Saint Moritz Engadin

Saint Moritz is located in the region of Haute Engadine by the waterside of Eno’s river. The ski resort is made up of 2 sectors : Saint Moritz-Dorf where the village is developed around an inclined tower (St Maurice’s church) and Saint Moritz-Bad near Saint Moritz’s lake where there are modern hotels and a thermal centre.

From an historical point of view, this ski resort has participated in high level tournaments such as winter Olympics in 1934, 1948, 1974 and World Ski Championship in 2003. The resort Saint Moritz offers 350km of pistes with modern infrastructures which will enable you to easily and quickly go from an area to an other. Its catering and accommodation offer is very varied to make accessible many services for everyone.

After ski activities are also varied, such as horse races or the wonderful polo tournaments on Saint Moritz’s frozen lake which will guarantee you a true and entertaining show.

Skiing in St. Moritz – Engadin: the resort’s highlights

St. Moritz is not just a ski resort: it is a legend in the Swiss Alps and is considered one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland. Located at an altitude of 1,856 m in the heart of the Upper Engadin valley, its name evokes elegance, history, and sporting excellence. It was the birthplace of modern winter tourism and has hosted two Winter Olympics (1928 and 1948), multiple Alpine Ski World Championships, and countless international events that have cemented its reputation as the capital of luxury skiing where celebrities ski and Alpine tradition reigns supreme.

A majestic and diverse ski area

The Saint Moritz-Engadin ski area covers three main mountains—Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Diavolezza/Lagalb—each with its own personality.

• Corviglia (1,800-3,057 m) is the iconic mountain, accessible directly from the center of St. Moritz by cable car. Its 155 km of slopes offer perfect terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers, with exceptional snow preparation and a sunny orientation. It is famous for the Olympia slope, the scene of historic competitions.
• Corvatsch (1,870-3,303 m) offers a more alpine profile, with long, technical descents and a glacier that guarantees snow until the end of April. It is home to one of the most complete snowparks in Europe and is a regular venue for the Freestyle World Cup.
• Diavolezza and Lagalb, facing the Bernina massif, are the domain of adventurers: natural freeride routes, views of Piz Bernina (4,049 m) and its Morteratsch glacier, and the legendary 10 km descent to Morteratsch, one of the longest continuous descents in Switzerland.

Overall, the Engadin St. Moritz ski area has more than 350 km of perfectly interconnected slopes, covering altitudes between 1,800 and 3,300 m. Its snow reliability is outstanding and its snowmaking systems are among the most advanced in the country.

World-class infrastructure and comfort

The completely renovated lift system is fast and efficient. Highlights include the new Corviglia cable car, with a capacity of 100 people, and the modern detachable chairlifts that minimize waiting times even during busy periods.

St. Moritz is also a pioneer in sustainability and mobility. Its network of free electric buses connects the Engadin Valley with all ski access points, while the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) offers direct connections to Celerina, Pontresina, and the neighboring mountains.

Much more than skiing: culture, wellness, and style

St. Moritz is synonymous with the Alpine art of living. Its streets combine international boutiques, art galleries, jewelry stores, and historic cafés such as Badrutt’s Palace or the Kulm Hotel, where the concept of luxury mountain hotels was born. The frozen lake of St. Moritz hosts unique events such as White Turf, horse racing on ice, and the Snow Polo World Cup, a symbol of its exclusivity.

The resort is also a wellness destination: high-end spas, natural sulfate thermal waters (known since Roman times), and unparalleled views of the frozen lakes of the Engadine. The balance between sport, culture, and well-being allows visitors to experience the mountains to the fullest.

A four-season destination

In summer, St. Moritz is transformed into a paradise for hiking, cycling, and alpine sailing. The Engadin Bike Giro, the trails to Muottas Muragl, and the panoramic crossings to Sils and Silvaplana make the valley an epicenter for outdoor activities. The quality of the air and the crystal-clear light of the Engadin mean that the destination retains its magnetism all year round.

Practical tips from the I Love Ski Community

• First thing in the morning: head up to Corviglia early to enjoy the best snow conditions before the midday sun.
• Controlled freeriding: for (almost) guaranteed powder snow, opt for the marked routes on Diavolezza or the northern sector of Lagalb.
• Après-ski with a view: the El Paradiso panoramic bar above Corviglia is a classic place to end the day.
• Traveling without a car: there is a direct train from Zurich to St. Moritz (3 hours 20 minutes) with spectacular views; the local transport system allows you to get around without needing your own vehicle.

FAQ about St. Moritz – Engadin for discerning skiers who don’t want any surprises

How many kilometers of slopes are there and how is the ski area divided up?

The Upper Engadine has a total of around 350 km of marked slopes spread over four main areas: Corviglia/Piz Nair, Corvatsch/Furtschellas, Diavolezza/Lagalb and Zuoz, as well as smaller local areas. Corviglia alone offers 155 km; Corvatsch contributes 120 km and Diavolezza/Lagalb is the gateway to the Bernina glacier.

