Enjoy St. Moritz in Winter Beyond Skiing

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St. Moritz, a Swiss town nestled in the Engadine valley, is one of the best winter resorts in the world and has been for decades. It continues to attract generational family holiday-goers, international visitors, and winter sports enthusiasts from every corner of the world.

It is no secret that St Moritz (also known as Sankt Moritz) is known for skiing, but if you happen to not ski, is it still worth visiting? Without a doubt, yes! Winter in St Moritz has so much more to offer than just the slopes which means it’s the perfect destination for practically anyone.

In this brief guide, we’ve compiled the best things to do while visiting St Moritz in winter that don’t require a ski pass.

Essentials for Visiting St Moritz in Winter

🚂 The Bernina Red Train is hands down the top “must do” activity in St. Moritz and even more scenic during the winter time!

🏇🏼 Check the event calendar to plan your trip to St Moritz around something exciting happening!

🏨 If there is an event going on in St Moritz, hotels quickly get booked. Make your hotel reservation well in advance if you already know your travel dates!

🧖🏼‍♀️ Book accommodation with a wellness centre if you plan on doing a spa treatment or entire spa day. Hotels will prioritise guest reservations for those staying in their hotels.

What Is St Moritz Known For?

Historically, Saint Moritz has always been known as a first class winter resort. More so, it’s a top notch place to go skiing. Thanks to nature, it’s also favoured for the natural mineral springs which were discovered over 3,000 years ago.

Also known as mineralbad or leukerbad, the mineral springs have been attracting visitors for a long time. This makes St. Moritz somewhat of a connoisseur when it comes to tourism. Its world class status has long captivated international travellers as well as families who have made St Moritz a staple, decade after decade.

There is no other way to put it besides, St Moritz is classically iconic.

What language do they speak in St Moritz?
Romansh is St. Moritz’s official primary language. However, German is most widely spoken in St. Moritz in addition to English. Just outside of town and in neighbouring valleys, Italian is dominantly spoken instead.

During its tenure as a popular destination, Sankt Moritz has developed into an elite hotspot. Glam, prestige and luxury are just a few of the first words that come to mind as a first impression of St Moritz.

For many, its high end status is what it is most renowned for, despite the natural beauty that surrounds it. After visiting, we learned that although those words aren’t necessarily inaccurate terms to describe Sankt Moritz, there are certainly different words to characterise the gorgeous town and area. 

With all that Saint Moritz has to offer, we can confidently say it’s not only for the rich and shouldn’t be known for just that. The spectacular landscape, alluring history and handful of things to do for free are just some of the reasons it can easily be known for instead.

It’s no secret that Switzerland can be expensive but with our tips and tricks, find out how to travel on a budget in Switzerland!

Is Winter the Best Season in St Moritz?

Switzerland is blessed with year round beauty. Each season in Switzerland actually provides its own compelling reasons for visiting. This is no exception when it comes to St. Moritz. From springtime flower trails to summer swims in mountain lakes, warmer months in St. Moritz are endearing. However, it is simply not how St. Moritz is ideally meant to be experienced.

When one town has hosted two Winter Olympic Games, it should tell you something. It’s not difficult to come to the conclusion that St Moritz is first and foremost, a winter destination. Coming to St Moritz in winter means you are doing the town justice by seeing it in all its glory. Unsurprisingly, it has even been said that the town of Sankt Moritz was the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. And deservingly so!

The overall atmosphere of St. Moritz comes to life in winter which cannot be said about many top tier destinations. The town’s scenery is just incomplete without freshly powdered mountain peaks and people sipping steaming hot coffee on chalet balconies while wrapped in cashmere from head to toe. 

One of the main reasons why St Moritz in winter is so perfect is because it’s not a place you where you come to fuss about the cold. It is a place you come to embrace and thoroughly admire winter.

