ST MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

When not skiing in St Moritz, there is still plenty to do. The world famous Cresta run; polo, golf, cricket and horse racing on the lake and a health spa in St Moritz Bad. Eating out can be expensive, but there are many restaurants to choose from and the night life in St Mortiz is varied and vibrant.

St Moritz has three separate ski areas taking in 350km of runs, although the third area is 20km away. Intermediates will enjoy exploring the Corviglia area directly above the town, where there is a great selection of red runs, while Experts have a vast selection of off-piste terrain as well as the more challenging runs at Diavolezza and Lagalb.

The Upper Engadine boasts 350km of piste and St Moritz skiing holidays offer 5 main areas; Corviglia, Corvatsch, Furtschellas, Diavolezza and Lagalb.

Like Engelberg, Crans Montana and Villars, the lift system is extensive and queues are not considered troublesome.

Set at high altitude with well groomed pistes the climate is dry and crisp and the natural snowfall is reliable. There are also 170 snow cannons spread out over 80% of the St.Moritz pistes which supplement for the natural snowfall by blasting out artificial snow which help contribute to skiing throughout the season.

Cross-country skiers are well catered for with 180km of trails throughout the valleys, and there are 150km of walking trails. The Muottas Muragl mountain is entirely given over to hiking and tobogganing in the winter.

Other activities include:

• Bobsleigh rides
• Drive a snowcat
• Curling - chess on ice
• Snowkiting Lake Silvaplana
• Horse drawn sleigh rides
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Night-skiing
• Diavolezza Glacier run
• Full-moon skiing
• Ski schools
• Winter Hiking trails
• Philosophers trail
• Casino
• Tobogganing
• Tandem paragliding

Innsbruck International aiport is the nearest airport to St. Mortiz which is accessible via car or bus transfer around 183 km away.