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St. Moritz is a high-alpine resort town in the Engadin valley of the canton of Graubünden, southeastern Switzerland, sitting at roughly 1,800 metres above sea level. It is one of the oldest winter-sports destinations in the world and has hosted the Winter Olympics twice — in 1928 and 1948 — a distinction shared by very few places on earth.
The town divides into two distinct areas: St. Moritz Dorf, the main village perched on a hillside, and St. Moritz Bad, the lower spa district beside Lake St. Moritz. The lake itself is a focal point across both seasons — frozen in winter for events including polo and horse racing on ice, open in summer for sailing, windsurfing, and rowing.
Despite its reputation for exclusivity, St. Moritz rewards visitors across a broad range of interests: serious skiers, cross-country enthusiasts, hikers, mountain bikers, art and architecture seekers, and those who simply want clean mountain air and dramatic scenery. The Engadin valley surrounding the town is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the light quality here — famously bright and dry — has attracted artists and writers for well over a century.
Note on the prompt: St. Moritz is located in Switzerland, not Austria. This guide covers St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Before You Go
Visas
Switzerland is not a European Union member but is part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary considerably by nationality. For accurate, up-to-date entry rules, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and cross-reference with the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (sem.admin.ch).
When to Go
- Winter (December–March): Peak ski season. Expect the highest prices and fullest hotels, particularly over Christmas, New Year, and late January when the Hahnenschwanz and other events draw crowds.
- Summer (June–September): Quieter and often significantly cheaper. Hiking trails open progressively from June; late July and August are warmest and most reliable.
- Shoulder periods (April–May, October–November): Many hotels and lifts close. Not recommended unless you have a specific reason to visit.
What to Pack
Even in summer, evenings at this altitude can be cold — bring layers. In winter, full ski kit is advisable; quality rental equipment is widely available in resort, so check whether packing skis is worth the hassle. Sun protection is essential year-round due to altitude and snow reflection.
Health
Altitude is generally well-tolerated at 1,800 m, but visitors coming from sea level may notice mild fatigue in the first day or two. If you plan strenuous skiing or hiking immediately on arrival, allow a short acclimatisation window. Travel insurance that covers mountain rescue is strongly recommended; helicopter rescue in the Swiss Alps is reliable but can be expensive without cover.
Getting There
By Air
The closest major international airport is Zurich (ZRH), approximately two to three hours from St. Moritz by train depending on connections. Milan Malpensa (MXP) in Italy is another option, roughly two to three hours by road or a longer journey by rail. Verify current schedules and transfer options directly with carriers and Swiss Federal Railways (sbb.ch).
By Train
The train journey from Zurich to St. Moritz via Chur is one of the most practical and scenic ways to arrive. The Rhaetian Railway, which operates the final segment through Graubünden, is a UNESCO World Heritage railway. The Glacier Express also connects St. Moritz with Zermatt, though this is primarily a scenic excursion rather than a fast transfer. Book rail tickets in advance during peak season.
By Car
Driving is possible but requires caution: mountain passes such as the Julier Pass can close in winter or require snow chains. Check road conditions before departing. Parking in St. Moritz town centre is limited and regulated; your accommodation can advise on parking arrangements.
By Bus
PostBus Switzerland serves the Engadin valley and can be a cost-effective way to reach St. Moritz from nearby rail connections. Verify routes and timetables at postbus.ch.
Getting Around
St. Moritz is compact enough to walk between many points of interest, though the terrain is hilly and icy paths in winter require careful footwear. Sturdy, non-slip boots are a practical necessity in the cold months.
The local and regional bus network covers St. Moritz Dorf, St. Moritz Bad, and surrounding Engadin villages. Guests staying in the municipality typically receive a guest card (Gästekarte) from their accommodation, which may offer free or discounted travel on local buses — ask your hotel about this on arrival.
For ski access, the mountain transport system connects St. Moritz with the broader Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Diavolezza ski areas. A Ski Pass covers these linked areas; verify current pricing and coverage at the official Engadin St. Moritz resort site. The ski bus shuttle between resort areas is a practical way to move around without a car.
Taxis are available and reliable but priced at Swiss rates. Ride-hailing apps have limited presence in this area; verify locally.
Where to Stay
St. Moritz accommodation ranges from internationally renowned grand hotels with histories stretching back to the 19th century to smaller family-run guesthouses and self-catering apartments in the wider Engadin valley.
The Badrutt's Palace and the Kulm Hotel are among the most historically prominent properties in the resort and are widely known — both have lengthy track records and are verifiable through standard booking channels. Several other luxury-tier hotels operate in the town. Verify availability, rates, and cancellation policies directly with properties or through established booking platforms.
For travellers on moderate budgets, staying in nearby villages such as Celerina, Pontresina, or Samedan — all within a short bus or train ride — can reduce accommodation costs considerably while still giving easy access to the ski areas and resort facilities.
Peak season (Christmas to New Year, and February) sees the highest prices and earliest sell-outs. Booking three to six months ahead for winter peak periods is advisable. Summer rates are generally lower and last-minute availability more common.
