St Moritz
Mountain stats
Lift count :
3 x Cable-cars
1 x Gondolas
18 x Chairlifts
27 x Drag-lifts
7 Funicular railways
350km of pistes
St Moritz (1800metres) has two classic distinctions; on the one hand this is one of the finest natural backcountry freeride places in Switzerland. On the other hand, St Moritz caters for very exclusive clientele, including films stars and royalty, particularly at the start of the winter and prices reflect that. They come to enjoy the beautiful peaks and villages, top end designer shops and generally be seen. In fact, many of these fur clad brigade don’t actually go up the mountain at all!
Situated in the Engadin Valley towards the border of Italy, St Moritz is a high altitude resort that along with the areas of Pontresina and Diavolezza, form the Upper Engadine region. Diavolezza is a glacier mountain that opens from November to May, and is far enough away to make sure only hard-core riders go there. St Moritz, which gives access to the slopes on the Corviglia and Marguns, is an area that is largely made up of intermediate pisted runs which get stupidly busy on most days and unfortunately there are not too many expert pisted trails to escape the hordes of learning skiers. However, there is heaps of adventurous off piste terrain to check out, but only do so with the advice and services of a local guide. Corvatsch makes up the final area, and is a short bus ride away from St.Moritz but you can snowboard all the way back into town. This is area is the pick of the bunch, offering freeriders and freestylers looking for natural hits an incredible landscape.
St.Moritz town
Photo: Steve, WSG
Those on a budget might want to try and get some accomodation away from St.Moritz itself, and there's a good ski-bus service connecting all the areas and neighbouring villages. If you look off the main streets, you can find some good places to eat which won't break the bank.