St. Moritz Luxury Hotels

St. Moritz is a high-altitude Alpine resort in eastern Switzerland positioned at approximately 1,800 metres, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. The destination hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, and today offers 4 verified luxury hotels representing leading international brands alongside winter sports and summer mountain activities.

St. Moritz at a glance

Located in Upper Engadine in Switzerland's Grisons canton, St. Moritz sits at approximately 1,800 metres (5,910 ft) above sea level on the southern slopes of the Albula Alps. The municipality supports a year-round population of 5,600 residents with approximately 3,000 seasonal employees managing hotels and rental units containing 13,000 beds total. The area receives over 300 days of sunshine annually, an exceptional amount for a location at this elevation.

St. Moritz has played a significant role in Alpine tourism history. The resort hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, making it one of only four cities to host the Winter Games twice. It has also hosted more than 20 FIBT World Championships and four FIS Alpine World Ski Championships (1934, 1974, 2003, and 2017).

Winter and summer activities

Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, and access to the natural bobsled run—a rare all-natural venue built each winter using only snow and water, measuring 1.72 km in length. The Cresta Run toboggan course and the annual White Turf horse race held on the frozen Lake St. Moritz attract visitors seeking distinctive Alpine experiences.

During summer, St. Moritz serves as a destination for altitude training, drawing distance athletes including cyclists and runners. Hiking and viewing glacier landscapes, particularly toward Piz Bernina (4,048.6 m)—the highest summit in the Eastern Alps located 15 km southeast—provide additional appeal for year-round visitors.

Luxury hotels and international brands

St. Moritz has 4 verified luxury hotels representing The Leading Hotels of the World and Kempinski: Kulm Hotel, Suvretta House, Badrutt's Palace Hotel, and Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains.

Origins of winter tourism in St. Moritz

St. Moritz's emergence as a winter resort dates to September 1864, when hotel pioneer Caspar Badrutt wagered with four British summer guests to return during winter. The resort achieved several tourism firsts: Switzerland's first tourist office was established in St. Moritz in 1864, the first electric light in Switzerland was installed in 1878 at the Kulm Hotel, and the first ski school in Switzerland opened in 1929.

Questions about staying here

What is the elevation of St. Moritz?

St. Moritz is positioned at approximately 1,800 metres (5,910 ft) above sea level on the southern slopes of the Albula Alps in eastern Switzerland.

How many luxury hotels are verified in St. Moritz?

There are 4 verified luxury hotels in St. Moritz: Kulm Hotel, Suvretta House, Badrutt's Palace Hotel, and Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, representing The Leading Hotels of the World and Kempinski brands.

What winter sports are available in St. Moritz?

The resort offers skiing, snowboarding, access to a natural bobsled run (1.72 km), the Cresta Run toboggan course, and hosts the annual White Turf horse race on the frozen lake.

Did St. Moritz host the Olympics?

Yes, St. Moritz hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, making it one of only four cities worldwide to host the Winter Games twice.

Is St. Moritz suitable for summer visits?

Yes. The resort attracts summer visitors for altitude training, hiking, and glacier viewing. St. Moritz receives over 300 days of sunshine annually.

Destination facts: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA); hotel facts: our editorial board.