An Introduction to St. Moritz
St. Moritz is a name synonymous with luxury, glamour, and the birth of winter tourism. Nestled in Switzerland’s stunning Engadin valley, it has twice hosted the Winter Olympics and continues to attract a discerning international clientele. The main ski area directly accessible from the resort is Corviglia, a vast, sun-drenched mountain playground known for its immaculate grooming, high-altitude slopes, and breathtaking panoramic views.
Often referred to as St. Moritz’s ‘house mountain’, Corviglia offers a world-class skiing experience with a distinctly sophisticated atmosphere. Its reputation is built on quality, from the state-of-the-art lift system to the exclusive mountain restaurants dotted across its slopes.
The Skiing & Terrain
The Corviglia ski area boasts an impressive 155 kilometres of pistes, served by 23 modern lifts. The terrain is spread across a significant vertical drop of 1,285 metres, with skiing available from the resort base at 1,772 metres right up to the Piz Nair summit at a snow-sure 3,057 metres. This high altitude is a key factor in the area’s excellent snow record.
The piste breakdown is ideal for confident cruisers and those looking to cover serious mileage:
- Easy (Blue runs): 42 km
- Intermediate (Red runs): 79 km
- Difficult (Black runs): 34 km
The majority of the terrain consists of wide, sweeping red runs that are perfect for carving. The sunny, open bowls provide a fantastic sense of freedom, while the sheer scale of the area means it rarely feels crowded. For experts, the main attraction is the ‘Free Fall’ run, the precipitous start of the men’s World Cup downhill course, which features a 100% gradient at the top.
Who is St. Moritz Best For?
St. Moritz caters exceptionally well to a range of abilities, though intermediates will feel most at home.
Beginners
While the resort has a reputation for experts, there are several dedicated nursery slopes and beginner zones, particularly around Salastrains and Celerina. The 42 kilometres of gentle blue runs provide ample terrain for progression once beginners have found their confidence.
Intermediates
This is an intermediate’s paradise. With nearly 80 kilometres of red runs, skiers can spend days exploring the vast network of perfectly groomed cruisers without skiing the same slope twice. The long descents from the top of the mountain back towards the resort are a particular highlight.
Advanced & Expert Skiers
Advanced skiers have 34 kilometres of challenging black pistes to explore, including the iconic World Cup run from Piz Nair. The high-alpine environment also offers significant off-piste potential for experts when conditions are safe, with guided excursions being the best way to discover the terrain.
Season & Snow Reliability
Thanks to its high base elevation and a top altitude exceeding 3,000 metres, St. Moritz enjoys a long and reliable ski season. The resort typically opens in late November and runs through to late April. The upper slopes, in particular, maintain excellent snow cover throughout the season. This natural advantage is further supported by an extensive and efficient snowmaking system, ensuring quality conditions on the main pistes from start to finish.
Practical Information for Visitors
Getting There: The nearest major international airport is Zurich (ZRH). From there, St. Moritz is accessible via a stunningly scenic train journey of around 3.5 hours, part of which is a UNESCO World Heritage route. It can also be reached by car.
The Resort: St. Moritz is comprised of two main areas: St. Moritz Dorf, the glamorous hub with luxury boutiques and hotels, and St. Moritz Bad, located by the lake. The Corviglia ski area is also directly accessible from the neighbouring villages of Celerina and Suvretta.
Beyond Skiing: St. Moritz is as famous for its off-slope activities as it is for its skiing. Visitors can enjoy world-class dining, exclusive shopping, and unique events like polo and horse racing on the frozen lake. The legendary Cresta Run toboggan track also starts in St. Moritz.