The Louk · 9 min read · Resort guide
LuxuryScenicIntermediatesNon-skiers welcomeGlamour
St Moritz practically invented the winter holiday, and it's still the byword for Alpine glamour - a chic town above a frozen lake in the sunny Engadin, ringed by grand hotels, designer boutiques and a see-and-be-seen crowd. The skiing is excellent and surprisingly uncrowded, mostly sweeping intermediate terrain with reliable sunshine and snow. But half the point is off the slopes: polo and horse racing on the lake, the Cresta Run, and long lunches at glittering mountain restaurants.
Altitude1,822m town · up to 3,303m (Corvatsch)
Ski areaEngadin St Moritz — ~350km across the valley
Best forLuxury · intermediates · sun · non-skiers
SeasonLate Nov – mid-April
AirportZurich ~3hr · Milan/Bergamo ~3hr · Innsbruck ~3hr
Trip typeLuxury · couples · glam · non-skiers
Budget££££ · Hauser-value to Badrutt's
⛷The skiing
The Engadin's skiing is spread across several areas around the valley - Corviglia above St Moritz, Corvatsch-Furtschellas across the lake, and Diavolezza for glacier runs and views. It's mostly wide, sunny, well-groomed intermediate cruising with excellent snow reliability and rarely a queue. There's a World Cup pedigree (Corviglia has hosted the championships), gentle beginner areas, and superb off-piste and ski-touring for the adventurous.
- Corvigliathe main sunny area above town - cruisy pistes and glamorous huts.
- Corvatschhigher, snow-sure skiing and the famous Hahnensee run to the valley.
- Diavolezzaglacier runs and a spectacular off-piste descent past the Morteratsch glacier.
📍 Official piste map & live lifts (stmoritz.com) →
The Louk tipTime your trip around one of the lake events if you can - White Turf horse racing or the polo on the frozen lake are pure St Moritz. And book Corviglia's smart mountain restaurants ahead; this is a resort where lunch matters.
🏨Where to stay
Luxury
- Badrutt's Palace HotelThe iconic grande dame - the most famous hotel in the Alps.
- Kulm Hotel St. MoritzHistoric 5-star luxury where winter tourism began.
- Suvretta HouseFairytale palace hotel with its own ski lift and school.
Boutique & mid-range
- Hotel HauserCentral, friendly and good value for St Moritz.
- Nira Alpina (Silvaplana)Stylish design hotel by the Corvatsch lift, a little further out.
Chalets & cosy
- Pontresina hotelsPretty neighbouring village - more relaxed and better value.
- Apartments in the valleyHandy bases in Celerina, Silvaplana or Pontresina.
🍽Where to eat
On the mountain
- La Marmite (Corviglia)The legendary mountain restaurant - caviar and truffle with a view.
- El ParadisoChic slope-side lounging above St Moritz.
- AlpettaSunny Corvatsch terrace with lovely food.
In town
- IGNIV by Andreas CaminadaMichelin-starred sharing plates at Badrutt's Palace.
- Chesa VegliaBadrutt's historic farmhouse - pizza, grills and glamour.
- Ecco St. MoritzRefined fine dining for a special night.
🍾Bars & après
- Roo Bar (Hauser)The lively town-centre après terrace.
- Bar Hemingway (Badrutt's)Elegant cocktails in legendary surroundings.
- Devil's PlaceA whisky bar with a world-record collection.
- Vivai / King's ClubThe glamorous late-night dancing.
❄Off the slopes
- The Cresta RunThe legendary ice toboggan run - watch or (bravely) ride.
- White Turf & poloHorse racing and polo on the frozen lake.
- Glacier Express & BerninaTwo of the world's great scenic railways start here.
🚁Getting there
St Moritz is a journey but a beautiful one. Zurich is around three hours by road or the scenic train; Milan and Bergamo are also around three over the border. The famous Glacier Express and Bernina Express railways make the trip in itself part of the holiday.
Transfers & travel
- TrainSwiss rail to St Moritz - change at Chur; the Bernina line is spectacular.
- Engadin Airport ServicePrivate transfers from Zurich & Milan.
- St Moritz transfersLocal door-to-door specialists.
- Private transferComfortable door-to-door from Zurich for groups.
