Overview
St. Moritz is a high-altitude resort town in the Engadin valley of the canton of Graubünden, southeastern Switzerland, sitting at roughly 1,800 metres above sea level. It has been a destination for wealthy European visitors since the mid-19th century and hosted the Winter Olympics twice, cementing its reputation as one of the world's most prestigious mountain resorts.
The town divides into two distinct areas: St. Moritz Dorf, the upper village where most hotels, boutiques and restaurants cluster, and St. Moritz Bad, the lower lakeside area with thermal baths and a somewhat quieter atmosphere. Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding chain of Engadin lakes define the landscape, offering dramatic reflections of snow-covered peaks.
Despite its glamorous image, St. Moritz also has genuine substance for outdoor enthusiasts. The ski area — shared with neighbouring Celerina, Pontresina and Samedan under the Engadin St. Moritz name — offers varied terrain across multiple mountains, and summer brings world-class hiking, cycling and water sports. The region is also notable for its exceptional number of sunny days per year, a feature the town has historically used in its marketing.
Before You Go
Visas
Switzerland is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area, which affects entry requirements for many nationalities. For current, accurate visa guidance, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) at the official Swiss government website before booking.
Budget expectations
St. Moritz is consistently among the most expensive destinations in Europe. Accommodation, dining and ski passes all sit at the premium end of the market. Budget travellers should research prices carefully in advance; even self-catering options can be costly. Visiting in the shoulder periods of early December or late March may offer slightly lower rates, though verify availability and conditions locally.
Health and altitude
At approximately 1,800 m, most visitors do not experience significant altitude-related issues, but those with heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before travel. Snow glare is intense; good-quality UV-protective sunglasses are essential in winter and spring.
What to pack
- Winter: thermal base layers, waterproof ski or snow gear, insulated boots, sunscreen (UV exposure is high at altitude)
- Summer: light layers with a warm jacket for evenings, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, sunscreen
Getting There
By air
The nearest major international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), approximately 3 hours from St. Moritz by train. Milan Malpensa (MXP) in Italy is another option and can be slightly closer by road, though journey times vary. Verify current transfer options and schedules directly with carriers or the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).
By train
The train journey from Zurich to St. Moritz is one of the most practical and scenic routes in Switzerland. The famous Glacier Express connects St. Moritz with Zermatt, passing through spectacular alpine scenery; it requires a seat reservation and takes the better part of a day. The Bernina Express links St. Moritz to Lugano and Tirano in Italy through UNESCO-listed mountain railway infrastructure. Check timetables and book seats in advance at the SBB website or Rail Europe.
By car
St. Moritz is accessible by road via the Julier Pass or Maloja Pass from the west, and via the Flüela Pass or Forcola di Livigno from other directions. Several passes close seasonally in winter; verify conditions before driving. A Switzerland motorway vignette (annual sticker) is required for use of national motorways.
Getting Around
St. Moritz Dorf and Bad are compact enough to walk between, though the hill between them is steep in winter conditions. A free shuttle bus typically links key points in the resort area during the main seasons — confirm current routes and schedules locally or with your accommodation on arrival.
The Engadin regional bus and rail network connects St. Moritz with surrounding villages including Pontresina, Samedan and Silvaplana. Many ski pass holders receive complimentary or discounted regional transit — verify this with the ski area ticket office.
Taxis are available but expensive. Car hire is available in the area if you wish to explore the wider Engadin valley, though many visitors find public transport sufficient for resort activities.
Things to See & Do
Winter activities
- Skiing and snowboarding: The Engadin St. Moritz ski area spans multiple linked sectors including Corviglia, Corvatsch and Diavolezza/Lagalb. The terrain suits all levels, from gentle slopes near the village to challenging off-piste routes. Verify current lift pass prices on the official Engadin St. Moritz website.
- Cresta Run and Bob Run: St. Moritz is home to two of the world's oldest and most famous ice racing tracks. The Cresta Run (skeleton) is members-only in most sessions, with limited public access; the Bob Run offers public rides at specific times. Check their respective official sites for current access and booking information.
- Polo on snow: The White Turf horse-racing event and the Snow Polo World Cup are held on the frozen Lake St. Moritz in February, drawing international participants and spectators.
- Cross-country skiing: The Engadin valley's flat sections provide extensive groomed trails for Nordic skiing, including the route of the annual Engadin Skimarathon.
Summer activities
- Hiking trails of varying difficulty fan out from the town across the Engadin valley and surrounding peaks; cable cars and lifts operate in summer to access higher terrain.
- Mountain biking on marked trails; bike hire available locally (verify availability).
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing on Lake Silvaplana, widely regarded as one of Europe's best wind sport locations.
- The Segantini Museum houses a significant collection of work by Giovanni Segantini, the 19th-century artist closely associated with the Engadin landscape.
Food & Drink
Local and regional cuisine
The Engadin region has its own culinary traditions. Nusstorte (Engadine nut tart, filled with a caramel-walnut mixture) is the area's most iconic food souvenir and widely available in local bakeries. Pizzoccheri, a buckwheat pasta dish originating just across the Italian border in Valtellina, appears on many regional menus. Game dishes featuring venison and chamois are common in autumn.
Dining landscape
St. Moritz has a concentration of high-end restaurants, including several with Michelin recognition — verify current listings with the Michelin Guide as these change. On the mountain, mid-station restaurants serve food throughout the ski day; queues at peak times can be long, so arriving slightly off the lunch rush helps.
Drinks
Switzerland produces wine from nearby Italian-speaking cantons (Ticino) and the Graubünden region itself, though quantities are small and the wine is not widely exported. Local craft spirits and herbal liqueurs are worth exploring. Coffee culture is strong; espresso is ubiquitous.
Shopping
St. Moritz Dorf's Via Serlas is the main shopping street, lined with international luxury brands including major Swiss watchmakers, jewellers and fashion houses. This reflects the resort's long-standing clientele rather than being unique to the destination.
For more locally specific purchases, look for Engadine Nusstorte from established local confectioneries, Graubünden wines (available in specialist shops), and locally made textiles. Outdoor equipment shops in the town carry quality Swiss and European ski and hiking gear.
VAT refund schemes may apply to non-EU/non-Swiss visitors for qualifying purchases above a minimum spend; ask at point of sale and verify current rules with Swiss customs before your trip.
Practical Information
Emergency contacts
The pan-European emergency number 112 works from mobile phones in Switzerland. The Swiss medical emergency line is 144; police is 117; fire is 118. Mountain rescue is coordinated via 1414 (Rega, Swiss Air-Rescue) — save this number if engaging in mountain activities.
Money
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Card payments are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller establishments and mountain facilities. ATMs are available in St. Moritz Dorf and Bad.
Internet and connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafés. Mobile coverage is generally good in the village but can be patchy on remote trails and in valleys.
Useful apps
- SBB Mobile: Swiss train and bus schedules
- MeteoSwiss: official Swiss weather forecasting (particularly important for mountain safety)
- Rega (Swiss Air-Rescue): emergency alerting function
Safety
St. Moritz is a low-crime environment by international standards. Standard urban precautions apply in busy resort areas — be mindful of belongings in crowded restaurants and on the slopes.
Mountain safety is the more substantive concern. Off-piste skiing and hiking in high terrain carry avalanche risk. Always check the avalanche bulletin issued by the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) at avalanche.ch before venturing off marked runs or trails. Never ski or hike in high-risk terrain alone, and consider hiring a certified local guide for off-piste routes.
Weather in the Alps changes rapidly. Even on day hikes, carry an extra layer, waterproof clothing and sufficient water. Inform someone of your intended route and expected return time.
