Sprawling across the famous Engadine valley of the Swiss Alps is the cosmopolitan home of St Moritz. This vibrant ski resort, one of the first in Switzerland, boasts a uniquely exclusive lifestyle of sophistication and luxury, nestled right in the middle of the Albula Alps. Perhaps the most famous ski and holiday resort situated in the Swiss Alps, it is largely considered by many to be the first of its kind, with the doors of its very first hotel opening all the way back in 1846. The population of the town is relatively small at approximately 4,500 people, but it is a frequent tourist spot for skiers from all over the world.
Because of its prime position on the mountain, approximately 1,8000m above sea level, there are plenty of snowy and sunny days throughout the year and temperatures generally drop to many degrees below freezing, ensuring long-lasting and fresher ski slopes. For the latest weather and snow reports for St Moritz, take a look out our resort guide here.
St Moritz has also been a mainstay in popular culture, appearing in the James Bond films Goldfinger and For Your Eyes Only, as well as being the go-to destination for dozens of celebrities, from Charlie Chaplin to Audrey Hepburn. With such a stunning and famous backdrop, there is no better time to search for property investment in this stunning historic town. The area is renowned for its elegant, masterful properties that generally sell between £500,000 to £13m and upwards, depending on your needs.
Living in St Moritz and Things To Do
Like any mountain resort, St Moritz is famous for its winter sports and skiing. Being 1800km above sea level means that not only is it sunny, but the snow is crisp and plentiful in the winter. The town has hosted the Winter Olympics twice - in 1928 and 1948 - and has been a popular destination for international visitors for over 150 years. With 350km of ski area, the nearby slopes are open for beginners and advanced skiers, as well as cross-country skiers, snowboarders, tobogganists and even winter hikers. There are also 24 different ski lifts and cable cars available to take you high up into the mountains.
For those with an active temperament, St Moritz offers facilities for cycling, running, hiking, sailing, wind and kitesurfing, tennis and world-famous golf courses, as well as a local skating rink.
Any less inclined towards sports can enjoy the town’s famous warm mineral springs, which were discovered almost 3,000 years ago in the mountains. The Heilbad St Moritz spa offers services in massage, mud baths, yoga, mindfulness workshops and many other treatments to help you relax. Nearby, Europe’s highest outdoor shopping promenade, Via Serlas, is available for some retail therapy. Moreover, St Moritz has plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes that offer high-quality food and gourmet fine dining.
Leisure and Culture in St Moritz
St Moritz is a resort built into its history, beginning with the discovery of the famous mineral springs that continue to run through the town. The area is considered the birthplace of Alpine tourism and has always prided itself on being ahead of the times - it was the location of one of the first working ski lifts in Switzerland when it began running in 1935.
In the town itself, there is a museum dedicated to the work of painter Giovanni Segantini, who spent his last five years of life living close to the area in Engadine. For those who want to get a birds-eye view of this striking area, the famous Bernina Express takes you on a panoramic train tour across some of the most scenic places in the area - an excellent way to see the mountains. Some of the local area has even been dedicated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Investment Potential in St Moritz
St Moritz remains one of the most popular luxury tourist destinations in Switzerland, particularly for those looking for something a little more upscale than the traditional resort. Its commitment to quality is evident from some of its recent facility investments, with money being poured into the famous Glacier Express train service, a mainstay on many travel bucket lists. Because of its position in international sports and culture, the facilities and infrastructure of the town are always being updated and well maintained throughout the year, including the provision of many Olympic-standard sporting areas.
This commitment to sophistication and luxury is shown even further in the variety of properties available across the area. Blending cutting-edge design with a nostalgic reminder of traditional Alpine aesthetic, the properties across the resort are picturesque but modern and equipped with contemporary amenities. Its distinctive skyline makes it a much sought-after location, while its excellent positioning on the South Eastern side of the mountains provides brilliant views, no matter where you are.
Transport to St Moritz
The area is easily accessible by car and is approximately three hours’ drive from Zurich and Milan, and four hours from Munich. Cars can also be placed on the Vereina Tunnel trains, which will take you through the mountains to avoid driving on the roads.
Locally, the St Moritz Train Station is situated in the centre of the town with connections primarily to Zurich, incurring a journey of approximately three hours. The closest airports are Zurich, Milan Malpensa and Geneva, which are all between 3 and 5 hours away. Airport transfers directly to the resort are also available.
Luxurious and sophisticated, this jewel of a resort is a vibrant area of Alpine wonder and a perfect place to make a property investment.
Jan 02, 2024
