Top Things to Do in St. Moritz, Switzerland: Winter & Summer Highlights

Welcome to St. Moritz, one of the most luxurious and iconic destinations in the world. Tucked away in the stunning Engadin Valley in southeastern Switzerland, this glamorous alpine town is synonymous with winter sports, high-end shopping, pristine nature, and unforgettable Swiss charm.
 

From Olympic-class skiing and frozen lake polo to gourmet dining and hiking in the Alps, St. Moritz is a year-round destination that combines adventure and elegance like no other.

Whether you’re chasing snowflakes in winter or basking in the high-altitude sun in summer, this complete guide will help you plan the perfect trip to St. Moritz.

📍 Where is St. Moritz?

St. Moritz is located in the canton of Graubünden, in the Engadin region of southeastern Switzerland.

Altitude: 1,822 meters (5,978 ft)

Distance from Zurich: ~200 km (about 3–4 hours by train or car)

Languages: German, Romansh, Italian, and English widely spoken

Its high elevation and stunning lakefront setting give it some of the most picturesque views in the Alps.

❄️ A Brief History of St. Moritz

St. Moritz’s story is as rich as its clientele.

🔹 Ancient Origins

The area was known for its mineral springs as early as 3,000 years ago. Romans believed the waters had healing powers.

🔹 Birth of Winter Tourism

In 1864, hotelier Johannes Badrutt famously invited English guests to try a winter holiday — if they didn’t enjoy it, he’d pay for their return. They stayed for months. Winter tourism was born.

🔹 Olympic Fame

St. Moritz hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1928 and 1948) and remains a world-class destination for snow sports and international events.

Today, it’s known for its luxury, heritage, and Alpine beauty.

🎿 Top Things to Do in St. Moritz

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

With access to 350+ km of slopes and modern lifts, St. Moritz is a world-class ski destination.

Corviglia – Best for all levels, direct from town

Corvatsch – Higher altitude, more snow, stunning views

Diavolezza – For advanced skiers and glacier lovers

Ski season: Late November to early April

2. St. Moritz Lake

Frozen in winter and sparkling in summer, Lake St. Moritz is at the heart of the town.

Winter Highlights:

White Turf Horse Races – On the frozen lake (Feb)

Snow polo, cricket, and even gourmet food festivals on ice

Summer Highlights:

Paddleboarding, rowing, or walking the 4.4 km lakeside trail

3. Muottas Muragl

A mountain summit offering 360° panoramic views of the Engadin Valley. Reach it via a funicular and enjoy:

Hiking and toboggan runs

Romantic sunset dinners at the panoramic restaurant

4. Shopping in the Town Center

St. Moritz’s Via Serlas is like a mini Bond Street — featuring:

Chanel, Gucci, Cartier

Swiss luxury watchmakers

Boutique alpine fashion shops

5. St. Moritz Dorf and Bad

The town is divided into two areas:

Dorf – Upscale shopping, historic hotels, and nightlife

Bad – Spa-focused, quieter, near the lake

Explore both for a complete St. Moritz experience.

6. Engadin Museum

Learn about the culture, crafts, and architecture of the Engadin region — a unique mix of Romansh and alpine traditions.

🌞 Summer in St. Moritz

Though best known for winter, summer in St. Moritz is just as spectacular. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, it's a haven for:

🚶 Hiking:

Over 580 km of trails

Try Val Roseg, Lake Silvaplana, or Morteratsch Glacier hike

🚴 Biking:

Mountain biking on Alpine trails

Electric bike rentals available

🪂 Adventure Sports:

Paragliding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, and climbing

🏨 Where to Stay in St. Moritz

✨ Luxury

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel – Historic 5-star icon

Kulm Hotel – Olympic heritage and private golf course

Carlton Hotel – Opulent suites, spa, lake views

🛏️ Mid-range

Hotel Steffani – Family-run, great location

Art Boutique Hotel Monopol – Stylish and central

🏔️ Budget & Chic

Hotel Piz – Clean, modern, and affordable

Youth Hostel St. Moritz – Great for hikers and backpackers

🍽️ Where to Eat in St. Moritz

From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy Alpine huts, St. Moritz’s dining scene is both elegant and rustic.

🧑‍🍳 Fine Dining

Da Vittorio – St. Moritz (2 Michelin stars) – Italian haute cuisine

IGNIV by Andreas Caminada – Shared fine dining experience

Chesa Veglia – Classic Swiss inside a 17th-century farmhouse

🧀 Traditional & Local

Restaurant Engiadina – Local specialties like capuns and pizzoccheri

Hauser St. Moritz – Legendary for hot chocolate and pastries

🎟️ Annual Events and Festivals

St. Moritz hosts world-class events year-round:

🚆 How to Get to St. Moritz

🚄 By Train:

Take the Glacier Express (Zermatt–St. Moritz): one of the world’s most scenic train rides

From Zurich: Transfer in Chur or Landquart (~3.5–4 hours)

🚗 By Car:

Scenic alpine roads (check winter driving conditions!)

Parking available in town and at hotels

✈️ Nearest Airports:

Zurich Airport (ZRH): ~3.5 hours

Milan Malpensa (MXP): ~3.5 hours by car

Private flights: Engadin Airport (Samedan), 10 minutes away

🗓️ Best Time to Visit St. Moritz

Pro tip: Visit in late January or early February for winter charm + world-class events.

🎒 What to Pack for St. Moritz

Winter:

Thermal layers, ski gear

Elegant evening wear (some places are formal)

Sunglasses (strong sun + snow)

Summer:

Hiking boots, daypack

Light jacket (nights are cool)

Sunscreen and sunglasses

🌿 Sustainable Tourism in St. Moritz

St. Moritz and the Engadin Valley are leaders in eco-friendly tourism, with a strong focus on:

Public transport access

Renewable energy

Protected natural parks

Support local businesses, reduce plastic use, and explore responsibly to help preserve this Alpine treasure.

✅ Why Visit St. Moritz?

Unrivaled winter sports and luxury

Breathtaking alpine views

World-famous events and festivals

Outdoor adventure in all seasons

A blend of history, elegance, and nature

Whether you're gliding down snowy slopes, enjoying champagne on a frozen lake, or hiking above turquoise glacial lakes, St. Moritz is truly the pinnacle of Swiss mountain escapes.