St. Moritz has been St. Moritz since 1832, the year the first hotel opened next to a spa that helped people with chronic illnesses treat their pain. The beauty of the landscape and the spread of the “healthy mind in a healthy body” mentality fueled a tourism boom starting in the late 19th century. Over the next century, the resort’s fame became increasingly linked to the residences of the wealthy people, transforming the town and its ski slopes into a paradise reserved for billionaires. But is St. Moritz really just that?
What you need to know about St. Moritz
Sankt Moritz (or more conveniently St. Moritz) is a Swiss town overlooking a lake at 1,800 meters above sea level, nestled in the Alps. As mentioned, it was a small agricultural center until the benefits of its spas were discovered and the tourism industry -that still supports its economy today- began.
Approximately 200 km of ski slopes, 24 lifts, and 14 villages – five of which are world-famous (Corviglia, Celerina, Corvatsch, Diavolezza, and Zuoz), are a treasure trove for winter sports enthusiasts. These resorts can be reached by car or on charming little trains designed specifically for climbing to the tops of the mountains. The nearest airports, where you can also find Transfeero’s private transfer services, are in Italy: Milan Bergamo (BGY), located 93 km away, and Milan Linate (LIN). St. Moritz has its own regional airport, Engadin Samedan, located 5 km from the center.
St. Moritz: Luxury Winter Sports
Luxury tourism in St. Moritz began at the turn of the 20th century, when the first 5-star hotel (Budrutt Hotel) opened to cater to the nobility who came to enjoy the spa treatments. The resort’s success attracted many other wealthy people, and consequently the building of more luxury resorts was inevitable.
Beyond the pause period caused by the two World Wars, St. Moritz evolved along with its super-expensive ski resorts. It hosted politicians, famous actors, and royal families over time.
Events such as the Vintage Car Show, the Concours d’Elegance, the Gourmet Festival, and venues like the exclusive Bobsleigh Club, the Scala Cinema, and the Kempinski Spa provide the—very expensive—happiness for VIPs who want to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or sledding. Other luxury activities include glacier excursions, “ice baths” (part of the more comprehensive spa treatments), and ski safaris.
Another St. Moritz… is possible
But is it possible to experience St. Moritz like a “normal person”? Can you go on vacation there without having too much money? Yes… as long as you’re looking for accommodation outside the main town’s center, perhaps in nearby towns (Silvaplana, Zernez, Scuol), and you’re willing to forgo some activities.
Perhaps instead of trying the expensive bobsleigh, stick to the “family-friendly” ski slopes of Zuoz; avoid the “ski safari” and enjoy a simple tour of St. Moritz’s old town so to admire the historic Bardutt Hotel, the churches (Sankt Moritz in Dorf, Sankt Karl in Bad, the Reformed Church, the Regina Pacis Church), the Schiefer Leaning Tower, and the Engadin Museum. Heading beyond the town, you can enjoy the Heidi Hut (named after the famous cartoon character) or the Piz Nair viewpoint. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll (for free!) along Lake St. Moritz… a spectacular panorama in every season!
You should come to St Moritz because…
You should book your vacation in St Moritz, Switzerland, because:
• you can ski surrounded by wonderful panoramas
• you can admire the rich people’s lifestyle and still enjoy a holiday on the snow at a low price
• you could meet very important people every evening, while walking or having your coffee in the town’s center.
