Welcome to St. Moritz!

Perched at 1,856 metres in the Upper Engadin, St. Moritz is one of the world's most celebrated alpine destinations. The resort enjoys an average of 322 days of sunshine a year and sits on the shores of Lake St. Moritz, which freezes solid each winter to become a venue for polo, horse racing and cricket.

Three principal ski sectors — Corviglia/Piz Nair, Corvatsch/Furtschellas and Diavolezza/Lagalb — offer a combined network of more than 350 km of slopes across the wider Upper Engadin region, served by 58 mountain railway facilities. The terrain spans gentle nursery slopes to challenging off-piste glacier runs, with a summit altitude of 3,303 metres at the Corvatsch mountain station.

Mountain Statistics

Area	Pistes	Summit	Best For
Corviglia / Piz Nair	⚠️ Confirm with operator	3,057 m	Varied terrain, resort-side access, mountain dining
Corvatsch / Furtschellas	120 km	3,303 m	Red runs, freestyle, night skiing, high-altitude snow
Diavolezza	32 km + 8 km glacier	2,978 m	Glacier scenery, strong intermediates, advanced runs
Lagalb	13 km	⚠️ Confirm	Advanced skiers, compact challenging sector

Terrain breakdown (Corvatsch): 13 km blue, 89 km red, 18 km black. Corvatsch features 20 km of snowmaking coverage and the Corvatsch Park for freestyle.

Terrain breakdown (Diavolezza): 31 km red, 1 km black (groomed), plus an 8 km ungroomed glacier run with views of Piz Bernina (4,049 m) and Piz Palü. The glacier route is not a standard groomed piste — appropriate experience and equipment are recommended.

The Birthplace of Winter Tourism

St. Moritz invented the alpine winter holiday in 1864 when hotelier Johannes Badrutt wagered a group of English summer guests that they would enjoy a winter stay just as much. They came, they stayed, and winter tourism was born. The resort went on to host the Winter Olympics twice (1928 and 1948) and remains synonymous with glamour, sport and mountain excellence.

322 Days of Sunshine

The Upper Engadin is one of the sunniest valleys in the Alps. The high altitude (1,856 m village, up to 3,303 m on-mountain) means reliable snow conditions combined with clear, crisp days — ideal for both skiing and simply enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Frozen Lake Events

Each winter, frozen Lake St. Moritz becomes a stage for extraordinary sporting events:

• Snow Polo World Cup — 22–24 January 2027. The world’s premier snow polo event.
• White Turf Racing Days — 7, 14 and 21 February 2027. Flat racing, trotting and Skikjöring on the frozen lake.
• White Turf Family Days — 6, 13 and 20 February 2027.

⚠️ Needs Review: All lake events are subject to ice-safety conditions. Confirm dates before booking.

Beyond the Slopes

St. Moritz offers an exceptional range of non-skiing experiences: the Olympia Bob Run, Cresta Run, OVAVERVA spa, the Segantini Museum, elegant shopping along Via Serlas and Via Maistra, and world-class dining from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional mountain huts.

From Australia

There is no non-stop Australia–Zurich service. Most travellers fly via a major international hub (Singapore, Dubai, Doha or a European gateway) to Zürich Airport (ZRH). Flight time is approximately 20–24 hours depending on the routing.

Zürich to St. Moritz by Train

The Swiss rail network connects Zürich with St. Moritz in approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, including a scenic section through the Albula Pass — a UNESCO World Heritage railway route. Book through SBB (Swiss Federal Railways).

St. Moritz station has luggage lockers, ticket counters, luggage services, free Wi-Fi and accessibility support.

Glacier Express

The Glacier Express runs between St. Moritz and Zermatt — it is not a Zürich–St. Moritz train. It’s best positioned as a separate panoramic rail experience to begin or end your holiday. A mandatory seat reservation is required in addition to a valid rail ticket. Book early.

More info: sbb.ch

By Road

From Zürich: approximately 3 hours via the Julier Pass or through the Vereina Tunnel (car-carrying rail shuttle, useful in bad weather). A Swiss motorway vignette is required for driving on Swiss highways.

Hire car desks are available at Zürich Airport. Winter tyres or chains are mandatory in alpine conditions.

