St Moritz - Introduction
Twice the venue for the Winter Olympics and four-time host of Alpine Ski World Championships, St Moritz is a resort with a pedigree almost second to none. The British invented Winter Alpine holidays here 140 years ago and whilst the resort is now packed with modern buildings it still oozes class of a bye-gone age. The skiing is great, but with around half of its Winter visitors not actually taking to the slopes, there is also plenty to do in town, not least in its shops, where upmarket designer labels are the order of the day. St.Moritz Dorf is the vibrant main town, with St.Moritz Bad being a quieter area near the spectacular frozen lake. Whilst there is plenty of five-star finery to be had in the resort, there is still accommodation to suit all budgets, with a variety of hotels and chalets, available for the week or in some cases weekend breaks. St Moritz allows you to rub shoulders with the glitterati and also make turns on some of the World’s chicest slopes.
Skiing
St. Moritz offers 350kms of piste on the six ski areas of the Upper Engadine valley, which are all well connected by train and bus (included in the lift pass) and serviced by 56 lifts. The steep sided nature of the valley and the spread out nature of the resort may make it more suited to intermediates and advanced skiers than beginners, but there are still a few places to learn in, not least at Corviglia, which is the main ski area and is also the nearest to town. Intermediates will love Corviglia for its lovely cruising terrain, along with the Diavolezza area and the red runs down from the Piz Corvatsch. Advanced skiers will find something of interest in each area, including the 8km long Hahnensee run at Corvatsch and the thrilling Schwarzer Hang at Diavolezza. With a guide you can explore some of the most unused off-piste areas in Europe, with perhaps some of the best and most dramatic running down from Piz Nair, a craggy 3,000m peak accessed by cable car.
Snowboarding
Much of the terrain is suitable for snowboarders, with the slopes of the Diavolezza area particularly recommended. There is a terrain park and half-pipe at Corviglia and two fun parks on Corvatsch. With a guide an apparently limitless supply of off-piste opens up to give even the fittest rider something to make their heart pound.
Ski Schools
There are three ski schools in the resort and as such there are plenty of options for learning to ski or developing those techniques. Many of the resorts visitors book private lessons and these, as well as private guiding are also on offer. There are also two heli-ski operations. The ski schools also offer children’s lessons and the resort has several kindergarten.
Eating Out
The famous Marmite restaurant on Corviglia offers haute cuisine on the piste and due to its popularity booking for lunch is essential. The Trutz Lodge also makes a great lunch stop and can also be accessed by chairlift in the evening. In town the delightful 17th century Chesa Veglia comes highly recommended, as does the Cascade Restaurant in Dorf, which has a great atmosphere and some delicious pasta dishes. Both on and off the slopes there is plenty to suit every taste and budget, from high-class gourmet dining to pizza and pasta.
Bars and clubs
There are some excellent bars in town, but in many, getting a round in can cost a pretty penny! The Roo Bar in the centre of town buzzes after the lifts close, as does the lively Cascade Bar. Cresta Run heroes and victims meet in The Cresta Bar and the rustic Stübli is an excellent place to let your hair down. If you fancy mixing it with the really wealthy, aim for the classy King’s Club or perhaps try Vivai for a late night drink and dance.
Off the slopes
St.Moritz does luxury and extravagance better than almost anywhere. Everything from cricket on snow to horse racing on the frozen lake is on offer. The World famous (or infamous) Cresta Run welcomes novice tobogganers, but check before hand for details and make sure you have good insurance! There is also skating, curling, winter golf along with an excellent swimming pool, spa and sports centre. Add to this the shops, museums and galleries, a cinema and a casino and you will find you can probably occupy yourself full time without even donning your ski gear!