Ski St Moritz

A high altitude ski resort, very stylish, mediocre skiing and rather expensive too

For all those Glamour Pusses and Sauve Gents, St Moritz should really be one of your top destinations. If the actually skiing isnt perhaps quite as high up on the list of holiday necessities and your wallet is feeling heavy and needs emptying then look no further.

If your style of skiing is elegant posing turns which don't ruin your designer togs then you shall feel right at home. It is very proud of having played host to the Olympics twice and is famous for the steepest downhill run in Europe; speeds of 80km have been reached in just 7 seconds!

The famous Cresta Toboggan run definitely deserves a mention. At 125yrs old its the oldest toboggan run in history and involves pointing yourself head first down the mountain for three quarters of a mile. Ladies are not permitted to join this male tradition (would they want to one wonders?) with the record of 50.09 seconds being held by James Sunley.

St Moritz Skiing & Snowboarding

This is definitely the place to people watch, and be watched. The actual skiing is average, if are looking for a challenge then perhaps this isnt the place for you.

Similarly, snowboarding holidays are not especially well catered for. Although as this isn't famous for its off-piste what is there isnt too tracked out.

Its not that accessible either, Zurich airport is 200 km away. Train is a popular alternative option and your first view of The Engadine valley is well worth the wait. The setting is absolutely beautiful, the area is more often than not bathed in sunlight (322 days of the year) by a stunning lake where the famous horse racing is held, and the inevitable polo. Yes, its that type of place.

However, the architecture isnt really anything to write home about. It has a very cosmopolitan vibe, a far cry from the alpine tale of Heidi which was supposedly set in the Engadine Valley.

Its a high resort with glacier skiing which will give you guaranteed snow the strong sunshine sometimes complicates matters but with 70km of snowmaking its not really a problem. The lowest lift is 1730 m above sea level, with the highest going all the way up to 3303m. You have 350km of piste covering five areas which could be linked a little better. Its easier to pick one area a day, for the skilled skier head over to the Isla Persa / Morteratsch Glacier where there is a breath-taking 10km off piste descent.

Intermediates will love the sundrenched slopes and dazzling views of the Corvatsch Glacier. On powder days try taking on the notorious Piz Nair area, this should be with a guide for your own safety. Beginner ski enthusiasts will love Furtschellas and the 6km Hahensee run from Corvatsch to Moritz-bad which is a wonderful open cruising run perfect for intermediates.

St Moritz Resort Life

Apres-ski is very expensive here; it caters more for the wealthy and seems to have adjusted its prices accordingly. Eating out can mean taking out a second mortgage but if you can afford it Grischuna or Chesa Veglias cuisine is out of this world. For those on a more modest budget there is a wonderful Pizzeria called La Botte which wont break the bank.

For very lively apres-ski head to the Roo Bar in the centre of town, equally Bobbys bar is great fun and welcoming. The infamous Dracula Club is members only and dont venture through the portals of The Kings club unless youve money to burn.

All in all this is a resort is a real experience, perhaps more for its vibrant and chic shops and refined clientele than the standard of skiing to be had but if youre of medium skiing or snowboarding ability and bright sunlit pistes appeal than youll have a great week.