A- Overview:
St. Moritz is one of the most famous resorts in the world. This fashionable and opulent village with a cosmopolitan ambience, is located at an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level in the heart of the Engadin valley, surrounded by the majestic mountain peaks of the Swiss alps. The sun shines on St. Moritz an average of 322 days a year (more than anywhere else in Switzerland).
Favored winter retreat of the international élite, St Moritz was built around two villages: one on the shores of St. Moritz Lake, and the other on the hillside above. St. Moritz is influenced by three cultures: that of the German speaking majority of its residents, the Romansch speaking population of the Engadine and the nearby Italians.
St. Moritz originally rose to prominence because of its healing mineral springs, which have been widely acclaimed for their beneficial effects for over 3,000 years. Even in the Middle Ages, visitors came to St. Moritz to take these waters in summer. In fact, in 1519 Pope Leo X promised full absolution for every visitor of the Christian faith who came to the spa of St. Moritz. The fame of the mineral waters has endured because they are the strongest carbonated iron springs in all of Europe and are at an altitude higher than any other within Switzerland.
The St. Moritz Olympic ski runs and its vast cross country ski trails are known throughout the world. Skiers, snowboarders and cross country enthusiasts are drawn to St. Moritz by its natural beauty and quality infrastructure. In addition, St. Moritz offers a wide variety of first class events, to make it a holiday destination unmatched anywhere else.
Sixty mountain railways and lifts with 220 miles of groomed, downhill slopes, a halfpipe and fun park for snow boarders, 90 miles of cross country ski trails, 90 miles of winter walking paths, high altitude and glacier ski tours, bobsled taxi rides, hang gliding and para sailing taxi flights, indoor swimming, indoor tennis and squash courts, outstanding restaurants, a casino, four and five star accommodations, as well as numerous cozy mountain huts, all assure a colorful and exciting range of activities.
St. Moritz is guaranteed to have favorable snow conditions from December 1st to May 1st, due to it’s high altitude (5,834 to 11,150 feet above sea level), the local glaciers, and its modern snow-making facilities (there are 9 miles of prepared slopes). Visitors are wise to allow enough time to experience as much as possible of the wonders of this mountain paradise. There is no way to ski the area in less than a week’s stay, there’s plenty of terrain to accommodate all abilities, and there is an endless supply of sunshine and powder.
Each summer brings more guests to St. Moritz. Hiking (in Switzerland’s only National Park), cycling, mountain biking, the health spa, river rafting, horseback riding, polo, golf (18 holes), windsurfing, sailing, tennis, ice skating and the International High Altitude Training and Competition Centre are just some of the attractions which draw vacationers A stunning, intact natural environment: sparkling mountain lakes with dense pine and larch forests, glaciers and panoramic scenic trails, which are unparalleled anywhere in the world in their diversity, along with excellent summer concerts, assure a multi-faceted summer stay.
Skiing in the region is divided into four distinctly different areas, the most popular of which is Corviglia, just above the town. Those seeking diversion may head for the slopes above the satellite resort of Sils Maria (Corvatsch) which is said to bear some similarities to Aspen Highlands, and to have the most challenging terrain . There are also the slopes above the nearby village of Pontresina (Diavolezza). Intermediate level skiers enjoy taking a cable car from St. Moritz-Dorf to the top of Piz Corvatsch, almost 11,000 feet above sea level. From there, with only one cable car connection en route, it is possible to ski a network of intermediate level trails all the way back down to the resort’s lake.
St. Moritz is a high altitude resort with a modern infrastructure. While many other famous ski resorts have been content to rest on their reputations, St. Moritz has invested heavily in state of the art lifts and is now served by a number of high speed detachable triples and quads.
Overwhelmingly, when asked their opinion of St. Moritz, visitors have said that it is the best in every regard. The St. Moritz name stands for style, tradition and quality and its success proves that: St. Moritz lives up to its promise.
B- City Information:
Population:
6000 inhabitants, approximately 3000 seasonal workers, and 250,000 visitors annually
Location:
St. Moritz lies on the south side of the Alps, in the Engadine Valley
Elevation:
6125 feet above sea level
Time Zone:
Switzerland’s clocks are usually 6 hours ahead of eastern standard time in the United States, and 1 hour ahead of Greenwich mean time. However, because Switzerland and the United States switch their clocks every spring and fall during different weeks, the time difference is sometimes only 5 hours.
