Ski resorts
St. Moritz: luxury skiing in the Engadin and the hotels that made it famous
This is where winter tourism was born, and where royalty, film stars and ski lovers have met for more than 150 years. This is St. Moritz, and the hotels where you should stay.
There are ski resorts, and then there is St. Moritz. Here the snow sparkles a little brighter, the furs fit a little better, and even a coffee break on the slopes feels like an occasion. Yet beneath the glamour lies a resort with first-class slopes, sun-drenched days and a history few others can match.
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Where the winter holiday was invented
The story goes that winter tourism began in St. Moritz in 1864, when hotelier Johannes Badrutt promised a group of British summer guests that they would love the winter here. They came back, and the rest is history. St. Moritz has since hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1928 and 1948.
The slopes: Corviglia and Corvatsch
Corviglia is St. Moritz’s home ski area, with wide, sunny pistes right above the town. Across the valley lies Corvatsch, with higher terrain and views over the frozen Engadin lakes. Together they offer enough variety for a whole week.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
Kulm sits high above the lake, with the whole Engadin as its view.
More than skiing: life on the frozen lake
In winter the lake at St. Moritz freezes, becoming a stage for everything from horse racing to polo. The town is also famous for the Cresta Run, the iconic toboggan track, and for shopping streets where the world’s biggest brands sit side by side.
Getting to St. Moritz
The nearest major airport is Zürich, from where you take the train up through the Alps. The journey is an experience in itself, and St. Moritz is also the terminus of the famous Glacier Express from Zermatt.
Where to stay in St. Moritz
St. Moritz is a town of hotels, and several of the best known have been here for generations. Here are four we would love to check into.
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel: the legend by the lake
A luxury hotel with a spa, close to Lake St. Moritz.
Book your stay: See rooms at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz: views over the whole Engadin
A luxury hotel with a free ski bus, close to the lake.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
Suvretta House: ski-in/ski-out
A luxury hotel with a spa and ski-in/ski-out access, close to the Signal gondola.
Book your stay: See rooms at Suvretta House
Carlton Hotel St. Moritz: suites with a view
A luxury hotel with a free ski bus, close to the leaning tower of St. Moritz.
Book your stay: See rooms at Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts, our pick of the best ski resorts in Europe or read about skiing in Zermatt.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in St. Moritz
Where should I stay in St. Moritz?
Badrutt’s Palace and Kulm Hotel are the best-known hotels, both by the lake. For ski-in/ski-out access, Suvretta House by the Signal gondola is a great choice, and Carlton Hotel offers a free ski bus and lake views.
Is St. Moritz only for the wealthy?
St. Moritz is known for luxury, but the slopes are open to everyone. With a train from Zürich and a hotel a little outside the centre, you can enjoy the resort without staying at the most expensive palace hotels.
Which ski area is best in St. Moritz?
Corviglia sits right above the town and has wide, sunny pistes. Corvatsch has higher terrain and great views over the Engadin lakes. Most skiers use both over the course of a week.
How do you get to St. Moritz?
Fly to Zürich and take the train up through the Alps. St. Moritz is also the terminus of the Glacier Express from Zermatt, so you can combine two resorts in one trip.