Is there night skiing in St. Moritz?

Yes. Every Friday, Corvatsch hosts night skiing on Switzerland’s longest illuminated slope (4.2 km), from Murtèl (2,702 m) to Surlej (1,870 m). It is a carefully curated experience on freshly groomed snow.

What are the “must-do” runs in St. Moritz?

Two classics:

• Hahnensee (Corvatsch → St. Moritz), a legendary, panoramic descent that is usually in excellent condition when it opens.

• Glacier Run (Diavolezza → Morteratsch), 8–10 km over the Pers and Morteratsch glaciers, untouched and only for experts; it closes at 3:30 p.m. and rescue is by helicopter (be careful).

Is it a good destination for beginners and families?

Yes. In Corviglia, the Salastrains area is the ideal place to start (conveyor belt, short ski lifts, “carousel,” sun terraces). Celerina/Marguns and Suvretta add very comfortable beginner areas. Zuoz is the family resort par excellence in the Engadine.

Where do intermediate skiers who want to progress train?

Corviglia offers kilometers of wide red runs perfect for working on technique and a permanent 400 m timed GS (“Ski Run”) for measuring times with gates. On cold days with dry snow, link Las Trais Fluors → Marguns for sustained carving.

And for advanced skiers and freeriders?

Diavolezza/Lagalb and the upper sector of Corvatsch offer the most serious slopes and access to deep snow terrain. In Corviglia, black runs such as Lanigrio or Olympia and the Zöllner area complete the menu when it snows. Recommendation: training and safety equipment whenever you leave the marked trails.

When is the snow best?

Due to its altitude and orientation, Corvatsch retains powder until the end of April in normal seasons. In Corviglia, the early hours are key to enjoying the best quality; in the afternoon, the valleys towards St. Moritz Bad tend to transform earlier.

How should you buy your ski pass?

The valley uses the Snow-Deal model (dynamic pricing: the earlier you buy, the bigger the discount). If you are staying in participating hotels, the Sleep+Ski option offers a pass from CHF 47/day during your stay. Use the official calculator to compare what suits you best for your dates.

Are there any offers for families and children?

In the family area of Languard (Pontresina), children under 16 ski for free; in addition, the region offers a Family Card with advantageous prices. Tip: if you are traveling during Swiss school holidays, buy your pass in advance with Snow-Deal.

How to get there without a car?

RhB train to St. Moritz (Albula line, UNESCO World Heritage Site) and connections with the Bernina Express to Tirano. In the village, the Chantarella funicular and the Signal cable car take you up to Corviglia; Corvatsch is accessible via Surlej (bus), and Diavolezza/Lagalb are on the Bernina Pass axis.

What time do the first lifts start?

The Chantarella funicular and the Marguns gondola usually operate from 7:45 a.m., ideal for “first tracks” and pristine snow on Corviglia.

Is there a high-quality snow park in Saas-Fee?

Yes. Corvatsch Park is one of the most complete in the Alps and hosts high-level competitions (kickers, rails, progressive lines).

What alternatives do I have if the weather is bad at the top?

Go down to Corviglia at medium/low altitude, practice your technique on sheltered red runs, and take advantage of the timed Ski Run. If the weather improves at night, book the Snow Night on Friday.

Where are the best viewpoints and terraces?

Piz Nair (3,057 m) in Corviglia and the upper station of Corvatsch (3,303 m) offer 360° panoramic views. For a lively end to the day, the terraces of Corviglia are a classic.

Can I combine downhill skiing with cross-country skiing?

The Engadin is a Nordic paradise with >240 km of trails on frozen lakes and side valleys; this is where the Engadin Skimarathon (42 km, the second largest in the world) is held. If visibility is poor at altitude one day, cross-country skiing is an excellent alternative.

What winter events stand out on the frozen lake?

Two global icons: the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz (the only high-goal tournament on snow) and White Turf (horse racing on the lake since 1907). Both combine sport and social atmosphere.

Safety off-piste and on glaciers?

The Glacier Run is untouched, for experts, and closes at 3:30 p.m.; evacuation is by air in case of an incident. For cross-country skiing, the Diavolezza Challenge is marked as an ascent route for ski mountaineering; bring an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, and respect closures. Consider avalanche courses in Pontresina or LVS training.

Where is the best place to stay?

If you prioritize proximity to the slopes and urban life, St. Moritz Dorf/Bad with direct access to Corviglia via Chantarella or Signal. For a more sporty profile and access to nightlife, Silvaplana-Surlej is close to Corvatsch. Pontresina is a great base for Diavolezza/Lagalb and families (Languard).

Any ski pass “tricks” to save money?

Book in advance via Snow-Deal and always compare with Sleep+Ski (≈47 CHF/day) using the official calculator; in high-demand weeks, buying early makes all the difference.