St. Moritz is one of the best-known winter sports destinations in the Alps and has been combining an Alpine lifestyle with excellent skiing conditions for over 150 years. The Upper Engadine not only offers an impressive mountain backdrop, but also an exceptional combination of guaranteed snow, hours of sunshine and a variety of slopes. If you want to ski here, you will find state-of-the-art lifts, perfectly groomed slopes and an infrastructure that will delight both leisure skiers and ambitious athletes. The altitude of between 1800 and 3300 meters ensures reliable snow conditions from December to April. At the same time, the special climate with an above-average number of sunny days makes every day of skiing a special experience.
What makes skiing in St. Moritz so unique and why the region arouses enthusiasm every year
The fascination for skiing in St. Moritz arises from the interplay of several factors. It is not only the scenic beauty that captivates, but also the well thought-out infrastructure and the special microclimate, which often guarantees bright sunshine even on cold winter days. Added to this is the long history of winter tourism, which gives the resort a special atmosphere.
Guaranteed snow and over 300 days of sunshine as a reliable basis
The Upper Engadine is known for its exceptional amount of sunshine. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the region is one of the sunniest areas in Switzerland. This advantage is particularly noticeable when skiing in St. Moritz, as sunny skiing days are not uncommon even in the height of winter. The special climatic conditions can be attributed to several factors:
- The altitude between 1800 and over 3000 meters guarantees reliable snow conditions from December to April
- Modern snow-making facilities supplement the natural snow guarantee and ensure the best slope conditions throughout
- The dry inland climate ensures powdery snow and pleasant temperatures despite the cold
- The sheltered valley location reduces strong winds and makes skiing more comfortable
This combination of natural conditions and technical support creates ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.
First-class lift facilities and extensive slopes
The technical equipment of the mountain railroads around St. Moritz meets the highest standards. Modern gondola lifts, comfortable chairlifts and efficient drag lifts take skiers up the mountain quickly. Waiting times are generally manageable and the lifts are well maintained. Skiing in St. Moritz offers a total of over 350 kilometers of groomed slopes of varying degrees of difficulty. From wide pleasure slopes to steep mogul pistes, everything is represented. The pistes are groomed daily and ensure optimum conditions for skiing in St. Moritz, whether you are a beginner practising your first turns or an experienced skier looking for a sporting challenge.
The special atmosphere in the Upper Engadine
In addition to the sporting aspects, the surroundings also contribute significantly to the experience. The Engadin mountains with their striking peaks, extensive forests and clear mountain lakes create a backdrop that is second to none. The historic village center with its typical Engadine houses lends the region character and authenticity. Skiing in St. Moritz also means being part of a long winter sports tradition without having to compromise on modern comforts.
The most important ski resorts around St. Moritz and what sets them apart from each other
The region has several independent ski areas that differ in character and orientation. Each of these areas has its own advantages and appeals to different types of skiers. Together they form a varied offer that leaves nothing to be desired when skiing in St. Moritz.
Corviglia as the centerpiece with a mixture of pleasure and sportiness
Corviglia is considered the main ski area and is directly accessible from St. Moritz. It offers a balanced mix of wide slopes for pleasure skiers and challenging sections for sporty skiers. The southern exposure of many slopes ensures plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures. Several mountain restaurants invite you to take a break and the views of the surrounding mountains are spectacular. Corviglia is ideal for day visitors and families, as the infrastructure is coherent all round and there is something for everyone.
Corvatsch with modern facilities and sporting challenges
The Corvatsch area is located on the opposite side of the valley and is characterized by its modern ascent infrastructure. A high-performance cable car takes skiers quickly up to an altitude of over 3300 meters. The area offers ideal conditions for ambitious skiers in particular:
- Long, varied descents with up to 1500 vertical meters in one go
- More challenging slopes compared to the Corviglia side
- Excellent snow conditions thanks to the extreme altitude
- Modern lift infrastructure with short waiting times even in the high season
If you are looking for a sporting challenge when skiing in St. Moritz, you will find it at Corvatsch. The slopes tend to be steeper and require more skiing ability.
Diavolezza with high alpine landscape and spectacular descents
The Diavolezza offers a special experience for experienced skiers. The area is located on a high plateau and impresses with its high alpine scenery and glacier views. The famous glacier descent is one of the most spectacular deep-snow runs in the Alps, but requires appropriate experience and often the company of a mountain guide. The groomed pistes on the Diavolezza are also challenging and offer an intense skiing experience when skiing in St. Moritz.
Skiing in St. Moritz – a variety of slopes for every level and skiing style
The variety of slopes is one of the great strengths of skiing in St. Moritz. Whether beginner, advanced or expert, everyone will find the right runs. This mix makes the destination particularly attractive for groups with different levels of ability.
Wide and sunny slopes for relaxed skiing days
For pleasure skiers, there are numerous wide and easy slopes, most of which are south-facing and therefore get plenty of sunshine. These slopes are ideal for relaxed turns without the hustle and bustle. You can enjoy the panorama, ski in peace and quiet and stop off at one of the many mountain restaurants in between. Such slopes are also ideal for beginners or people who simply want to spend a relaxed day on skis. Typical pleasure slopes are characterized by the following features:
- Wide slopes with enough space for energetic carving
- Moderate incline without steep or icy passages
- Regular sunlight, which ensures pleasant temperatures
- Good accessibility thanks to convenient lifts
- Mountain restaurants and refreshment stops directly on the piste
Challenging sections for ambitious winter sports enthusiasts
Those looking for sporting challenges will also find what they are looking for when skiing in St. Moritz. There are steep slopes, mogul pistes and technically demanding passages that require skiing skills. Such runs can be found on Corvatsch and Diavolezza in particular. There are also opportunities for freeriders away from the groomed pistes, although you should always pay attention to the avalanche situation and, if in doubt, consult local guides. The variety makes it possible to find new challenges every day.
