St. Moritz

The renowned Alpine resort town of St. Moritz, located in the Swiss Alps at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters (5,910 feet) above sea level, has long been associated with opulence, winter sports, and breathtaking scenery. 5,600 year-round residents live in St. Moritz, in the canton of Grisons; this number rises significantly during the summer and winter travel seasons. Part of the Maloja administrative area, this charming town is well-known for its first-rate infrastructure, stunning surroundings, and long history of being a winter travel attraction.

Because of its position on the southern slopes of the Albula Alps, St. Moritz has a microclimate unlike any other; the great Piz Nair towers over the town at 3,056 meters (10,026 feet). The area is well-liked for both summer vacationers and winter sports because of its sunny climate and favorable location; it boasts more than 300 days of sunlight annually. For millennia, the area has enthralled visitors with the eponymous Lake St. Moritz and the level, broad glaciated valley of the Upper Engadine as a background.

Regarding winter sports, St. Moritz is unmatched. Having the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948 confirmed its rank as a top venue for winter sports. The history of the town in winter sports goes much beyond these big events; it also includes many events for both pros and amateurs. Because of the great range of activities offered, including world-class skiing and snowboarding as well as the exciting Cresta Run toboggan run, St. Moritz is a popular winter destination for people all around the world.

The varied terrain of St. Moritz reflects the varied beauty of the Swiss Alps. Comprising 28.69 square kilometers, or 11.08 square miles, the municipality is about 26.3% of this total area is agricultural land comprising fields, meadows, and alpine grazing zones. Now making almost 20% of the total area, the forested areas have seen a modest rise over the last few decades. The 44.8% of the area designated as unproductive clearly shows the region’s tough, high-altitude topography; 9% of the land is occupied by the developed infrastructure, including roads and buildings.

St. Moritz is composed of several independent communities, each of which shapes the unique character of the town. At 1,830 meters (6,005 feet), St. Moritz-Dorf, the main village and highest point of the resort, rich in iron, St. Moritz Bad, 1,775 meters (5,825 feet), has been a popular tourist destination since the Middle Ages because of its healing mineral springs. Comprising both 1,825 meters (5,990 feet), the Suvretta area and Champfèr round out the residential and tourism zones of St. Moritz, each with unique character and services.

Long known as a refuge for the richest people in the world, St. Moritz has a long legacy of drawing celebrities, including Hollywood moguls and royalty. Among the prominent property owners are Sonja Ziemann, Herbert von Karajan, Gunter Sachs, Lakshmi Mittal, Ivan Glasenberg, and the late Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Among the prominent people drawn to St. Moritz’s unique appeal are shipping magnates Aristoteles Onassis and Stavros Niarchos, industrialist Giovanni Agnelli, and business giants Ingvar Kamprad (founder of IKEA) and Helmut Horten.

One of the most looked-forward-to social events on the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz, the White Turf horse race is an amazing show. Attracting members of the international upper class, this one-of-a-kind event improves the town’s standing for presenting outstanding and creative sporting events by combining the excitement of horse racing with the breathtaking winter scenery.

St. Moritz is a world-class resort, and its visitor facilities mirror that. With almost 3,000 seasonal workers staffing the town’s array of hotels and rental properties, 13,000 visitors can be accommodated. The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is a well-known emblem of luxury hospitality since it reflects St. Moritz’s commitment to providing visitors with remarkable encounters.

St. Moritz is not only in demand during the winter. The area transforms into a hiker’s paradise in the summer, with paths leading to lakes glistening in the sunlight, alpine meadows, and amazing views. Among the several outdoor pursuits made available by the nearby Engadine valley and its ideal natural beauty are mountain biking, rock climbing, and water sports on the lakes.

An improved transportation system makes the town more accessible. Regarding Swiss towns featuring railway stations, St. Moritz is unparalleled. Strategically situated in the middle of the area, the St. Moritz station of the Rhaetian Railway is a major hub for mobility. As the Albula and Bernina railway lines‘ terminus, it ties St. Moritz to the bigger Swiss and European rail systems. The Bernina Express and Glacier Express trains stop at the station to offer amazing railway trips over scenic lines.

For those who prefer to drive, the Swiss PostBus service links St. Moritz to the surrounding towns and valleys near the train station, providing a perfect option. A quick and elegant approach to reach the top of Corviglia and the ski area, where you can find some of the best slopes and hiking paths in the region, is riding the St. Moritz-Corviglia funicular inside town limits.

When one considers Alpine beauty and grandeur, St. Moritz comes to mind. Thanks to its outstanding mix of breathtaking scenery, first-rate facilities, rich athletic history, and exclusive ambiance—which draws visitors from all over the world—it is still one of the most prestigious and sought-after mountain resorts worldwide. Whether seeking the thrills of winter sports, the tranquillity of summer walks, or the luxury of five-star hotels, St. Moritz offers an unparalleled Alpine experience that has delighted guests for generations.