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St. Moritz attracts thousands of tourists every year with its luxurious hotels, pearl-white ski slopes and azure blue sky. This resort town has played a significant role in developing winter sports and has been home to Olympic celebrations, royal families, and celebrities. In addition, it’s where the world’s best athletes keep honing their skills.
APPROXIMATELY 320 SUNNY DAYS PER YEAR
Thanks to its location among the Alps in the Engadine valley at around 1,800 meters above sea level, St. Moritz has a unique combination of sunny, snowy winters and fresh, vivid summers. No wonder this luxurious retreat is so popular among the rich and famous. However, it is also one of the favourite places among sports enthusiasts and alpine tourists, who enjoy spending their vacations here. Unbelievably, the resort has around 320 sunny days per year.
Good to know:
- Location: in the Swiss canton of Graubunden, in the Engadine valley, at around 1,800 meters above sea level.
- Visit St. Moritz by train – It is an extraordinary experience, even though the road from Zurich takes around 3 hours. The most spectacular way is through Chur because the train from Chur to St. Moritz lies on the famous Albula Line. Together with the Bernina Line, it forms the Bernina Express Route – the World Heritage Site. The train goes through many viaducts and tunnels, and the views are breathtaking!
- Photo Tips for the train travel Chur – St.Moritz: While connecting in Chur, get yourself a seat in the panoramic wagon, which is usually the last one. It is the best for outstanding views over the Alps and the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct. One more tip, sit on the right side of the train in the direction of travel.
- Alternatively, it’s possible to reach St. Moritz through the connection in Landquart, and that road is 20 minutes faster.
Skiing, snowboarding and sledging on fantastic slopes among gorgeous Swiss Alps
Are you skiing or snowboarding? I, most of the time, prefer sledging :) However, when visiting St.Moritz in winter, I get inspired by many winter sports, like ice skating, bobsleighing, curling, horse racing, snow polo etc. Impressively, the resort hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice. Furthermore, the numerous FIS Alpine World Ski Championships take place here.
Besides, if you prefer relaxing walks, you would love a beautiful walking path with a picture-perfect view over the valley and the Alps. It goes from the Signal cable car towards the mountain club El Paradiso. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes, and it is magical. By the way, El Paradiso has a great restaurant with delicious food, dazzling views and glamorous parties. If you’ve already been there, share with us your experience in the comments box below.
LONG HISTORY OF WINTER SPORT IN ST.MORITZ
Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, St. Moritz is a true winter sports paradise. The city has a long history of organising the most spectacular winter sports events for over 150 years.
Good to know:
- The city hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice: in 1928 and 1948. In January 2020, St. Moritz welcomed athletes and guests of the Youth Olympic Games as the second Olympic village after the main venue in Lausanne.
- It has the world’s oldest natural ice track for bobsleigh, constructed in 1904, it’s still used for competitions.
- Furthermore, FIS Alpine World Ski Championships took place five times in St.Moritz: in 1934, 1948, 1974, 2003 and 2017.
- Ice skating is possible almost all year long in St.Moritz. At Eisarena Ludains, visitors can ice skate outdoors from mid-July until mid-April.
- St. Moritz is a curling pioneer, and the city hosted the first curling tournament on mainland Europe.
- Cresta Run (also known as a skeleton) has been taking place on an ice track between St. Moritz and Celerina since 1884.
- Finally, the cross-country skiing around St.Moritz covers over 220 kilometres. Including the most famous trail in Switzerland – the Engadin Skimarathon route from Maloja to S-chanf.
Iconic winter events on the frozen lake
The Snow Polo World Cup and White Turf are some of the most famous and glamourous events that put St. Moritz on the map of the must-visit places in winter. The frozen lake is transformed into an elegant village with various sports events every year. They attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. And we regularly cover the White Turf and the Snow Polo World Cup. Stay tuned for all the details about upcoming events.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF ALPINE WINTER TOURISM
155 years ago, Johannes Badrutt (a famous hotelier in St. Moritz) bet with his English guests. He said that the winter months are much sunnier and more pleasant in the Alps than in England. He invited them to stay in his hotel in St. Moritz during winter to experience it for themselves. He promised to cover all their travel expenses if they wouldn’t like it. English tourists weren’t convinced but came over Christmas the same year. And what a surprise awaited for them – sunny, snowy weather and frosty air. Those were the first Alpine winter tourists! :)
Known for its luxury, St. Moritz is the perfect place for a unique holiday experience. Whether you visit for adventure skiing or enjoy the glamorous winter events, this secluded Alpine retreat is a spectacular get away from the everyday buzz.
Have you visited St. Moritz in winter? Please, share with us in the comments box below.
Finally, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us -> GET IN TOUCH.
