Discover the Best Things to Do in St. Moritz in Winter and Summer

St. Moritz, known as the birthplace of winter tourism, is an all-season destination offering a unique blend of activities. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in winter or hiking through the Engadine valley in summer, this guide will unveil the myriad things to do in St. Moritz.

Table of Contents

Historical Significance of St. Moritz

St. Moritz has etched its name into history as a pioneer in winter tourism. The story began in 1864 when hotelier Johannes Badrutt made a daring wager with his summer guests, promising them a delightful winter experience in St. Moritz. The guests returned, charmed by the snowy allure, marking the advent of winter tourism. St. Moritz further solidified its status by hosting the Winter Olympics twice, in 1928 and 1948, thus becoming a global hub for winter sports enthusiasts.

St. Moritz is synonymous with luxury and innovation, constantly redefining the winter resort experience. From pioneering alpine skiing competitions to boasting one of Switzerland’s most exhilarating toboggan runs, this town has consistently set new benchmarks in the world of winter sports.

St. Moritz has long been a magnet for the rich and famous, including celebrities, sports stars, and royalty. Here is a list of some of the most notable visitors:

Royals

Prince Charles – The Prince of Wales has been a frequent visitor to St. Moritz, often seen enjoying the winter sports and attending social events.
Princess Diana – The late Princess of Wales visited St. Moritz during her marriage to Prince Charles.
Princess Caroline of Monaco – The Monegasque royal has been a regular visitor to St. Moritz.
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden – The Swedish monarch has been known to vacation in St. Moritz.
Queen Silvia of Sweden – Accompanies King Carl XVI Gustaf during their visits.

Celebrities

Claudia Schiffer – The supermodel is often spotted in St. Moritz.
George Clooney – The actor has been known to visit St. Moritz for both skiing and social events.
Hugh Grant – The British actor frequently visits St. Moritz.
Kate Moss – The supermodel is another frequent visitor to the luxury resort town.
David Bowie – The late musician was known to spend time in St. Moritz.

Business Tycoons

Roman Abramovich – The Russian billionaire and former owner of Chelsea FC often vacations in St. Moritz.
Lakshmi Mittal – The Indian steel magnate has been seen in St. Moritz.
Bill Gates – The Microsoft co-founder has been known to visit St. Moritz.

Athletes

Roger Federer – The Swiss tennis legend frequently visits St. Moritz.
Lindsey Vonn – The American ski racer has been spotted in St. Moritz.
Cristiano Ronaldo – The football superstar has enjoyed holidays in St. Moritz.

Entertainment Industry

Robert De Niro – The acclaimed actor is known to visit St. Moritz.
Sharon Stone – The actress has been seen enjoying the winter resort.
Sophia Loren – The iconic Italian actress has a history of visiting St. Moritz.

St. Moritz’s appeal to such high-profile individuals is due to its exclusive ambiance, luxurious accommodations, and top-tier winter sports facilities, making it a favorite destination for the elite.

Things to Do in St. Moritz in Winter

Winter in St. Moritz transforms the town into a snowy paradise, offering an array of activities for all interests and skill levels. Let’s explore the exciting things to do in St. Moritz during the winter season.

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

St. Moritz is a haven for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with world-renowned slopes like Corviglia, Diavolezza, and Corvatsch.

Corviglia

Corviglia is St. Moritz’s sunniest ski area, featuring over 155 kilometers (96 miles) of pistes. It’s the main hub for skiing, with gentle slopes for beginners and challenging runs for experts.

Diavolezza

Diavolezza offers dramatic scenery and challenging terrain, including one of Switzerland’s longest glacier ski runs, stretching for 10 kilometers (about 6 miles). It’s perfect for thrill-seekers looking for breathtaking alpine views.

Corvatsch

Corvatsch reaches altitudes up to 3,303 meters (10,837 feet), offering the highest-altitude skiing in St. Moritz. Night skiing on Fridays adds a unique experience under the stars.

The snowboarding scene thrives across all three areas, with terrain parks and half-pipes catering to adrenaline seekers. Modern lifts ensure quick access to the peaks, and top-notch ski schools provide expert instruction for all skill levels.

2. Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are serene ways to explore St. Moritz’s winter landscapes.