At the Resort

St. Moritz has excellent public transport. Upper Engadin ski tickets include regional bus services. The resort villages are compact and walkable, with free shuttle services connecting key areas.

Trail Maps

Trail maps for the three main ski sectors can be downloaded or viewed online:

• Corviglia / Piz Nair: Available at mountains.ch or from guest services at the mountain stations.
• Corvatsch / Furtschellas: Available at corvatsch-diavolezza.ch.
• Diavolezza / Lagalb: Available at corvatsch-diavolezza.ch.

Pick up printed trail maps from any guest services desk, lift station, or the St. Moritz Tourist Information office at Via Maistra 1.

Village Map

The St. Moritz village map and transport information is available at the Tourist Information office and at stmoritz.com.

Snow-Deal (Dynamic Pricing)

St. Moritz uses Snow-Deal, a dynamic pricing system for day and multi-day ski tickets. Earlier purchase generally secures a lower rate. Tickets can cover Corvatsch/Furtschellas, Corviglia/Piz Nair, Diavolezza/Lagalb, Muottas Muragl, Zuoz and smaller local areas.

Regional public transport is included with Upper Engadin area tickets on valid days.

Purchase at: stmoritz.com

Sleep + Ski

Participating hotels offer Sleep + Ski packages at CHF 55 per person per day for stays from 17 October 2026 to 2 May 2027, including Upper Engadin public transport. The ski pass must cover the full length of stay. ⚠️ Needs Review: Confirm participating hotels and conditions before packaging.

Family Products

For eligible 3- to 15-day and annual family products: guardians pay the official tariff, the eldest child up to age 17 pays the applicable youth/child tariff, the second child receives 30% off, and further children (up to age 17) travel free. Proof of shared household and guardianship required.

Flexible Pass

A flexible 10-day pass is valid for any 10 days within 365 days of purchase across the Upper Engadin snow-sports region.

Ikon Pass

St. Moritz participates in the Ikon Pass. Published benefits provide 7 combined days for Ikon Pass holders or 5 days for Ikon Base Pass holders across the region’s nine ski areas, with no blackout dates. ⚠️ Needs Review: Confirm 2026–27 access and collection procedures before sale.

Skiservice Corvatsch operates 11 locations across the valley, including a facility at the Corviglia mountain station. Giacometti Sport is available in Maloja.

The destination portal provides the full regional rental directory and online booking:

• stmoritz.com — Official booking
• engadin.ch — Regional directory
• corvatsch-diavolezza.ch — Mountain information

Tip: Book equipment in advance during peak weeks (Christmas/New Year, February half-term). Confirm whether packages include helmets, damage cover, storage, servicing and transfers between shops.

Ski Schools

Named providers in the official directory include:

• Suvretta Snowsports School — in St. Moritz, offering alpine ski and snowboard lessons for all levels.
• St. Moritz Nordic / Suvretta Sports — cross-country skiing instruction.
• Wyss Snowsports — based in Silvaplana.

Additional alpine and Nordic schools are listed through the regional portal.

Booking

Official ski-school directory: engadin.ch

Destination booking portal: stmoritz.com

Tip: Check lesson meeting points carefully — the main ski sectors have different valley access points. Book children's lessons well in advance during school holiday periods.

2026–27 Season Highlights

• Snow-Deal dynamic pricing now applies across all Upper Engadin lift products — book early for the best rates.
• Corvatsch provisional season: Surlej–Murtèl operations from 21 November 2026, extending to 25 April 2027.
• Diavolezza provisional season: Limited autumn skiing from 24 October 2026 (Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays). Full winter operations from 23 December 2026 to 2 May 2027.
• Lagalb: 19 December 2026 to 4 April 2027.

⚠️ Items to Monitor

• The St. Moritz Dorf–Chantarella–Corviglia funicular was subject to a technical rebuild / maintenance closures as of August 2026. The Signal cable car from St. Moritz Bad may be the alternative access. Confirm final winter arrangements before sale.
• Salastrains was reported closed for construction — reopening status not yet published.
• Major event dates (Snow Polo, White Turf) are published but remain subject to organiser and lake-safety confirmation.
• Restaurant concepts and operators can change between seasons — particularly La Marmite and other seasonal mountain venues.