Language:
The local languages are Romansch, German and Italian.
Telephones:
The country code for Switzerland is 41.
All telephone operators speak English, and instructions are printed in English in all telephone booths.
Local Calls:
There is direct dialing to everywhere in Switzerland. For local and international codes, consult the pink pages at the front of the telephone book.
Long Distance:
You can dial most international numbers direct from Switzerland, adding 00 before the country code. If you want a number that cannot be reached directly, dial 144 for a connection. Dial 191 for international numbers and information. It’s cheapest to use the booths in train stations and post offices: Calls made from your hotel cost a great deal more. Rates are lower between 5 and 7 PM, after 9 PM, and on weekends.
When dialing long distance within Switzerland, precede the area-code number with 0. Omit the 0 when using the international code to dial Switzerland from another country. Switzerland’s country code is 41.
Emergency numbers:
Police (tel. 117). Ambulance (tel. 144).Emergency calls are free from phone booths.
Average Temperatures (in Fahrenheit):
High Low
January-March 24 13
April-June 43 20
July-September 47 34
October-December 35 15
Snow Conditions:
Telephone: +41 (82) 33147
Weather–American Express Travel Related Service Company provides hourly reports on current weather conditions and 3-day forecasts for more than 900 cities in Europe. For Switzerland, dial tel. 900/WEATHER (there’s a 95¢-per-minute charge for the call) and press the first three letters of the desired city: BAS (Basel), BER (Bern), GEN (Geneva), LUC (Lucerne), STM (St. Moritz), or VAD (Vaduz, Liechtenstein).
Packing:
Sportswear is appropriate in most settings. If staying at a resort, men would be wise to include a jacket and tie. Women wear skirts more frequently here than in the US, especially women over 50, though anything fashionable goes. Formal evening dress is needed only at the international resorts. Good walking and hiking shoes are a must. Sun screen is important during all seasons of the year.
If you need a washcloth to feel clean, bring your own: They are not standard equipment in Swiss hotels. Budget hotels occasionally do not provide soap. If you’re planning on shopping and cooking, a tote bag will come in handy: Most groceries do not provide grocery bags, though sturdy, reusable plastic totes can be bought at checkout. Laundromats are rare, so laundry soap is useful for hand washing.
Water–Tap water is safe to drink in all Swiss towns and cities. But don’t drink from rivers or mountain streams, regardless of how clean the water may appear.
Equivalent Weights And Measures:
1 cm – 0.39 inches
1 meter – 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards
1 km – 0.62 miles
1 liter – 0.26 gallons
1 inch – 2.54 cm
1 foot – 0.39 meters
1 yard – 0.91 meters
1 mile – 1.60 km
1 gallon – 3.78 liters
Passports & Visas:
All U.S., Canadian, and British citizens, even infants, need only a valid passport to enter Switzerland for stays of up to three months.
Electricity: To use your U.S.-purchased electric-powered equipment, bring a converter and an adapter. The electrical current in Switzerland is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take Continental-type plugs, with two round prongs.
Some international hotels are specially wired to allow North Americans to plug in their appliances, but you’ll usually need a transformer for your electric razor, hair dryer, or soft-contact-lens sterilizer. You’ll also need an adapter plug to channel the electricity from the Swiss system to the flat-pronged American system. Don’t plug anything into the house current in Switzerland without being certain the systems are compatible. Most hotels will supply guests with an ironing board and iron if requested.
Business Hours:
Banks are open Monday-Wednesday and Friday 8:15-4:30, Thursday 8:15-6.
Museums are usually open Tuesday-Friday and Sunday 10-noon and 2-5, Saturday 10-noon and 2-4; there are many variations, so check listings.
Stores are open weekdays 9-6:30, Saturday 8-4. On Thursday, some central shops stay open to 9. Some close Monday morning.
Holidays:
January 1-2 New Year March or April (varies) Good Friday March or April (varies) Easter and Easter Monday May (varies) Feast of the Ascension, May (varies) Whitsunday, Pentecost Monday August 1 National Day December 25-26, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Currency:
The unit of currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc (SF), available in notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. There are coins for 5, 10, and 20 centimes. Larger coins are the 1/2-, 1-, 2-, and 5-franc pieces.
