The Perfect Winter Getaway: Sun and Snow Await at St. Moritz

If you can’t decide between a sunny or a snowy destination for your winter getaway, there’s no need to compromise. Just head for St. Moritz, where you can have it all. 

This playground of royalty and high society first attracted summer visitors with its healing mineral springs discovered 3,000 years ago. Then, over 150 years ago, the hotelier Johannes Badrutt encouraged his summer guests to return for the Upper Engadine winter sunshine. At an elevation of 1856 metres, St. Moritz enjoys an overabundance of sunny days, and the sun became its official emblem in the 1930s.

St. Moritz soon became one of the world's most exceptional winter sports resorts and has hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Enthusiasts will find 350 kilometres of pistes and state-of-the-art infrastructure to support them. The Corviglia mountain has the steepest start slope in Switzerland. The Piz Nair Wall features a heart-pumping 100 per cent drop. Toboggan riders can enjoy one of the oldest natural ice bob runs in the world, and winter hikers can venture out on 150 km of winter walking trails. A 200 km track network gives cross-country skiers an excellent workout. Plus, there is a snowboard fun park, curling, altitude training, and other winter sports facilities.

Of course, the appeal of St. Moritz goes beyond snowsports. You can enjoy a luxurious and modern Alpine lifestyle, dine at gourmet restaurants, and shop at Via Serlas. Visit the unique sights of St. Moritz, including the leaning tower, the remains of the Mauritius Church, which dates back to 1500, or the Segantini Museum, dedicated to the beloved artist who called St. Moritz home.

View over the village of St Moritz in winter with snow

Winter Events

The Winter events schedule at St. Moritz offers exciting sports and gourmet delights.

  • January 20-28 — Gourmet Festival

  • January 21, 27 — Gourmet Safari

  • January 22 — Ferragamo - Shoemaker, and Winemaker, featured at Suvretta House gourmet evening with Ueli Schiess, owner of Caratello Weine St.Gallen.

  • January 22 through February 5 — Bobsleigh: IBSF Bobsleigh & Skeleton World Championships

  • January 27-29 — 38th Snow Polo World Cup

  • January 28 — Oriental Closing Night for the Gourmet Festival at the Grand Restaurant des Kulm Hotel St. Moritz

  • February 2-3 — Bobsleigh: IBSF Para Sport World Championship

  • February 5-19 — White Turf noble horse race

  • February 15-18 — Cricket on Ice

  • February 17-19 — Bobsleigh: Eberspächer Luge World Cup Final

  • March 3-4 — Bobsleigh: Swiss Championships, Bobsleigh & Skeleton

Where to stay

St. Moritz has a long tradition of luxury hotels where visitors can expect exceptional service, gourmet meals and pampering.

The Kulm

The Kulm is where the winter sports tradition of St. Moritz got its start. In 1864, the hotel’s owner Johannes Badrutt offered his summer guests a free stay if they weren’t impressed by their winter experience on the hotel’s sun terrace. The guests stayed until spring and returned for frequent winter holidays, introducing winter sports like skiing, skating and curling to Kulm Park.

The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz offers 164 modern and elegant rooms and suites, many of which can be connected to host larger groups and families.

There is a wealth of dining options at the hotel’s restaurants and bars, ranging from Engadine specialities to international haute cuisine. The Grand Restaurant serves a generous breakfast buffet in the morning and half-board, six-course dinners in the evening. The Salon d’Or, opposite the Grand, invites dining in a more casual atmosphere. The K by Mauro Colagreco is only open in winter. This three-Michelin star chef has forged a unique dining experience inspired by his Italian-Argentinian roots. The Kulm Country Club serves Italian cuisine on its spacious and sunny terrace. Chesa al Parc is the clubhouse of Kulm Golf Course and is a cosy Alpine eatery with a spacious deck overlooking Kulm Park. Enjoy Swiss specialities, including the unique Fondue Chinoise served exclusively on Sundays. There are other opportunities for dining at the sister hotel Kronenhof and through the Kulm’s partnerships with the mountain railways of Corvatsch, Diavolezza and Lagalb, which offer rich, regional menus for lunch with impressive views.

With a long-standing wellness tradition, the luxurious and spacious Kulm Spa St. Moritz offers ultimate relaxation with views over Lake St. Moritz. Spa professionals provide tailored treatments in winter from 8:00 to 20:00. Dip into the pool, work out in the fitness centres, and let the steam soothe you in the saunas.

View of the airport of Samedan with private jets and a helicopter

The Carlton

Perched above lake St Moritz and offering breathtaking views of the Engadine Valley, the Carlton is an ideal hotel for those who long for a more intimate luxury sanctuary. Its 60 elegantly appointed and spacious rooms and suites offer south-facing views of Lake Moritz and everything you need to unwind. The Carlton Penthouse takes up the entire eighth floor with dedicated elevator access. Enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the lake and surrounding mountains from its five balconies. This three-bedroom residence (each with a full shower and bathtub ensuite) includes a fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace, dining room and office, and service from a private butler.

At Restaurant Romanoff, you can enjoy international dishes and plant-based alternatives designed by nutritionist Rhana Jordan. From Wednesday to Sunday, dine at Da Vittorio, St. Moritz’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine prepared by the Cerea brothers. Enjoy an afternoon tea or snacks and a drink at the Carlton Bar and Bel Etage, open daily with live music starting in the afternoons. As you take in the view, have a coffee and a bite of something delicious on the Sun Terrace. For a unique evening treat, try the Fondue Gondolas at the front of the hotel.

The Carlton Spa takes up three full floors of the hotel, offering saunas, hydrotherapy baths, guided yoga practice, massage, and Moving Mountain spa treatments using Methode Physiodermie products.

How to get there

Book a jet direct to St-Moritz Samedan Airport (Engadin Airport), which is 7,5 km (10 minutes) northeast of the city centre. Keep in mind this airport is busier during the winter season and only permits a few chartered jets to land. It also has a small runway length and is sensitive to weather. Your LunaJets advisor can help coordinate the right aircraft for this destination, but early booking is wise to ensure availability.