Family-friendly areas and safe practice slopes for beginners
Families with children and beginners benefit from specially designated practice areas and flat slopes that enable safe learning. These areas are often separated from the main slopes and offer a quiet environment for practicing. Ski schools are present on site and offer courses for all age groups. The infrastructure is child-friendly and many mountain restaurants have appropriate facilities. This makes skiing in St. Moritz a relaxed experience for families with children.
Winter activities away from the ski slopes for varied vacation days
Those who don’t want to spend every day skiing in St. Moritz exclusively on the slopes will find a wide range of other winter activities in the region. This diversity makes a stay in the Upper Engadine particularly varied and offers opportunities for anyone who wants to take a break from the slopes.
Cross-country skiing on the legendary Engadine trails
The Engadin is known for its excellent cross-country skiing opportunities. The region has an extensive network of cross-country ski trails, offering both classic cross-country skiing and skating. The trails lead through snow-covered forests, over frozen lakes and through the characteristic Engadin landscape. The Engadin Ski Marathon is particularly popular, attracting thousands of participants every year. There are also easy circuits for beginners, while ambitious cross-country skiers will find long and challenging routes.
Winter hikes and snowshoe tours through tranquil landscapes
Winter hiking trails and snowshoe routes offer a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle on the slopes. The groomed winter hiking trails lead through snow-covered forests and across sunny slopes. You can also explore remote areas on snowshoes, giving you a genuine impression of the winter mountain world. Guided tours are organized by local providers and are particularly recommended for people who are not yet familiar with the region. These activities are ideal for rest days between skiing days.
Ice skating, curling and other leisure activities
In addition to skiing in St. Moritz, there are numerous other leisure activities. The choice of winter activities is impressively diverse:
- Ice skating on natural ice rinks with a view of the mountains
- Curling, which has a long tradition in the Engadin and is also accessible to beginners
- Romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered landscapes
- Tobogganing on prepared tracks for families and groups of friends
This variety ensures that even non-skiers or people who want to experience something different in between get their money’s worth.
Practical tips for a relaxed skiing vacation in St. Moritz
Good preparation plays a key role in ensuring that your ski vacation runs smoothly. A few practical considerations in advance make planning easier and help you get the most out of your stay. From choosing the right time to travel to organizing ski passes and equipment, there are several aspects that should be considered. If you keep these points in mind, you can concentrate fully on skiing in St. Moritz and relaxing when you get there.
The best time to travel and useful weather tips for skiing in St. Moritz
The ski season generally runs from mid-December to the beginning of April. The peak season is between Christmas and the end of March, with February and March often considered the ideal months as the days get longer and the temperatures are milder. Good snow conditions and plenty of sunshine can be expected during this time. Those who like it quieter should avoid the high season around Christmas, New Year and the sports vacations. The weather in the Upper Engadine tends to be stable, but it is still advisable to check the latest weather reports before setting off and pack appropriate clothing.
Ski passes, mountain railroads and offers for guests
A ski pass is required to use the cable cars, which can be purchased as a day pass or multi-day pass depending on the length of your stay. There are various tariff options, including family passes. Many hotels offer packages that include the ski pass or offer discounts. In summer, overnight guests staying two nights or more often benefit from free cable car rides and use of public transport. These offers are particularly worthwhile for families or longer stays.
Ski schools, rental stations and equipment recommendations
If you don’t bring your own equipment or don’t want to lug it around, there are numerous rental stations in St. Moritz with modern equipment. The organization on site is uncomplicated:
- Hire stations are located both in the village and directly at the valley stations of the cable cars
- The selection ranges from standard equipment to high-end models for demanding drivers
- Ski schools offer courses for all levels, from beginners to professionals
- Private lessons enable individual training and faster learning progress
- Bookings can often be made online in advance, which is particularly recommended in the high season
A course is particularly useful for children and beginners to learn the right technique right from the start and to really enjoy skiing in St. Moritz from the very beginning.
The Hotel Bären – A good choice for skiing in St. Moritz
After an active day on the slopes, you need comfortable accommodation where you can relax and recharge your batteries. The Hotel Bären offers exactly this combination of a good location, personal atmosphere and solid facilities.
Quiet location and quick access to the mountain railroads
The hotel is in a quiet yet central location in St. Moritz, making it a practical starting point for skiers. The cable cars are within easy reach and a shuttle service makes it even easier to get to the train station or the lifts. This location makes it possible to start the day’s skiing in a relaxed manner in the morning and return to the hotel quickly in the evening. The quiet surroundings ensure that you can sleep well at night and start the next day refreshed. This combination of proximity and tranquillity is ideal for skiers in St. Moritz.
Comfortable rooms and warm hospitality
The hotel has individually designed rooms in various categories, from single rooms to spacious junior suites. All rooms are comfortably furnished and offer beautiful views of the mountains. The hotel scores with several advantages that make your stay a pleasant one:
- The wellness area invites you to relax after a day on the slopes
- The restaurant offers traditional Swiss cuisine with good quality
- The personal service and family atmosphere are particularly appreciated by guests
- Family rooms offer enough space for parents with children
- Dogs are also welcome, which is an important aspect for many guests
Anyone who values an honest and well-run hotel will find a suitable base for their ski vacation here.