Things to See & Do
Winter Activities
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding: The three main ski areas — Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Diavolezza/Lagalb — offer terrain for all ability levels, with a combined total of well over 350 km of marked runs. Verify current trail counts and lift status with the resort.
- Cross-country skiing: The Engadin Skimarathon, held annually in March, is one of the largest cross-country ski races in the world. The valley's flat basin provides excellent Nordic trails.
- The Cresta Run and Bob Run: The Cresta Run is a natural ice skeleton track with a history dating to the 1880s, open to members and paying guests under strict conditions (verify access rules directly with the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club). The St. Moritz–Celerina Olympic Bobrun is one of the few natural ice bobsleigh runs still operating; public rides are available on certain days — check with the operator in advance.
- Horse racing and polo on the frozen lake: The White Turf horse racing event and snow polo tournament take place on the frozen Lake St. Moritz in February. Exact dates change each year; verify at whiteturf.ch and snowpolo-stmoritz.com.
- Ice skating and curling: Available at rinks in the resort; verify locations and public hours locally.
Summer Activities
- Hiking: Trails radiate from the valley floor into high alpine terrain. The Engadin valley is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and walking is excellent from roughly late June through September.
- Mountain biking: A well-developed trail network serves cross-country and downhill riders; bike rental is available locally.
- Lake activities: Sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and rowing are all practised on Lake St. Moritz and nearby Lake Silvaplana, which is particularly known for its reliable wind conditions favoured by kitesurfers.
- Golf: The Engadin Golf Club at Samedan is one of the highest-altitude golf courses in Europe. Verify access, green fees, and season dates directly with the club.
Culture and Art
- Segantini Museum: Dedicated to the work of Giovanni Segantini, the 19th-century symbolist painter who lived and worked in the Engadin. The distinctive round stone building is worth visiting in its own right. Verify opening hours and admission at segantini-museum.ch.
- Engadin Museum: Covers the history and traditional culture of the Engadin valley including historic Engadin house interiors.
- Kirchner Museum Davos is a short distance away (see Nearby section) for those interested in expressionist art.
Food & Drink
St. Moritz has a dining scene that ranges from simple mountain huts to internationally recognised fine-dining restaurants. Several establishments in and around the resort have held Michelin recognition over the years; verify current status before booking.
Local and Regional Specialities
- Pizzoccheri: A buckwheat pasta dish from the neighbouring Valtellina tradition, common in Graubünden restaurants
- Bündner Nusstorte: A caramelised nut tart that is the signature baked good of the canton
- Rösti: Swiss potato cake, ubiquitous and reliable as a side dish or main
- Capuns: A Graubünden dish of dumpling-like rolls made with chard leaves, spätzle dough, and dried meat
- Local game: Venison and chamois appear on autumn and winter menus in traditional restaurants
Practical Notes
Mountain huts (Berghütten) on the slopes serve lunch during ski and hiking seasons and can be excellent value relative to resort restaurants. Dining in general in St. Moritz reflects Swiss prices, which are among the higher in Europe — budget accordingly. Lunch deals and fixed menus are often better value than ordering à la carte in the evening. Booking ahead is advisable for dinner during peak winter weeks.
Practical Information
Money
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted including at mountain restaurants and shops. ATMs are available in the town centre. Euro is sometimes accepted in tourist-facing businesses but change is typically given in francs at a rate unfavourable to the visitor — paying in CHF is preferable.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage from major Swiss carriers is generally good in the town and on the main ski slopes, though it can drop in remote valley areas. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many restaurants.
Emergency Services
In Switzerland, the general emergency number is 112 (EU-standard, works across Schengen). For specific services: police 117, fire 118, ambulance 144, and the Swiss Alpine Rescue (Rega) helicopter service is reached on 1414. Save these numbers before you travel.
Pharmacies and Medical
There are pharmacies and a medical centre in St. Moritz. For serious injuries on the mountain, resort rescue services are well-organised and fast. Carry your travel insurance details and European Health Insurance Card (if applicable from your country) at all times.
Tipping
Service charges are typically included in Swiss restaurant bills. Rounding up or leaving small additional tips is common but not obligatory.
Electricity
Switzerland uses Type J sockets (3-pin, specific to Switzerland) at 230V. Type C plugs (common European two-pin) also fit Swiss sockets. UK and US visitors will need an adapter.
Safety
St. Moritz and the Engadin valley are considered very safe destinations with low rates of petty crime. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure, particularly in busy lift queues and public areas during peak season.
Mountain Safety
This is the more significant safety consideration for most visitors. Avalanche risk exists on and off piste; always check the daily avalanche bulletin (avalanche.report provides pan-Alpine coverage) before skiing off-marked runs. Do not ski alone in backcountry terrain. Hire a certified mountain guide for off-piste or ski touring excursions.
Weather in the Alps can change rapidly. Check forecasts daily, carry appropriate layers even on short hikes, and tell someone your intended route when venturing into backcountry terrain. The MeteoSwiss app (meteoswiss.admin.ch) is the authoritative local forecast source.
Travel insurance covering mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation, and ski accidents is strongly recommended and considered essential by most experienced Alpine travellers.