When life gives you a lot of snow and frozen temperatures, turns out there is a lot you can do with it! Head to Sankt Moritz in winter and you’ll find out all there is to experience and discover.

How Many Days Do You Need in St Moritz?

Most people’s primary objective for spending winter in St Moritz is to ski. If your intention is to devote as much time as possible on the slopes, 4 – 7 days is a solid amount of time for avid sport enthusiasts. You’ll also want to allow yourself more time if you’re travelling with a family. In fact, the St. Moritz ski area offers discounts for family passes.

If you’re looking to ski once but it’s not your primary focus, spending 2 – 4 days in St. Moritz is sufficient. If skiing is not on your agenda whatsoever, catching the magic of winter in St Moritz can still be achieved with only one or two days. In the end, it’ll depend on how much time you can allocate and how relaxing of a trip you’re looking to have.

For those travelling throughout the Alps as part of a bigger trip, it’s easy to make St Moritz an itinerary stop along your route. Day trips to St. Moritz are also popular (and worth the journey) from major locations such as Milan or Lake Como.

Although a luxurious stay in a St Moritz hotel would top off any trip, spending just a day exploring the town is still enough time to capture its winter charm without sleeping there.

8 Things to Do During Winter in St Moritz

1. Go Skiing

As the most obvious and distinct activity, skiing (or snowboarding) is unquestionably the most popular thing to do during winter in St Moritz. From the backyard of St Moritz, it’s possible to reach many bucket list worthy mountains such as Corviglia and Piz Nair.

From expert athletes to children standing on skis for the first time, the ski resort is one of the most diverse when it comes to the variety of slopes and runs. With numerous ski areas, including a snow park, back country and beginner’s hills, anyone can feel like an Olympian. Head to the official website of St. Moritz’s ski resort for more details.

What makes skiing in St. Moritz truly unique is the level of luxury maintained even at 3,000 meters above. Popping a bottle of champagne with your ski boots still on, now that’s winter in St. Moritz.

2. Activities on Frozen Lake St Moritz

Experiencing a frozen Lake St. Moritz is an unmissable itinerary item while visiting St Moritz in winter. The lake transforms entirely into a winter wonderland of its own and is a really unique attraction.

The frozen surface is utilised for a number of winter activities and draws in visitors looking for an alternative to skiing. It is just another way in which St Moritz not only endures winter but thrives in it.

Ice Skating

The most notable thing to do on Lake St Moritz in winter is ice skating. Unlike many outdoor skating areas, the one in Sankt Moritz is very well maintained and extends from one end of the lake to nearly the other.

There is a gigantic loop plowed for speed skating and freestyle areas as well. Particularly if you know how to skate, you could not ask for a more dreamy outdoor skating experience. With the exception of skate rentals, the outdoor ice rink is free to enjoy.

Horse Polo

It turns out, a green lawn is not the only suitable environment for a game of polo on horses. Leave it to St. Moritz to defy the tradition of how and when polo can be played. Annually, riders and their horses join together during the winter season for a very special match which takes place on the frozen St. Moritz lake. The best part is, it’s completely free to spectate this one of a kind affair.

Car Racing

Most of us make a great deal of effort to avoid driving on ice. Others travel to St Moritz in winter to do just that, drive on ice! And not just drive, but race. You read that right, St. Moritz is home to a car race which takes place on a track over the frozen lake of St. Moritz. It is exciting, over the top and absolutely worth seeing for yourself.

For enthusiasts or not, the frozen car race is a must see if you happen to be visiting St. Moritz during that time. Check out the upcoming dates for THE ICE event here.

3. Ride the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland. It passes through the dramatic Bernina Pass (Passo del Bernina) from Tirano in Italy to Chur in Switzerland.

The most efficient way to experience the Bernina Pass is to catch the train as it departs from Tirano and get off in Sankt Moritz. To catch the iconic red train through the mountains, head here.