Cross-country Skiing

With approximately 200 kilometers of trails, cross-country skiing offers breathtaking views of the Engadine Valley and surrounding mountains. Trails cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing opportunities abound throughout the Engadine valley, allowing visitors to traverse snowy forests and serene mountain slopes. Guided tours offer expert insights into local flora, fauna, and history, enhancing the outdoor adventure.

3. Sledding and Bobsledding

St. Moritz offers thrilling sledding and bobsledding experiences on the historic Cresta Run and Olympia Bob Run.

Cresta Run

The 1,212-meter-long Cresta Run is an adrenaline-pumping adventure, attracting participants from around the world. With its legendary curves and gradients, it’s been a premier location for skeleton racing since 1884.

Olympia Bob Run

The Olympia Bob Run St. Moritz – Celerina is the oldest and only remaining natural ice bobsled track in the world. Built in 1904, it offers a 1.7-kilometer-long course with ten corners, allowing riders to reach speeds of up to 135 kilometers per hour. Visitors can ride with professional bobsledders or opt for taxi bob rides for a less intense experience.

4. Outdoor Ice Skating

Ice skating on the frozen Lake St. Moritz is a popular winter activity. The 1.8-kilometer-long natural ice rink is one of the largest in Europe, offering stunning views of the Engadine mountains. Conveniently located near the town center, it provides a unique outdoor experience for visitors.

5. Curling

Curling is a beloved winter sport in St. Moritz, played on the frozen lake or specially prepared ice sheets. Teams slide granite stones toward a target, guided by team members using brooms. With equipment rental and instruction available, curling is accessible to both locals and tourists.

6. Unique Winter Sports

St. Moritz hosts a variety of unique winter sports, making the most of its frozen landscape.

Horse Racing on Ice

The White Turf event, held annually in February, features the world’s only flat horse race on snow, attracting top jockeys and horses from around the globe.

Polo on Ice

The Snow Polo World Cup takes place on the frozen lake, creating an unforgettable spectacle against a stunning alpine backdrop.

Skijoring

Skijoring involves skiers being pulled by horses, dogs, or cars over a snow-covered course, adding an extra dimension to winter sports in St. Moritz.

Car Racing

The ICE St. Moritz event features vehicles racing on the frozen lake, providing thrilling entertainment for spectators.

Things to Do in St. Moritz in Summer

St. Moritz is equally captivating in summer, offering a wealth of outdoor activities amidst its stunning natural beauty. Let’s delve into the exciting things to do in St. Moritz during the summer season.

1. Skydiving and Paragliding

Skydiving and paragliding provide breathtaking aerial views of the Engadine valley and surrounding mountains.

Skydiving

Experience the rush of free-falling from over 13,000 feet above ground, enjoying panoramic vistas of Lake St. Moritz and the Swiss Alps during the descent.

Paragliding

Take off from designated launch sites and soar through the alpine air, reveling in unmatched beauty from a bird’s eye perspective. Tandem options are available for beginners, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience.

2. Scenic Train Ride on the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express offers a breathtaking journey through some of Switzerland’s most stunning landscapes. With panoramic windows, this train ride takes you from St. Moritz to Tirano in Italy, passing over 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels. The route is a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing passengers with unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, glistening lakes, and charming alpine villages.

3. Picnic at Lake Lej Marsch

Lake Lej Marsch, situated at an elevation of 2,640 meters (8,660 feet), offers a scenic picnic spot with stunning views of surrounding mountains. Accessible by hiking or car, the lake features grassy areas and picnic tables. Swimming is an option for those who don’t mind the cold, though the presence of crayfish might add an unexpected element to your swim.

4. Hiking and Biking in the Engadine Valley

The Engadine valley is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of hiking and biking opportunities.

Hiking

With over 580 kilometers of hiking trails, the Engadine valley caters to all levels of hikers. Trails wind through lush meadows, pine forests, and alpine landscapes, providing breathtaking views at every turn.

Mountain Biking

The valley boasts an extensive network of mountain biking trails, varying in difficulty to cater to both experienced riders and novices. E-biking is also popular, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of the stunning surroundings.

Panoramic and Historical Routes

Explore panoramic routes like the Inn Cycle Path or Via Engiadina trail, offering picturesque vistas of alpine scenery and pristine lakes. Historical routes lead past ancient castles, charming villages, and cultural landmarks, revealing the rich heritage of the Engadine region.

