St Moritz Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in St Moritz

St Moritz is the original Swiss winter resort, an extravagantly fashionable mountain resort world famous for its skiing, fantastic scenery, the curative waters of its Health Spa and the social life. Although not the classic image of a Swiss mountain resort, the setting and spectacular scenery more than makes up for its lack of charm.

The St Moritz area has five major resorts in the immediate vicinity, which can all be accessed by a general ski pass. Due to the altitude of between 5,906ft and 10,827ft (1,800m to 3,300m) the area is fairly snow sure, but there are also extensive snowmaking facilities available. St Moritz is ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, with about 70% of the terrain suited to the intermediate level with a wide variety of slopes and degrees of difficulty.

There is a wide variety of accomodation from 5 star hotels to authentic log cabins, appealing to the mid - upper market.

There are no proper beginner slopes at resort level and there are very few blue (easy) runs in the area. Spread over several unlinked mountains, the ski terrain is vast and transport is needed between most areas. The resort is exclusive and very pricey. St Moritz is probably the most famous of all the Swiss resorts. It is posh, glamorous and very expensive.

The skiing is ideally suited to the clientele, as are the prices. However, if you are working on a budget, or want a massive variety of skiing, St. Moritz isn't exactly tailored to you.

It's one of the ski resort you have to go, the whole atmosphere is wonderful. The town has got very strong alpine feel with lots of designer shops

Locality:

St Moritz is nestled 6,000 feet high in the Swiss Alps. The sun shines an average of 322 days a year - more than anywhere else in Switzerland.

Ski Information:

Highest lift: 3303m (10836ft), Lowest lift: 1730m (5676ft), Vertical drop: 1573m (5161ft), Number of lifts: 56, Uplift capacity: 65000 p/hr, Number of slopes: 88, Beginner: 35%, Intermediate: 25%, Expert: 40%, Total piste length: 350km, Snowboard parks: 1, Cross country: 180km

Skiing - Night skiing available.

Snowboarding - Snowparks: 1, Halfpipes: 1

Other Snow Sports - Cross country: 180km, Cross country equipment available, Sleigh rides:

The restaurants are in line with its promotional tag as being "on top of the world" St Moritz does not lack for gourmet fare. A variety of delicious international cuisine is on offer in elegant formal restaurants, romantic rustic rendezvous, chic cafes and snow bars. Even the several pizzerias here are elegant wood-panelled edifices with upholstered chairs where the traditional base and toppings become a work of gastronomic art.

The nightlife consists of a refined relatively new casino is the latest addition to St Moritz' renowned nightlife and entertainment scene, which encompasses close on 30 other nightspots ranging from hot nightclubs to cosy hotel bars, and discos to demure cigar bars.

As far as activities go, anything imaginable that can be done on or in snow and ice is available in St Moritz, whether it be the legendary Cresta Run, bob-sledding, ice-skating, curling or kite-sailing. Of course the main attraction is skiing, with more 217 miles (350km) of snow-covered runs. All ski slopes are serviced with restaurants, ski huts and snow bars ensuring that après-ski is just as much fun as the physical thrills.

Glacier Express : Advertised as the 'slowest express train in the world', the Glacier Express is also the most panoramic, and is a breathtaking way to experience the magnificence of the Swiss Alps. The seven and a half hour journey begins daily from Zermatt. The red mountain train crosses more than 291 bridges, winds its way through 91 tunnels and seven valleys and over the 6,670ft (2,033m) Oberalp Pass to the resort of St Moritz, in a spectacular feat of mountain engineering. The train is equipped with large windows for clear viewing and the scenery, including mountain panoramas, quaint villages and wooden chalets, forests and alpine pastures, is stunning. A dining car provides lunch and the mini-bar contains tilted wine glasses to counter the lean of the carriages along the steep mountainous route. The train can be taken in either direction, and if time is short it is possible to travel along a short section of the route, but either way it is advisable to make advance bookings as the train is very popular. There are several departures a day during summer and one a day in winter.

Suggest a change to the St Moritz Things to do section (click to dropdown)

Population: 7.489.400
Languages: German 64%, French 20%, Italian 7% (all official);
Currency: Swiss franc
Currency code: CHF
Local Times:
Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Z�rich

Country Dialling Code: +41
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's alpine landscapes are certainly vast and varied. With the towering Alps, fairytale castles, forested hills, shimmering lakes, renaissance cathedrals, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it's no surprise to see why Switzerland has been one of the world's top tourist destinations for the past 200 years.

Switzerland's peak season starts in November with the launch parties of the various ski resorts with visitors flocking into the resorts throughout the winter and Christmas season before finally hanging up the ski boots with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, the ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most of the resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

Despite being most popular as a Ski destination, Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and summer it offers mountain trails and spa resorts and in the sunny southern region of Ticino, visitors enjoy palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a variety of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 30,000 miles of forest and mountain trails throughout the country.

Switzerland's main cities include:

Zurich - Switzerland's biggest city and a major center of banking also has a thriving nightlife.
Geneva - This center of arts and culture, the second-largest city in Switzerland, is by far the international capital-- home to around 200 governmental and non-governmental organizations. Geneva was the home of John Calvin during the Reformation, elevating the city to the rank of "Protestant Rome," the effects of which drive Geneva today.
Berne - The Swiss capital features an amazingly well preserved old-town with arcades along almost every street. Great restaurants abound, as do bars and clubs. Check out the Einstein sites as well.
Basel - Slightly smaller than Geneva, Switzerland's third city is the traveler's gateway to the German Rhineland and Alsace.
Lausanne - While Geneva is busy being the international capital, Lausanne fills the role in most of the rest of French-speaking Switzerland. Scenery, dining, dancing, boating and the Swiss wine-country are the draws.
Lugano - Italian-speaking Switzerland's top destination, with a gorgeous old-town and a pretty lake. The food is simply amazing.
Lucerne - Central Switzerland's main city with direct water links to all of the early Swiss historic sights. It's pretty too, and though it is heavily touristed the views and museums make putting up with the crowds well worthwhile.

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St Moritz Travel Guide

St Moritz Suitability Profile