St. Moritz

St. Moritz, nestled in the Engadin Valley at 1,856m, holds a unique place in winter sports history, having pioneered alpine tourism in the late 19th century and hosted two Winter Olympics. Today, it remains a premier destination, celebrated for its blend of world-class skiing and a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The Engadin St. Moritz ski area boasts 350km of pistes served by 58 lifts, with elevations reaching 3,303m on the Corvatsch glacier. This high altitude ensures reliable snow from November to early May, with glacial areas offering consistent conditions. The resort is composed of several distinct ski zones, including Corviglia above the town, the glacial slopes of Corvatsch, and the more tranquil Diavolezza.

St. Moritz offers an expansive and diverse skiing experience, characterised by sun-drenched slopes, crisp mountain air, and the unique Engadin light. The three primary ski areas, Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Diavolezza-Lagalb, each provide a different character and are linked by bus, all accessible with a single lift pass.

Corviglia, directly above St. Moritz, features immaculately groomed runs with sweeping views of the Engadin Valley. Corvatsch provides glacier skiing up to 3,303m, offering longer and more challenging descents. Diavolezza, though smaller, is renowned for its glacier descent to Morteratsch, considered one of the Alps' most memorable runs.

Beginners will find suitable nursery slopes at Salastrains within the lower Corviglia area, with dedicated zones for learning. Gentle, wide blue runs higher up provide ideal terrain for progression. Celerina, a short distance away, also offers excellent beginner facilities in a relaxed setting. The consistent snow quality and sunny aspects create pleasant learning conditions.

Intermediate skiers are exceptionally well catered for, with a multitude of long, sweeping red and blue runs throughout Corviglia. The Corvatsch sector features superb cruising terrain, including a notable 9km descent from the Corvatsch middle station to St. Moritz Bad. Diavolezza combines intermediate-friendly runs with spectacular glacier scenery, ensuring variety across the three areas throughout the season.

Advanced and expert skiers should gravitate towards Corvatsch and Diavolezza. Corvatsch's upper slopes offer consistently steep pitches and access to extensive off-piste terrain. Diavolezza is home to the legendary 10km glacier run down to Morteratsch, providing a technically demanding and visually stunning experience. Lagalb, a smaller neighbouring area, has steep black runs and untouched powder fields. For those seeking off-piste adventures, local guides can lead expeditions across the challenging glaciated terrain.

The season typically runs from late November to early May. The high altitude, with a base at 1,856m and a summit at 3,303m, ensures reliable snow cover. January and February usually see the deepest snow, while March and April offer longer days and excellent spring skiing, particularly on the Corvatsch and Diavolezza glaciers.

Beyond skiing, St. Moritz is famous for the Cresta Run, a natural ice skeleton track built in 1884. This historic course, running from St. Moritz to Celerina, is the birthplace of skeleton racing. Experienced riders can reach speeds of 130km/h, and guest rides are available for a truly unique winter sports experience.