Tipping:
Tips are not normally given or expected as a 15% service charge is included in the price, but a customer can tip for excellent service. The usual tip would be 10%. For taxis, a tip is usually included in the charges (a notice will be posted in the cab).
Credit Cards:
All the major international brands of bank cards – MasterCard, Visa and American Express – are recognized. accepted, except at major hotels, gas stations and department stores.
Drug Laws:
A word of warning: Penalties for illegal drug possession are more severe in Switzerland than they are in the United States and Canada. You could go to jail or be deported immediately.
Liquor Law:
The official drinking age is 16. As in many European countries, the application of laws governing drinking is flexible and enforced only if a problem develops or if decorum is broken. Driving while intoxicated, particularly if it results in damage to property or persons, brings swift and severe punishment, involving sizable fines and possible imprisonment.
Local Costs:
Despite increased competition across Europe, Switzerland remains one of the most expensive countries on the Continent for travelers, and St. Moritz is exceptionally so. Restaurant prices are standardized from region to region, but it is imperative to seek assistance in booking a hotel or resort package. Taxes–No taxes are added to purchases in Switzerland. Swiss merchants pay tax to the government, and the percentage is included in the price marked on any object.
Restaurant prices and hotel rates include all taxes in Switzerland.
Valued-added Tax (VAT):
In 1996, Switzerland introduced valued-added tax (VAT) of 6.5%, making it the 20th European country to adopt the measure. While the rate is the lowest in Europe, it can add a significant amount to your bill. Theater and cinema tickets are exempt.
On any one purchase of 500 francs or more from one store, VAT refunds are available for clothes, watches and souvenirs, but not for meals or hotel rooms. To get a VAT refund, request a form from the shopkeeper, and get it stamped at customs on departure. Then send the form in the provided envelope to Bern once you arrive back in the United States. The Swiss government will send the check to you in the United States in a few weeks.
Local Transportation
There is excellent, reliable bus and train transportation within St. Moritz and surrounding areas. In addition to traditional means of transport, there are also paragliding taxis and bobsled taxis. Driving an automobile to the area is not necessary because of the availability of public transportation.
Arriving & Departing
By Air
Zurich-Kloten International Airport, (tel. 01/812-71-11) is Switzerland’s most important airport and the 10th busiest in the world. Flying times: 7 hours from New York, 10 hours from Chicago, and 14 hours from Los Angeles.
>From the U.S. Kloten is served by some 60 airlines.
Between Zurich-Kloten Airport and St. Moritz:
By Train : From Zurich to St. Moritz, Lines from Zurich to Chur with Intercity trains of the Swiss National Railway. From Chur, a superb train journey with the Rhaetian Railway. A panoramic trip with breathtaking viaducts and technical wonders of spiral tunnels. Highest point of the line at 6,600 ft. A train with salon and restaurant car refurbished in the true style of the 1920s, as well as individual coaches, can be chartered.
Zurich – St. Moritz: 125 miles, 200 km, 4 hrs. telephone or write: Swiss Federal Railways Swiss Center, 608 Fifth Avenue; New York, NY 10020 telephone: (212) 757-5944 for schedules, times and fares.
By Car
Zurich International Airport to St.Moritz
At the Airport, take Motorway N51 – Travel in the direction of Zurich
In Zurich change from Motorway N51 to Motorway N3 Travel in the direction of Sargans, Chur
In Sargans: Change from Motorway N3 to Motorway N13 Travel in the direction of Chur, Thusis
In Thusis, change to Motorway N13 to Main street Travel in the direction of Tiefencastel
In Tiefencastel change at Main street to Main street 3 : Travel in the direction ofJulierpass, St.Moritz to St. Moritz.
Distance: 211km / Time: about 2h 30min
Auto Tips
Driving is on the right. In built-up areas, the speed limit is 50 kph (31 mph); on main highways, it’s 80 kph (50 mph); on expressways, the limit is 120 kph (75 mph).