Main Tourist Attractions in St. Moritz

Lake St. Moritz

Lake St. Moritz, at an elevation of 1,800 meters, is a year-round attraction. In winter, it’s a hub for ice skating and horse racing during the White Turf event. In summer, it offers opportunities for leisurely walks, picnics, and water sports like sailing and windsurfing. The lake’s crystal-clear waters and scenic backdrop make it a must-visit spot in St. Moritz.

Muottas Muragl

Muottas Muragl offers panoramic views of the Engadine valley and Lake St. Moritz. Accessible by funicular railway from Punt Muragl, it stands at an elevation of 2,456 meters, providing stunning sunset views. It’s a popular starting point for numerous hiking trails and home to the historical Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl, blending traditional charm with modern comfort.

Cresta Run

The Cresta Run is a renowned natural ice toboggan track, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience for thrill-seekers. Since 1884, it has drawn daredevils from around the world to its icy chute, reaching speeds up to 85 miles per hour. The exclusive St. Moritz Tobogganing Club manages the track, making it a must-try for adventurous visitors.

Cresta & Bob Museum

The Cresta & Bob Museum showcases the history and evolution of the Cresta Run and bobsledding. The museum displays historical sleds, photographs, medals, and memorabilia, highlighting St. Moritz’s significance in winter sports. Interactive exhibits offer visitors a simulated experience of the Cresta Run and bobsledding.

Segantini Museum

The Segantini Museum, dedicated to Italian painter Giovanni Segantini, features a remarkable collection of his works, including the Alpine Triptych. Located on Via Maistra, the museum offers panoramic views of Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding mountains, providing an enriching cultural experience.

Chesa Futura

Chesa Futura, designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, is a futuristic building blending modern architecture with traditional alpine aesthetics. Located in the heart of St. Moritz, it houses luxury apartments and offers stunning views of Lake St. Moritz. Its design, resembling a giant pinecone, showcases Foster’s innovative approach to sustainable architecture.

Heidi’s Hut

Heidi’s Hut, inspired by Johanna Spyri’s beloved children’s book, offers an immersive experience into the world of Heidi. Located near St. Moritz, the hut provides guided tours, storytelling sessions, and interactive exhibits, making it a delightful visit for families and fans of the story. Surrounded by alpine meadows and stunning mountain scenery, it transports visitors to Heidi’s charming world.

Where to Stay in St. Moritz

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, an iconic luxury hotel since 1896, offers a blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Located on Via Serlas, it boasts stunning views of Lake St. Moritz and the Swiss Alps. With luxurious rooms, fine dining restaurants, a spa, and exclusive shops, it promises an unforgettable stay.

Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains

The Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, a five-star hotel, blends Swiss tradition with modern luxury. Situated at the foot of the Corviglia ski area, it offers easy access to winter sports. The hotel features elegant rooms, gourmet dining, a world-class spa, and extensive wellness facilities, ensuring a luxurious stay.

Kulm Hotel St. Moritz

The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, a grand hotel since 1856, epitomizes luxury and refinement. Located on Via Veglia, it offers panoramic views of Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding mountains. The hotel features opulent rooms, gourmet restaurants, a spa, and a range of recreational facilities, making it a premier choice for visitors seeking unparalleled comfort and sophistication.

How to Get to St. Moritz

By Train

St. Moritz is well-connected by train, with regular services from major Swiss cities and neighboring countries. The scenic Bernina Express and Glacier Express routes provide breathtaking journeys through the Swiss Alps, making train travel a popular and picturesque option.

By Car

St. Moritz is accessible by car, with well-maintained roads leading from major cities in Switzerland and neighboring countries. The drive offers stunning views of the Alps, though it’s important to check road conditions during winter, as snow and ice can affect travel.

By Air

The nearest international airports to St. Moritz are Zurich Airport (about 215 kilometers away) and Milan Malpensa Airport (approximately 185 kilometers away). Both airports offer regular shuttle services and private transfers to St. Moritz, ensuring convenient access for international visitors.

Conclusion

St. Moritz, with its rich history, luxurious accommodations, and a plethora of activities, stands as a premier destination for both winter and summer vacations. Whether you’re skiing down world-class slopes or hiking through breathtaking alpine landscapes, St. Moritz promises an unforgettable experience in every season. So pack your bags and embark on a journey to this enchanting Swiss paradise.

Author Profile

Holli Greaves: Meet Holly, our versatile freelance journalist and featuers writer who has a passion for dissecting the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. Your guide to understanding the forces driving our digital age with insightful perspectives and in-depth storytelling.