Guide to Skiing in St Moritz

St Moritz Village & Ski Lifts

St. Moritz is divided into two distinct areas: St. Moritz Dorf and St. Moritz Bad. St. Moritz Dorf is the heart of the resort, home to high-end hotels, luxury chalets, designer boutiques, and world-class restaurants. Meanwhile, St. Moritz Bad offers a more contemporary feel, housing the cross-country ski centre and an ice stadium. Other bases within the valley, such as Celerina, Samedan, and La Punt, provide additional accommodation options.

Ski lifts are easily accessible from different points in the village. The main entry to the slopes is via the Corviglia funicular, which departs from St. Moritz Dorf and takes skiers up to the Corviglia ski area. Other access points include the Signalbahn cable car in St. Moritz Bad and the T-Bar and chairlift in Suvretta.

St Moritz Ski Area

Spanning an impressive 350 km of slopes, the St. Moritz ski area is divided into three primary sectors: Corviglia-Piz Nair, Corvatsch-Furtschellas, and Diavolezza-Lagalb.

Corviglia is the most popular area, accessible directly from St. Moritz and boasting perfectly groomed, sun-drenched slopes. The highest point, Piz Nair, reaches 3,057m, offering panoramic views over the Engadin Valley. A short bus ride from St. Moritz leads to Corvatsch, home to the highest lift in the region and famous for its north-facing, snow-sure slopes. Further afield, Diavolezza and Lagalb cater to advanced skiers with their steep descents and excellent off-piste terrain.

St Moritz Skiing

Beginner Skiing in St Moritz

Skiing in St. Moritz accommodates all ability levels although is generally better suited to intermediate and expert skiers. For beginners, the resort provides several gentle nursery slopes, though they are somewhat scattered. Corviglia, Salastrains, and Celerina offer the best areas for first-timers, with Celerina being particularly well-suited for children due to its lift system and ski school facilities.

Four smaller ski areas also offer fun for beginners - Languard in Pontresina, Cristins in Silvaplana, Survih in Samedan and Müsella in La Punt. Zuoz, found at the head of the Engadin valley is great for families.

Intermediate Skiing in St Moritz

Intermediate skiers will find St. Moritz an absolute paradise. Corviglia is ideal for cruising with its long, well-maintained red runs. The Marguns Bowl and Corvatsch-Furtschellas provide more variety, with steeper terrain and stunning alpine backdrops. One of the must-ski routes is the 9 km Hahnensee slope, linking Corvatsch back to St. Moritz via a scenic, thrilling descent.

Expert Skiing in St Moritz

Advanced skiers are spoilt for choice, with challenging runs scattered across all three ski sectors. The World Cup downhill course on Corviglia provides an adrenaline rush, while Diavolezza and Lagalb offer exhilarating black runs and incredible off-piste terrain. Expert skiers can also venture into the Val Roseg or opt for heli-skiing on Fuorcla Chamutsch, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.

Cross-Country Skiing in St Moritz

Guaranteed snow cover combined with a diverse landscape means St Moritz is heaven for cross-country skiers. Those up for a challenge can tackle the demanding 42 km Engadin Ski Marathon route from Maloja to S-chanf. Another tough route is the 5 km Palüd Lungia trail between St. Moritz and Silvaplana/Surlej.

For a gentler pace, glide across the frozen lakes of Silsersee, Silvaplanersee or Champfèrersee. Over at Diavolezza, see if you can beat the Bernina Express, the slowest express train in the world, on a high-altitude trail. There are also three special “dog trails” for those who want to ski with their furry friend.

Night Skiing in St Moritz

If you can't get enough of the slopes during the day, night skiing in St. Moritz offers an exhilarating after-dark experience. Available on select evenings, Corvatsch is a hotspot for nocturnal skiers, boasting the country’s highest night-skiing area at 2,700m. The area features Switzerland’s longest floodlit slope, 4.2 km that winds through the alpine landscape under a starlit sky.

With an après-ski atmosphere that extends into the night, visitors can enjoy a unique blend of skiing and socialising at the mountain’s lively restaurants and bars before heading back down the slopes.

