St. Moritz – Beyond the glitter
St. Moritz is the oldest winter vacation spot in the world (since 1864). Elegant, elegant and exclusive, St Moritz is located at 1856 m above sea level, in the valley of the Upper Engadine. The marketing department refers to the weather as “sparkling champagne weather” and the sun shines an average of 322 days a year.
Sunbathing on loungers is the crème de la crème of ski elegance. It’s all about fur coats, fluffy boots, and one-piece suits. There is more sparkle in St. Moritz than a Swarovski chandelier.
But look past the glamor and you’ll see acres and acres of traceless dust.
There are three major tourist centers on the St Moritz/Engadine pass. In total, there are 60 lifts and 350 km of routes between 1,800 and 3,300 meters above sea level.
Corviglia Piz Nair Marguns is the classic St Moritz experience. Its cable car leaves from the heart of the village of St Moritz and is located on the sunny side of the valley. Corviglia is also the largest ski area in the Engadine.
Corvatsch is the second largest, but its position on the shadier side of the valley means it’s not as popular with bathers. The skiing, however, is better and after a good storm, good snow conditions in the south-facing high station will last for weeks. One of Corvatsch’s greatest assets is a wood-fired pizza oven at the top of the cable car – the best European skiing.
On Friday nights, Corvatsch opens a cable car for illuminated night skiing. The bars blast European ’80s pop and have outdoor fire pits.
Diavolezza is smaller but possibly more impressive. The glacial landscape is spectacular. The cable car and chair lift access long off-piste runs, including a glacier run, while the main run is suitable for intermediate skiers.
Muottas Muragl raises the access to a 4 km slide. For CHF250, you can build your own igloo at Muottas Muragl and spend the night. The package includes access to the funicular, sleeping bags and mattresses, fondue dinner and breakfast at the mountain hotel and toboggan rental.
Other smaller resorts on the Engedine Pass include Maloja-Aela, Samedan-Survih, Pontresina, La Punt-Müsella, and Zuoz.
St Mortiz is an expensive place to play. The cheapest room we could find was 65 euros per night. The most expensive is 4500 euros. But if you have some cash, there’s no shortage of places to spend it. Prada, Cartier, Gucci and Versace are just some of the big name stores. There is also no shortage of high-end restaurants and bars.
The valley is also home to cross country skiing, the Cresta Run, a bob race, horse and greyhound racing on the frozen lake, cricket, polo and golf tournaments, an Olympic ski jump, a gourmet festival and the music festival. Snow. and Symphony.
