St. Moritz is a vibe. Honestly, it’s a bit of a paradox. People hear the name and immediately think of fur coats, Patek Philippe watches, and private jets landing on frozen runways. And yeah, that stuff definitely exists. You’ll see the private car from Badrutt’s Palace picking up VIPs, and you’ll definitely notice the sheer density of designer boutiques on Via Serlas, which is technically the highest luxury shopping street in Europe. But if you think that’s all there is to what to do in St. Moritz, you’re kinda missing the point of the Engadine valley entirely.
This place actually pioneered winter tourism. Back in 1864, Johannes Badrutt made a bet with some British summer guests that they’d enjoy the winter sun just as much as the July warmth. He won. Since then, it’s hosted two Winter Olympics and became the playground for everyone from Alfred Hitchcock to Audrey Hepburn. But underneath the glitz, there’s a rugged, high-altitude soul that’s surprisingly accessible if you know where to look.
The Adrenaline Hit: Beyond the Velvet Ropes
If you’re looking for things to do, you have to start with the ice. I’m not talking about the diamonds in the shop windows. I’m talking about the Olympia Bob Run. This is the world’s oldest bobsleigh track and—get this—it’s the only one that’s naturally refrigerated. They literally build it out of snow and water every single year. You can actually pay to be a "guest rider." You’ll be sandwiched between a professional pilot and a brakeman, hitting speeds of up to 135 km/h. It’s terrifying. It’s loud. It’s over in about 75 seconds, but the adrenaline will keep your hands shaking for an hour.
🔗 Read more: Andronis Arcadia Santorini: Why This Oia Resort is Different
Then there’s the Cresta Run. It’s a bit different and, frankly, a bit more "old-school British eccentric." It’s a skeleton track where you go down head-first on a toboggan. Just a heads up: it’s traditionally a private club thing, but they do have sessions for beginners if you book way in advance.
If you prefer your thrills with a bit more "horsepower," you’ve got to check out the White Turf races in February. Imagine thoroughbred horses galloping across a frozen lake. They even do "skikjöring," where skiers are pulled by riderless horses at breakneck speeds. It’s pure chaos and incredibly fun to watch with a glass of champagne (or a hot chocolate) in hand.
Finding the Best Lines on the Slopes
For the actual skiers and boarders, you’ve got a few main choices. Corviglia is the "sunny" mountain. It’s where the locals go for wide, perfectly groomed "champagne climate" runs. If you’re an expert looking for a literal vertical drop, head to the Piz Nair wall—it has a 100% gradient at the start.
Corvatsch, on the other hand, is the more serious, moody sibling. It’s higher, reaching 3,303 meters, and stays in the shade longer, which means the snow quality is often better late in the season. They also do "Snow Night" on Fridays, which is Switzerland's longest illuminated night run.
Culture That Isn’t Just Window Shopping
Most people skip the museums because they’re too busy at après-ski, but that’s a mistake. The Segantini Museum is a literal work of art itself. It’s dedicated to Giovanni Segantini, who basically defined how we see the Alps in art. The building is a dome that overlooks the valley, and seeing his triptych "Life, Nature, Death" in that specific light is... well, it’s haunting.
If you want to see how people actually lived here before the billionaires arrived, go to the Museum Engiadinais. It’s full of traditional pine-paneled rooms (Arvenholz) and local artifacts. It smells amazing—that distinct, peppery scent of Swiss stone pine is basically the official perfume of the region.
The Architectural "House of the Future"
Walking around St. Moritz Dorf, you’ll see plenty of traditional Engadine houses with "Sgraffito"—that’s the scratch-work art on the exterior walls. But then you’ll stumble upon Chesa Futura. It looks like a giant, wooden UFO or a massive bubble made of larch shingles. It was designed by Lord Norman Foster. It’s a private apartment building, so you can’t go inside, but standing under it and looking at how it integrates modern tech with ancient wood-shingle tradition is pretty cool.