Children under 12 are not permitted to sit in the front seat. Driving with parking lights is prohibited. Use headlights in heavy rain or poor visibility and in road tunnels ( compulsory.) Always carry your valid license and car-registration papers; there are occasional roadblocks to check them. Wear seat belts in the front seats (required.)
To use the main highways, you must display a disk or vignette in the lower left-hand corner of the windshield. You can buy it at the border (cash only; neighboring foreign currencies can be changed). It costs 40 SF, can be purchased from any post office, and is valid to the end of the year. Cars rented within Switzerland already have these disks; if you rent a car elsewhere in Europe, ask if the company will provide the vignette for you.
In winter, use snow chains, which are compulsory in some areas and advisable in all. Snow-chain service stations have signs marked Service de Chaînes à Neige or Schneekettendienst; snow chains are available for rent.
If you have an accident, even a minor one, you must call the police. Breakdown assistance is available through the telephone exchange: Dial 140 and ask for “Autohilfe.”
Unleaded (sans plomb or bleifrei) gas costs around 1.20 SF per liter, and super costs around 1.31 SF per liter. Leaded regular is no longer available. Prices are slightly higher in mountain areas. Have some 10 SF and 20 SF notes available, as many gas stations (especially in the mountains) offer vending-machine gas even when they’re closed. Simply slide in a bill and fill your tank. You can get a receipt if you punch in the machine code requesting it.
Requirements
In Switzerland your own driver’s license is acceptable, but consider buying an International Driver’s Permit, available from the American or Canadian automobile associations. Some European rental firms will not lease to drivers over 70 years old.
Alternate Arrival
via Milan Linate Airport, Italy
Telephone for General information: 02/74852200
>From Milan:
take a train in the direction of Lecco-Tirano and then the Swiss local Rhaetishe Bahn up into the mountains to St. Moritz. There is beautiful scenery on the banks of Lago di Como (which takes the name Lago di Lecco) and amazing views from the Swiss train, which climbs from 1200 feet to over 6000 feet.)
Pets:
Pets–Dogs and cats brought into Switzerland will require veterinary certificates stating that the animals have been vaccinated against rabies not less than 30 days and not more than 1 year prior to entry into the country. This regulation also applies to dogs and cats returning after a temporary absence from Switzerland, but is not applicable to animals transported through the country by rail or air traffic.
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Churches
The following are some of the notable Engadine Churches:
Santa Maria in Pontresina – frescoes from the 13th century.
San Gian near Celerina – famous coffered ceiling from the 12th century.
Sils Fex – Mountain Church Fex-Crasta – frescoes from the 16th century.
The chapel of the St. Moritz-Dorf Catholic church is built into the rock: modern, but very impressive.
Other architecturally significant churches can be visited by driving or touring by bus, the Ofen Pass to Müstair, whose Cloister Church was founded by Charles the Great in the 8th century. Or the Church of Bondo in the Bergell valley.
Cresta rider
Opposite the Kulm Hotel is a life-size bronze sculpture of a skeleton rider by David Wyne, presented to the village by the St.Moritz Tobogganing Club in 1985, to mark the club`s centenary.
Document Library
The library has a wealth of material on the history of St.Moritz, the local area and the Engadine.
Engadine Ski Marathon Roll of Honour
The roll, which bears the names of all the winners of the event over the years, is located in the spa centre park.
Engadiner Museum
Via das Bagn.
081- 833 44 54 / 833 43 33
Mon-Fri 9.30am-noon & 2-5pm, Sun 10am-noon
A folk museum with a wide range of exhibits depicting local life housed in a solid stone building that is one of the few surviving pieces of original Engadine architecture in the town. The house was built in 1905 and opened to the public in 1906.
Engadine Villages
Take the Rhaetian Railway or the post bus and drive to one of the beautiful neighbouring villages. Some are prime examples of the Engadine architecture (Zuoz, Zernez, Guarda, Scuol/Schuls, Tarasp etc.).
Heidi Chalet
The original hut from the Heidi film is located between Oberalpina and Salastrains, above St. Moritz. It is 200 years old and was used as the setting for the most successful film production of the Heidi story.