Heli-Skiing in St Moritz

For the ultimate off-piste adventure, heli-skiing in St. Moritz allows experienced skiers to access untouched powder fields high in the Swiss Alps. Helicopters whisk guests to Fuorcla Chamutsch, where pristine descents offer deep snow and breathtaking scenery.

Guided by expert mountain guides, experience the thrill of carving first tracks through vast, unspoiled terrain, away from the crowds of the main resort. Heli-skiing packages cater to different skill levels, from confident intermediates to expert free-riders looking for steep and challenging routes.

Top Ski Schools in St Moritz

Choosing the right ski school is key to improving your skills on the slopes. St. Moritz has several highly reputable ski schools catering to different needs.

• European Snowsport: Specialises in private lessons tailored to individuals or small groups, offering expert tuition in both skiing and snowboarding.
• Ski Cool: Ideal for those looking to refine specific techniques, offering specialist courses in off-piste skiing, freestyle, and racing.
• Suvretta Ski School: One of the most established ski schools in the region, providing comprehensive lessons for all ages, including Nordic skiing.
• St Moritz Ski School: Offers engaging lessons for children with a free pick-up service in the form of a charming horse-drawn sleigh ride to the slopes.

Planning your Ski Holiday to St Moritz

When to Ski in St Moritz

The best time to visit St. Moritz for skiing is between December and early April, with January and February offering the most reliable snow conditions. Christmas, New Year and February Half Term will be the busiest times in the resort so consider late January or early March to avoid the crowds.

St Moritz Ski Pass Options

Visitors can opt for an Engadin St. Moritz pass, which provides access to all ski areas. There are also flexible options, including multi-day and regional passes. With the dynamic Snow Deal pricing model, early booking ensures attractive discounts and inexpensive family passes.

St Moritz is also part of the IKON pass which connects you to 50+ destinations worldwide. It includes premier ski resorts across North America, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, providing incredible value and flexibility for skiers and snowboarders.

Equipment Rental & Storage in St Moritz

For a seamless skiing experience in St. Moritz, renting high-quality equipment and ensuring convenient storage are essential. Ski Service Corvatsch is a top choice for ski and snowboard rentals, offering an extensive range of premium gear, from beginner-friendly models to high-performance skis for advanced riders.

With multiple locations across the resort, including Corviglia and Corvatsch, skiers can easily collect or swap equipment as needed. Their professional staff provides expert advice on selecting the right gear for the conditions, ensuring comfort and performance on the slopes.

Many luxury chalets in St. Moritz offer ski storage facilities, but Ski Service Corvatsch also provides on-mountain depots, allowing you to leave your equipment securely overnight. This added convenience means you can enjoy après-ski without the hassle of carrying your gear back to your accommodation.

How to Get to St Moritz

Flying to St Moritz:

The nearest international airports are Zurich and Milan Malpensa, both approximately a three-hour drive away. Both of these airports are linked to St Moritz by train, but it is possible to take a private transfer or rent a car too.

St Moritz also has its own airport (Engadin Airport) located in the nearby town of Samedan (6 km). Visitors can fly there by private jet, charter flight or air taxi.

Airport Transfers to St Moritz:

Travelling to St Moritz from the airport via a private transfer is easy. We recommend using Fischer Limousine who provides a wide range of limousine and transport services. On your arrival, an experienced and multilingual driver will be waiting for you with a name board and will transport you reliably and comfortably to your destination. They can also provide you with a chauffeur for your own car and have a high-quality fleet of car rentals too.

Arriving by Train:

For the ultimate scenic journey, visitors can take the Glacier Express, a stunning train ride through Switzerland’s picturesque landscapes. Another popular option is the Bernina Express, offering breathtaking views as it traverses the Alps.

Driving to St Moritz:

If considering driving to St Moritz, it is important to check road conditions, as heavy snowfall may require snow chains or 4x4 vehicles. To avoid navigating mountain passes, travellers can opt to transport their car via the Vereina Car Transporter, which runs every 30 minutes through the Vereina Tunnel.