📖 Related: Finding Your Way: What the Map of West Coast Florida Actually Tells You
Where to Eat Without Needing a Second Mortgage
Look, dining here can be eye-watering. If you go to Da Vittorio at the Carlton or Ecco at Giardino Mountain, you’re looking at world-class, Michelin-starred meals that cost a small fortune. They are incredible, don't get me wrong. The service is "white glove" in the most literal sense.
But you can eat well without the drama.
- Chesa Veglia: This is a 17th-century farmhouse tucked right in the center of town. It’s owned by Badrutt’s Palace but feels way more grounded. They have a Pizzeria (Heuboden) that serves what many consider the best pizza in the Alps. Get the "Dama Bianca" with truffles if you’re feeling fancy, or just a standard Margherita.
- Hotel Hauser: This is a family-run spot in the heart of the village. Their terrace is the place to be for people-watching. You have to try the Engadiner Nusstorte (walnut tart) here. It’s a local staple—shortcrust pastry filled with caramelized walnuts and honey. It’s dense, sweet, and will power you through a four-hour hike.
- Veltlinerkeller: For something that feels truly local, this place serves "Pizzoccheri"—buckwheat pasta with cabbage, potatoes, and an ungodly amount of local cheese and garlic. It’s the ultimate mountain comfort food.
Summer is the Secret Season
Most people ask what to do in St. Moritz during winter, but the locals will tell you that summer is actually better. The "Maloja Snake" (a cloud formation that snakes through the valley) is a sight to see.
💡 You might also like: City of Wainwright Alaska: What Life Is Really Like at 70 Degrees North
The hiking is endless. You can take the funicular up to Muottas Muragl for the best sunset view in the entire valley. There’s a "Philosopher’s Path" up there where you can walk and read quotes from famous thinkers who visited the area. It’s very "Main Character Energy."
For something a bit more secluded, hike to Lej da Staz. It’s a moorland lake nestled in the forest between St. Moritz and Pontresina. The water is actually warm enough to swim in during July and August because it’s shallow. It’s a massive contrast to the icy, windswept Lake St. Moritz.
The Logistics: How to Not Look Like a Tourist
St. Moritz is divided into two parts: St. Moritz Dorf (the village on the hill with the shops) and St. Moritz Bad (the lakeside area with the spas and the more "normal" hotels).
If you’re on a budget, stay in St. Moritz Bad or even a nearby village like Celerina or Pontresina. The train system is so efficient that it doesn't really matter. Speaking of trains, the Bernina Express starts here. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage route that goes over the Bernina Pass and down into Italy. Even if you aren't a "train person," the views from the panoramic windows are ridiculous. You’ll pass the Morteratsch Glacier and the Lago Bianco, which is a milky-turquoise color because of the glacier silt.
A Few Quick Tips:
- The Sun: They call it the "Champagne Climate" because the sun shines 322 days a year. Wear sunscreen. Even in January. The reflection off the snow is brutal.
- Water: The town was originally famous for its mineral springs. You can still visit the Forum Paracelsus to learn about the iron-rich waters that people have been drinking for 3,000 years. It tastes... metallic. But hey, it’s supposedly great for you.
- Transport: Most hotels will give you a pass for free public transport (and sometimes mountain lifts) if you stay more than two nights in the summer. Use it.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip, start by deciding your "anchor" activity. If it’s the Olympia Bob Run, you need to book your guest ride months in advance because they sell out fast. If it’s skiing, look into the "Snow-Deal" system—the earlier you buy your lift pass online, the cheaper it is. Prices fluctuate based on demand, sort of like airline tickets.
Finally, don't feel pressured to dress like a billionaire. While the evening scene at the King's Club or Dracula Club (if you can get in) is high-fashion, the daytime vibe is purely "high-end technical gear." A good pair of waterproof boots and a quality shell jacket will get you further than a fur coat ever will. Explore the side streets, find a small bakery, and take the time to walk around the lake. That's where the real magic of the Engadine hides.