Giovanni Segantini Museum
June-Oct Tues-Sat 9am-12.30pm & 2.30-5pm, Sun 10.30am-12.30pm & 2.30-4.30pm; Dec-May Tues-Sat 10am-12.30pm & 3-5pm, Sun 3-5pm. Displays the work of the largely self-taught Symbolist who was perhaps the definitive painter of Alpine life. The Segantini Museum was built in 1908 and is dedicated to the paintings and graphics of the great Italian born “Engadine” painter Giovanni Segantini. There are about fifty works exhibited. The most important paintings from his final period are displayed in the domed room of the museum. Visit the studio of Giovanni Segantini in Maloja to view an exhibition of unpublished pictures, sketches, documents and personal belongings of the artist.
Library / Nietzsche House
The village of Sils is not only attractive, it also has a library, the “Biblioteca Engiadinaisa” with a large collection of books in foreign languages and the Nietzsche House to visit.
The Mili Weber House
(081- 833 31 86 / 833 33 09 / 833 42 95 / 833 53 55)
Visit the house where Mili Weber lived in her quiet intact world. You can admire her life-work (illustrated stories, paintings, sketches etc.) and be enchanted by her fantastic fairy-tale world. Visits by appointment only .
Mauritius Fountain
The fountain, which was erected in 1910, is named after the leader of the Roman legionnaire (around 300 AD) who was to become the patron saint of the village. It stands in front of the town hall in St.Moritz-Dorf.
The Olympic Stone
The stone, which commemorates the Winter Olympic Games held in the town in 1928 and 1948, stands opposite Bistolfi`s Segantini Monument, by the steps leading up to the Segantini Museum.
The Schiefer Turm (crooked tower)
Long a landmark of the village, the tower, which dates from the 13th century, is all that remains of St.Maurice`s Church, which was demolished in 1890.
Sils-Maria, a short bus ride from St Moritz, is the summer home of the German Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. It is located in the centre of town and is open to the public for a nominal entry fee. Memorabilia of photos and writings are on view. All rooms are open for inspection.
The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is the slowest express train in the world. This remarkable route links two of Europe’s most renowned Alpine resorts – Zermatt and St. Moritz. The route covers some of the most stunning scenery in the country, passing through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges. From the comfort of a panorama railcar, experience the breathtaking beauty of the unspoiled Alpine landscape. Dine in comfort, traveling in the attractively furnished restaurant car.
The Bernina Express
When you take the four-hour trip on the only Swiss train which crosses the Alps without a tunnel, you’ll never know a dull moment. Wild gorges, soaring bridges, fascinating loop tunnels and white glaciers near enough to touch. From the valley of the young Rhine to that of the Inn in Engadine, across the regions of eternal snow and down to palm trees and oleander bushes; to Poschiavo/Le Prese and on to Veltlin and its rich Mediterranean charm.
The Palm Express
The journey links St. Moritz with Ascona, and provides wonderful views of Swiss mountains and glaciers as well as sub-tropical lakeside scenery to the south. It is a combination of a postal bus and railway. The various stretches are operated by the Swiss Postal Bus Service, the Centovalli Railway and the BVZ Railway. The length of the journey is 186 miles and takes two days to complete.
For information on any of these tours, please contact: Swiss Federal Railways. They have an office in the US at Swiss Federal Railways Swiss Center, 608 Fifth Avenue; New York, NY 10020 telephone: (212) 757-5944.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Sport possibilities
Sailing, rowing, windsurfing, swimming, fishing, canoeing, squash, tennis, badminton, horseback riding, golf, clay pigeon shooting, archery, summer skiing, ice skating, Bavarian curling, hiking, mountain climbing, trekking, mini golf, hang gliding, paragliding, biking, mountain biking, equestrian driving, river rafting, kite flying, track and field, jogging, inline skating, Snowboarding, cross country, offpiste, glacier, bobsledding, curling, and ice skating, heli-skiing
Sport facilities
Indoor swimming pool, artificial ice rink, natural ice rinks, horseback riding hall, bobsleigh and Cresta runs, curling rinks, indoor tennis and squash halls, cross country ski center, lighted night cross country ski trail, children’s sledding slopes, indoor golf facility, ski jump.door swimming pool, artificial ice rink, exercise trail, horseback riding hall, indoor tennis and squash halls, tennis courts, high altitude training and competition center (400 meter track and field facility, gym, “Finnon” trail on the Corviglia), shooting range (300, 100, 50 & 25 meters), biking trails.