Snow Activities

• Cross-country skiing — The Engadin offers extensive cross-country trails, including the famous lake trail. Instruction through St. Moritz Nordic / Suvretta Sports.
• Corvatsch Snow Night — 4.2 km of illuminated piste for night skiing.
• Winter hiking & snowshoeing — Marked trails across the valley, including scenic routes from Muottas Muragl.
• Sledding — Including the Muottas Muragl toboggan run.
• Snow parks — Corvatsch Park for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

Ice & Adventure

• Olympia Bob Run — St. Moritz–Celerina. A 1,722-metre natural-ice track with 19 bends. Guest rides available with a pilot and brakeman. Advance booking required, subject to conditions.
• Cresta Run — Historic skeleton run and the Cresta & Bob Museum.
• Ice skating, curling & Bavarian curling — Public facilities available.
• Horse-drawn carriage rides — Through the Engadin Valley.

Non-Snow Activities

• OVAVERVA Spa & Sports Centre — Indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, fitness.
• Segantini Museum — Dedicated to the work of Giovanni Segantini.
• Forum Paracelsus — The history of the St. Moritz mineral springs.
• St. Moritz Design Gallery
• Shopping — Luxury boutiques along Via Serlas and Via Maistra.

Official activity directory: stmoritz.com

Mountain restaurants are highly seasonal. Reserve popular venues in advance and confirm access, lift operation and opening hours.

Dining directory: stmoritz.com

Notable après-ski and nightlife venues:

• Sternbar Marguns & quattro BAR — On Corviglia. Slope-side drinks and music.
• Bar Finale — At the Celerina valley station.
• RooBar — At Hotel Hauser in central St. Moritz.
• The Blues — Opposite Suvretta House.
• Stübli, Pianobar & Cigar Lounge — At Hotel Schweizerhof.
• La Gondla — Central St. Moritz.
• St. Moritz Sky Bar — At Hotel Monopol.
• King's Social House — At Badrutt's Palace Hotel.

Tip: Smart dress is expected in many evening venues. Check opening nights, dress codes and reservations directly.

Nightlife directory: stmoritz.com

Groceries

Coop has branches in St. Moritz-Dorf (Plazza da Scoula 12) and a Bellevue branch. ⚠️ Needs Review: Recent information marked specific branches as temporarily closed. Check the live store finder at coop.ch before directing guests.

Tourism-zone exemptions may allow selected resort shops to open on Sundays or public holidays, but hours are store-specific.

Shopping

Via Serlas and Via Maistra are the principal luxury-shopping streets, featuring international designer brands, Swiss watchmakers and local boutiques.

Official merchandise, vouchers and transport products are available through the St. Moritz Shop.

Shopping directory: stmoritz.com

Altitude

St. Moritz village sits at 1,856 metres above sea level, with skiing up to 3,303 metres. Some visitors may notice mild altitude effects (shortness of breath, headache) in the first day or two. Stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol on arrival and take it easy on day one.

Currency

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Euros are sometimes accepted at tourist-oriented businesses but change is given in CHF. ATMs are widely available.

Payment

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted. Contactless payment is common. Carry some cash for smaller establishments and tips.

Weather & Clothing

Winter temperatures in St. Moritz typically range from -15°C to 0°C. Despite cold temperatures, the strong sunshine at altitude means good UV protection is essential. Pack quality ski gear, layered clothing, UV-rated sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.

Medical

Switzerland has excellent medical facilities. The nearest hospital is in Samedan (approximately 5 km from St. Moritz). European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not apply for Australian citizens — comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

Tipping

Service is included in Swiss bills by law. Small tips (rounding up or 5–10%) are appreciated but not expected.

Tourist Information

St. Moritz Tourist Information is at Via Maistra 1. Published winter hours (30 November 2026 to 15 March 2027): 09:00–18:00 weekdays, 10:00–18:00 weekends. Services include maps, transport tickets, cross-country passes and village-tour reservations.

Power

Switzerland uses Type J power sockets (230V, 50Hz). Australian appliances need a Type J adapter. Most modern chargers (laptops, phones) are dual-voltage.

Language

The main languages in the Engadin are German and Romansh. English is widely spoken in the tourism industry.

Visa

Australian passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Switzerland (Schengen area). Check current requirements at smartraveller.gov.au.