhof in St. Moritz is a great choice. You can stay in one of their 82 modern rooms with fantastic views, catering to nature and golf enthusiasts, business travelers, and those seeking relaxation. The hotel offers contemporary seminar and banquet rooms, two restaurants with regional and Italian cuisine, and a lively bar with live music. During winter, take advantage of the mountain cabin Clavadatsch for local dishes and stunning views. All rooms are non-smoking, with designated smoking rooms available.
Where to Eat & Drink while Visiting St.Moritz?
St. Moritz is known for its fine dining and culinary experiences. Here are some options for eating and drinking while visiting:
Gourmet Restaurants:
There are many gourmet restaurants in St. Moritz, such as Suvretta Stube (classic cuisine), Ecco on Snow (exclusive gourmet cuisine), Dal Mulin (upscale Swiss and international cuisine)
Bars & Pubs:
There are also several bars and pubs in St. Moritz, such as the Bobby's Pub, an Irish Pub, with a large selection of beers; the Hato Bar & Lounge, a trendy bar, and lounge in an elegant urban setting.
The Anton's Bar, a classic hotel bar offering a wide range of drinks in an elegant 1920s ambiance. These are some of the bars and pubs where you can enjoy a drink and socialize with locals and tourists.
Cafe & Pastry Shops:
If you're looking for a lighter bite or a sweet treat, there are many cafes and pastry shops in St. Moritz, such as the Quattro Bar in Corveglia; if the weather's nice, take advantage of the outdoor seating. They serve a range of delicious pastries, cakes, and coffee.
When you're by the ice skating rink, be sure to visit the Chesa al Parc, and sit in the terrace that faces the sun. The food is delicious, and the service is friendly, efficient, and impeccable. Indulge in a glass of the Rosé or have a cup of coffee and enjoy the view.
Après-ski bars and clubs:
One popular après-ski bar in St Moritz is the Suvretta Stube. Located in the iconic Badrutt's Palace Hotel, this bar is famous for its cozy and sophisticated atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax with a drink after a day on the slopes. The bar is known for its exceptional cocktail menu and serves a range of classic and modern drinks, along with light bites and snacks.
Another popular après-ski spot in St Moritz is King's Club. This club is known for its electrifying atmosphere and is the perfect place to dance the night away after a day on the slopes. With a mix of live music, DJs, and a lively dance floor, King's Club is a must-visit for anyone looking to party in St Moritz.
Skiing and Winter Sports in St Moritz
At St. Moritz, you'll find a variety of ski runs for all skill levels, from beginner slopes to challenging black diamond runs. With over 350 kilometers of slopes, there's no shortage of terrain for you to explore. The ski season typically lasts from late November to early May, giving you plenty of time to plan your trip.
Skiing
St Moritz has several ski resorts to choose from,
Corviglia Ski Resort:
This is the main ski resort in St Moritz, offering access to over 150 km of slopes and 8 km of ski routes. You will be transported by 23 lifts. The winter sports area sits between elevations of 1,735 and 3,057 meters. Corviglia is a renowned Alpine ski resort, offering some of the best skiing conditions across the globe.
Its slopes have been used in various World Championship & Olympic ski events. Whether you're a pro, a beginner, or just looking for a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone here. From a giant slalom with timekeeping to an easy snow park, a skicross slope, a family slope with almost lifelike animal figures, and plenty of sun terraces, there's plenty to explore. And even if you don't ski, you can still enjoy beautiful winter hiking trails in the stunning Engadine mountains.
Additionally, If you're an early bird, you can access the Corviglia's 150 km of ski tracks starting from 7.45 am. From beginners to pros and speed fanatics, this ski resort has something for everyone - it even offers gourmet treats and snacks during your stay. The beauty of the mountain is that it's impartial to anyone visiting, be it a regular customer, local resident or even a famous celebrity. Everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy its amazing atmosphere!
How to go to Corviglia Ski Resort
When you arrive at St. Moritz station, you can either walk or take a bus to the funicular station to
Purchase a ticket for the funicular ride to the top. You can either buy a single ticket or a day ticket that allows you unlimited rides on the funicular. To get to Corviglia, you need to take the Funicular first which will take you to Chantarella station. From there, hop on another (funicular) train carriage that will take you directly to your destination.
Diavolezza:
This ski resort is located in the nearby Engadin Valley and offers over 20 kilometers of ski slopes and breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
How to get there:
By car:
When you're driving south on the main road, simply continue until you reach Pontresina. From there, keep going down valley and you'll eventually see the Diavolezza cable car station and its parking lot on your right.
By Train:
If you want to reach Bernina Diavolezza quickly, you can take the train to Pontresina and then switch onto another train that takes you directly next to the cable car station.
Corvatsch:
This ski resort is located just outside of St Moritz and offers over 33 kilometers of ski slopes, as well as spectacular views of the Swiss Alps.
How to get there:
The cable car to Corvatsch departs in Surlej to Murtèl,
then switch cable car in Murtèl to Corvatsch
By Car or by Bus: From St. Moritz, it takes roughly 25 minutes to get to Surlej cable car station
Winter Sports and Activities
Experience the adrenaline rush of riding on Cresta Run!
Climb aboard the only natural ice bob-run in the world and enjoy a wild, thrilling ride!
Enjoy a thrilling experience of skiing under the stars or attend various events held at the local frozen lake!
If you love winter sports, why not try out skating or fishing?
If you're looking for an adventure, heliskiing is a great option too!
Go check out the snow polo tournament and immerse yourself in the thrilling game and be sure to enjoy it.
Or you can also go for a winter hike to revel in the stunning beauty of nature.
Make the most of this winter by embracing the unique experience that a horse-drawn carriage ride can offer. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere with the freshly snowed grounds as you take in the stunning beauty of nature.
To sum it up
St Moritz is the ultimate destination for anyone who wants to experience the winter wonderland in style! You can enjoy the most breathtaking views of the Alps, hit the best ski slopes in the world, and pamper yourself with top-notch services. St Moritz is hands down the perfect spot for a luxurious winter getaway you will remember.
Tips: Ski resorts and hotels typically become very busy this time of the year as many people are eager to take advantage of the winter season. I recommend booking your book accommodations well in advance, as St Moritz is a popular destination, and hotels and ski chalets can fill up quickly. And If you wish to have a less crowded experience, try going out earlier in the day for a couple of runs before the rush sets in.