St Moritz - winter sports

The origins of winter tourism in St Moritz go back to the end of the last century. From those early days with the first ski-runs it has developed into a world famous modern skiing metropolis with 25 snow cannons.

It features artificial and natural ice-rinks; curling, toboggan run, the famous Cresta Run or Skeletonbahn (1,400 m/4,593ft); bobsled run to Celerina-Cresta (1,600 m/5,250ft); Olympic ski-jump.

Every year there are three international horse races on the frozen lake, as well as winter golf, polo and grayhound racing. This excellent skiing country with descents of varying difficulty is easily accessible by the funicular, cableways and numerous lifts. The new slopes opened in 1988 and the glacier on Corvatsch and Diavolezza make skiing possible from November to May. There are cross-country trails to Majola and Zuoz.

The birthplace of winter sports, twice host of the Winter Olympics and magnet for the rich and celebrated, St Moritz is the best-known resort in the Upper Engadine Region. Because it is so celebrated for shopping, dining and nightlife, it's easy to forget St Moritz is also the highest resort in Switzerland offering great intermediate terrain with many very long runs. Since lifts in town can be somewhat congested, many skiers stay on the upper lifts for their day of skiing. The quiet and traditional village of Pontresina is nearby and shares the same slopes.