This journey takes around 2.5 hours and is packed with one marvellous view after another. Avoid overpaying for a complete ticket if you are only planning to finish a section of the Bernina Express route. There are many guides and tour options out there such as this one which only focuses on the passage to St Moritz.

4. Enjoy Shopping & Dining

Comparatively, St. Moritz is a small town but its shopping options are exhaustive and impressive. You will not find another small village in Switzerland which has a Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior storefront readily at one’s disposal.

Naturally, it would not suffice as a luxury destination without these options so if you are in the mood for retail therapy, St. Moritz is the place to get your shopping done.

5. Have a Spa Day

With high end hotels, come some of Europe’s best spas right at your fingertips. Everything from body treatments, facials and massages comes at a top tier level in St Moritz.

It is the absolute perfect opportunity to splurge on some self care while in St. Moritz which happens to be at its cosiest when done in the winter time. There really is no better way to end a full day of skiing than with a spa session.

It is worth noting that even if you are not staying in St. Moritz, travelling there for a spa treatment is a viable option and very much worth it. Or, make it a morning or afternoon stop during your St Moritz day trip.

6. Visit the Landmarks & Viewpoints

Just because there is some snow on the ground, this shouldn’t deter you from seeing the classic sights in town. Chesa Futura is an architectural marvel and remarkable landmark in little St. Moritz. It looks especially futuristic in a winter setting and is easy to visit.

To catch sweeping panoramic views, you can still utilise the lifts without skiing. For an unforgettable meal with an even more astonishing view, head to White Marmot Restaurant at the top of Corviglia.

Cresta Run is another important landmark to Sankt Moritz and its Olympic history. The sports complex is part of a run dedicated entirely to the sport of skeleton and dates back to the late 1800s.

For an idyllic lake view with a mountain backdrop, head to the elevated observation deck of Terrasse Panoramique. If you have a car, stop at one of the many jaw dropping viewpoints along Bernina Pass like this one.

7. Tour the Engadiner Museum

Hopping into the Engadiner Museum is an excellent way to learn about the history of St. Moritz, all while escaping the cold for a bit. St. Moritz’s most celebrated museum originated back in 1906 and serves as a fantastic attraction for history and design fanatics.

Seemingly, the building looks like a typical Engadine house but inside, there are exhibits dedicated to Alpine life and culture of the Engadin valley. You’ll find beautifully preserved furniture pieces, artworks and other traditional relics centred around affluent families from the area.

8. Try Bob Sledding

If you have ever thought about what it would be like to bob sled, there’s no better place to find out than in St Moritz. The Olympic bobsleigh track is open for visitors and welcomes guest rides with reservations.

To experience a once in a lifetime thrill, you’ll be accompanied by a professional who steers and another professional who brakes. Now that you know you’ll be in safe hands, there’s no reason to not give this a whirl. 

For a more moderate adrenaline rush that’s also suitable for older children, consider the toboggan run on Muottas Muragl instead. The toboggan track descends 718 metres (2,355 feet) over the course of 4 km (2.6 miles) and is notably one of the best family activities in the region.

To reach the starting point of the track, a funicular railway takes you to the top where you’re able to enjoy a stunning view of the Swiss Alps behind St. Moritz.

What to Wear in St Moritz in Winter

COATS: Truly warm jacket for outdoor activities or wool coat for a more dressed up look

SUNGLASSES: Because the snow glare from the sun is real

SCARF: 100% Wool scarf to keep you warm but still trendy

SOCKS: Wool socks suitable for hiking or browsing the village

BOOTS: Black boots that are functional and equally as cute

UNDER LAYERS: Thermal set to stay cozy but not bulky

GLOVES: Windproof gloves that work with a touch screen

BABY SNOWSUIT: A warm onesie if you’re travelling with a little one

Where to Stay During Winter in St. Moritz

❄️ You May Like: Dolomites Winter Itinerary and Visiting Hallstatt in Winter

Travel Resources for Visiting St Moritz in Winter

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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