Fitness centers :
Nautilus Gym at Noldapark, Via G. Segantini 32 / 081- 833 84 14
Berry Health Center, Via Arona 28 / 081- 833 03 77
Gut Training, Heilbadzentrum / 081- 833 52 54
The Gym, Via Quadrellas / 081- 834 41 41
Crystal-Health-Club / 081- 832 11 65
Inquire about weekly aerobic, stretching and Hatha Yoga relaxation lessons.
Swimming Pool / Health Spa
(081- 833 60 25 / 833 30 62)
The public pool is in St. Moritz-Bad; sauna and massage are in the same complex, so visitors can be warm when it is cold outside. Sparkling mineral baths at the famous health spa and samples of “St. Moritz water” directly from the spring are other healthful possibilities.
Spa & Sauna Complex
Scuol
(081- 861 20 00)
Enjoy a train journey to the Engadin Bad Scuol in the Lower Engadine. Relax in the different indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, solaria, saunas or in the Roman-Irish steam bath.
Bowling
(081- 854 12 64)
Go bowling! Partners usually turn up quickly.
Hotel Aurora in S-chanf. Reserve the alley in advance.
Cross-Country Skiing
You can exercise on the cross-country tracks – they are prepared every day even in bad weather and when it is snowing. Try a cross-country ski tour into one of the unique valleys of the Engadine, such as Val Roseg, Val Fex or toward Morteratsch
Horseback-Riding
(081- 833 57 33)
Do you know how to ride? If not, why not take a lesson in the riding hall in St. Moritz. Escorted excursions on horseback can be arranged by appointment.
Tennis or Squash
(081- 833 15 00)
There are 4 tennis and 2 squash courts in the sports hall. Raquets can be rented on the spot. If you are not in the professional class, a tennis instructor will teach you a few “tricks”.
Tobogganing
A newly built run showcases one of the best views in the valley, at Muottas Muragl, daily 9.30 – 23.00
081 842 83 08
Taxi Rides :Bobsled and Hang Gliding
(081- 833 41 10 / 018-833 80 90)
For the more daring visitors, there is the possibility of taking a “taxi ride” on the bobsleigh run from St. Moritz to Celerina, or a delta hang gliding taxi from Corviglia down to the frozen St.Moritz Lake.
Walking
The walk to Pontresina through the snow covered Staz forest is particularly attractive in winter. Wear a pair of good hiking boots and discover the pleasure of walking under the fir and larch boughs.. Don’t forget your camera! The bieds, deer and squirrels are photogenic. In case you should be cold in spite of winter clothing, there are two restaurants on the way where you can warm up.
Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides
M. Degiacomi / 081-833 32 42
A. Melcher / 081-833 74 57 / 833 14 21
U. Moro / 081-833 34 74 / 079 232 09 45
D. Motti / 081-833 37 68 / 077-81 20 68
C. Pedrolini / 081-833 12 39
Outings with a horse sleigh are very popular.. Prices on request.
Cinema
(081- 833 31 55)
Maybe the movie being shown is the one that you missed at home. And most likely, it’s in English.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
Late December through February
The Cresta Run
]With speeds of up to 85 mph, the drivers race down the ice canal head first on “skeleton” sleds. There are races or training runs daily. Dates back to 1885. Main events: Heaton Gold Cup, Curzon Cup, Grand National, Gunter Sachs Challenge Cup.
Instruction for beginners. Demonstration event at the 1928 and 1948 Olympic Winter Games
Late December through February
Bob Run
The only remaining natural ice bobsled run in the world. Dates back to 1890.
Length: 1585 meters, with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Races or training runs daily in 2 and 4-man bobsleds, as well as skeleton sleds. Main events: Swiss and European championships, bobsled world championship, two Olympic Winter Games (1928/48) Bobsled taxi rides for guests: advance registration required
Late December through February
Curling
Curling Center Al Parc, 8 to 16 natural ice rinks. Scottish team sport – played for the first time on the continent in 1881 in St. Moritz. Training, matches or tournaments daily.
