St. Moritz in Winter: Is This Legendary Ski Resort Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?

By Silvanna Pacheco, December 18th, 2025.

St. Moritz. The name alone brings images of luxury and the most exquisite kind of European glamour. The town promises a “champagne climate”—a term referring to the dry, powdery snow that resembles bubbles, and the intense sun that feels invigorating, like a bubbly drink. This promise includes guaranteed sunshine, crisp, dry air, unparalleled skiing, and world-class hospitality. Want to learn more about this dreamy destination? Let our travel consultants craft your personalized itinerary.

While the events on the frozen Lake St. Moritz captured the high-society spotlight; the mountains around St. Moritz offer some of the most spectacular, high-quality, and diverse skiing in the world. The total 350 km of terrain is an impressive figure, but its value is defined by the unique character and offerings of its three main, distinct mountain areas: Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Diavolezza/Lagalb.

Corviglia
Corviglia is accessible directly via the funicular from St. Moritz Dorf. It is famous for its wide, immaculately groomed intermediate (Red) runs—a paradise for carving.

Corvatsch
Corvatsch, located across the lake, is the highest area and is characterized by its north-facing slopes and alpine ruggedness. Corvatsch caters more to confident intermediates and advanced skiers. Here you will find the World’s Highest Whisky Distillery located at the Piz Corvatsch summit station (3,303 m). The Orma Distillery offers a unique break with guided tours and tastings of their high-altitude single malt.

Diavolezza//Lagalb
Located further up the valley, the Diavolezza and Lagalb sectors are the wildest and most challenging areas, reserved for strong intermediate and expert skiers. This is pure, high-alpine terrain with steep descents and iconic ski routes.

The value of St. Moritz lies not just in the skiing, but in the uniquely sophisticated events and non-skiing experiences it hosts. Other resorts have excellent pistes, but few can boast international events held on a frozen lake. The most compelling argument for the St. Moritz splurge lies on the lake, which transforms into the world’s most unique sporting arena. While the skiing is magnificent, the unique winter events are the ultimate draw:

Snow Polo World Cup: This annual, high-society event is where international teams compete in the elite sport of polo, played entirely on the thick ice. The Snow Polo World Cup is scheduled to take place from Friday, January 23 to Sunday, January 25, 2026, on the frozen lake. The event is the 41st edition of the world’s only high-goal snow polo tournament.

White Turf: The only place in the world where you can witness thrilling horse races, including the daring Skijöring (skiers pulled by riderless horses), set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. White Turf St. Moritz, an exclusive, annual international event will be held on the frozen Lake St. Moritz across three Sundays in February (8th, 15th, and 22nd of 2026.). It is known for its glamorous atmosphere, gourmet food and live music.

The International Concours of Elegance (I.C.E): This showcase of priceless vintage and classic cars brings together collectors, drivers, and enthusiasts in a stunning Alpine landscape for both static displays and dynamic activities, including cars driving on the ice.

Adventure at St. Moritz
St. Moritz also offers thrilling adventures like the infamous Cresta Run, a historic, all-natural ice toboggan track where only the most daring can ride head-first down the treacherous course. For a slightly more accessible (but equally heart-pounding) experience, you can take a passenger ride down the Olympia Bob Run—the world’s oldest natural ice-track—reaching speeds up to 135 km/h. After a day of adventure, the luxury of the village comes into its own. Via Serlas—Europe’s highest luxury shopping street—is lined with designer boutiques. The street is a magnet for high fashion and jewelry.

For those who prefer a quieter connection to the mountains, the area provides unparalleled scenery through a variety of unique experiences. You can board the iconic Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage route, for a panoramic journey that crosses ancient glaciers.

Only ten minutes away from the energy of St. Moritz, you will find Sils Maria. This timeless and peaceful town has served as a refuge for thinkers and artists for centuries. In much of the village, cars are replaced by horse-drawn carriages heading into the Fex Valley. Visitors can explore the Nietzsche House, the modest residence where the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche spent his summers. Our team can help you find the perfect tours for your planned trip.

Pontresina is another essential destination located just a short drive from St. Moritz. Tucked into a sunny side valley and sheltered by pine forests, it is the gateway to the high-alpine Bernina Range. Pontresina is particularly famous for its massive colony of Alpine Ibex and also a perfect jumping-off point for the Bernina Express toward Ospizio Bernina.

The village is home to grand Belle Époque architecture and historic hotels, yet the atmosphere remains noticeably more relaxed and outdoorsy than its more famous neighbor. While in the area, you can visit one of our partner hotels, Hotel Allegra. This boutique-style hotel perfectly captures the spirit of modern Pontresina with its contemporary design and warm hospitality. A major highlight for guests is the direct, underground access to the Bellavita Pool and Spa, allowing you to move from your room to a world of wellness in total comfort.

Back in St. Moritz, the grand hotels such as the Kulm Hotel and Badrutt’s Palace serve as historical landmarks that established the town as the birthplace of winter tourism.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel opened in 1896, a symbol of timeless luxury, is known for its legendary service, year-round events, and its opulent Palace Wellness spa. The hotel becomes a gastronomic hub in the winter, hosting numerous restaurants and bars, and is famous for its panoramic views over Lake St. Moritz. On the other hand, Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is known for initiating winter tourism in 1864, maintaining a reputation for high-class service and luxury. It features an exquisite alpine spa and, notably, often provides guests with a complimentary Ski & Mountain Pass, offering a value-added luxury experience in the region.

St. Moritz is indeed worth the hype and the price tag, provided you view the experience as a luxurious, multi-faceted winter holiday and not just a pure skiing trip. If, on the other hand, you are a focused, cost-conscious skier, fantastic value can be found in the nearby beautiful villages. The secret to a successful St. Moritz trip is to embrace the glamour and the spectacle as much as the sport itself—it is a destination where the après-ski often outshines the skiing. Start planning your custom Swiss vacation today.