January
Zurück Festival
Musik Festival “Snow and Symphony”
Fr 23.03.2001
Engadin/St. Moritz
Mid January and beginning of August
Concours Hippique
International equestrian jumping tournament on snow; since 1958. An annual event with more than 100 horses participating. 15 tests, including skikjöring (a horse and rider pulling a skier). Summer Concours: since 1996. 15 international tests on the equestrian field in St. Moritz Bad, with a large special prize.
January
Schlitteda
An old Engadine tradition: young people from the village, dressed in traditional garb and driving colorful old horse-drawn sleighs, parade through the snow-covered landscape to the neighboring village.
Last weekend in January
Polo On Snow
The world’s oldest team sport – played with red balls on the white turf of the frozen St.Moritz lake; since 1985. 6 matches to 4 chukkers on three days.
Cricket On Snow
Cricket, the national sport of the Anglo Saxons, became popular in England 200 years ago. The first cricket tournament in history to take place on a frozen lake was staged in St. Moritz in February 1989.
The first three Sundays in February
Horse Races On Snow
Horse races on a White turf have taken place on the frozen St. Moritz lake since 1907. Every race weekend there are short distance, flat, trotting and skikjöring events (skikjöring is a worldwide exclusive: a riderless horse tows a skier around the track)
First week in February
Gourmet Festival
The best chefs from all over the world inspire young talented chefs from St. Moritz hotel kitchen brigades. Multi-course meals with specialties from the chef’s homeland are served. Climax: “Grand Gourmet Finale” on the frozen St. Moritz lake.
British Classic Car Meeting
Elegance and class in the Engadin alpine environment. Over 150 Old time and Classic Cars have a date in St. Moritz: “Concours d’élégance”, motor rally; since 1994.
Late February
Greyhound Races
International greyhound races on the frozen St. Moritz lake. The “Gold Rush”: a tradition was brought back to life in March, 1988.
December, January, February
Ski Jumping
Ski jumping whithin the World and European Cup competitions. Olympic ski jump facility 90 meters long, “Falcun” jump 50 meters, “Spreret” jump 30 meters, boys’ jump 15 meters. Main events: Christmas jumping, World Cup competition, World Cup jumping with Nordic combination.
March
Chalanda Marz
A very old Engadin tradition: The Engadin school children drive away winter with bells and songs.
2nd Sunday in March
Engadin Ski Marathon
Annually, one of the world’s largest sport events with over 12’000 participants. 42 kilometers, cross country skiing from Maloja to Zuoz. Since 1969.
Winter Season
Hangglider Rides
Tandem flights with a hangglider. Start on skis with a certified pilot from the top of Corviglia. Landing is on the frozen lake below.
Winter
HTWZ High Altitude Training And Competition Center In St. Moritz
Ideal training conditions in the sparkling high altitude climate of St. Moritz. 400 meter Rub-Tan track and field facility, gym, track, rowing course, jogging paths, Good Training Center with medical care, etc. Bobsled run, ski jump facility, alpine and Nordic skiing, etc. (winter). Since 1968.
July and August
International Concert Weeks
With world-renowned orchestras, directors and soloists; since 1940.
2nd weekend in August
Windsurfing
Windsurfing marathon with approx. 300 participants. On Friday a tandem marathon event with approx. 50 participants, and on Saturday, the singles marathon. Total distance of each race: 42 kilometers. An annual event since 1977. Windsurfing World Cup on the Silvaplana Lake, the only World Cup on an alpine lake (since 1994).
Summer Season
Wild Water River Rafting
Exciting river rafting adventure on the Inn River, the “King of the Alpine Rivers”. One, two or three day excursions in a rubber raft, with a certified guide.
Inline Skating
First Saturday in July
Engadin Inline Skating Marathon
since 1996 (first Saturday in July).
From Maloja to S-chanf (41.195 kilometers) with speeds of up to 48 mph along the scenic Upper Engadin mountain lakes. Various training trails and Inline parks.
Golf
18 hole golf course (end of May to the beginning of October) in Samedan/St. Moritz. Over 40 tradition-rich tournaments are on the program every summer. Main events: St. Moritz Gold Cup, Heineken Cup.
Winter golf: with red balls on the “white greens” once every winter, an Upper Engadin Winter Golf Tournament.