St. Moritz vs Davos: Transfer & Resort Comparison Guide

Choosing between St. Moritz and Davos for your Swiss ski holiday? Both Graubünden resorts offer exceptional skiing, but they cater to different preferences, budgets, and skiing styles. This comprehensive comparison covers everything from resort atmosphere and terrain to transfer times from Zurich Airport, helping you decide which legendary Swiss destination suits your needs.

Express Transfer serves both resorts with professional airport transportation, and we’ve transported thousands of skiers to each. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.

Quick Comparison Overview

Resort Character & Atmosphere

St. Moritz: Alpine Glamour & Luxury

St. Moritz isn’t just a ski resort—it’s a lifestyle destination where Olympic champions, celebrities, and discerning travelers have gathered since the 1860s. The resort exudes sophistication with designer boutiques lining Via Serlas, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxury hotels like Badrutt’s Palace Hotel defining the skyline.

What to Expect:

• Elegant après-ski at Bobby’s Pub or Roo Bar
• High-end shopping (Gucci, Prada, Hermès)
• Gourmet dining scene
• Exclusive events (Snow Polo World Cup, White Turf horse racing)
• Well-heeled international clientele
• Polished, refined ambiance

The resort splits into St. Moritz Dorf (the main village perched above the lake) and St. Moritz Bad (the spa area in the valley). Most visitors stay in Dorf for proximity to shops, restaurants, and the Corviglia ski area.

St. Moritz attracts those who appreciate the finer things. If you enjoy luxury accommodation, gourmet dining, and being part of an exclusive alpine scene, St. Moritz delivers magnificently.

Davos: Authentic Swiss Alpine Town

Davos presents a completely different atmosphere—authentic, down-to-earth, and focused on skiing rather than glamour. As Switzerland’s largest resort town, Davos stretches along a broad valley for several kilometers, giving it more of a working town feel than a resort village.

What to Expect:

• Genuine Swiss alpine town atmosphere
• Practical, no-nonsense vibe
• Mix of tourists and locals
• Focus on sport and outdoor activities
• Relaxed, family-friendly environment
• Better value accommodation and dining
• Traditional Swiss restaurants alongside international options

Davos lacks St. Moritz’s polish but compensates with authenticity. It’s a place where serious skiers come to ski, families find excellent value, and the emphasis is on the mountains rather than the scene.

The town splits into Davos Platz (more central, near the train station) and Davos Dorf (quieter, more traditional), connected by regular buses. Most visitors prefer Platz for convenience, though Dorf offers a more village-like atmosphere.

Getting There: Transfer Times & Routes from Zurich Airport

Transfer to St. Moritz (3 hours 15 minutes)

Express Transfer’s route to St. Moritz takes you through some of Switzerland’s most spectacular scenery via two main route options:

Primary Route (Via Chur):

• Zurich Airport → A3 motorway → Chur → Julier Pass (or Albula Pass) → St. Moritz
• Distance: Approximately 200km
• Journey time: 3h 15min
• Scenic highlights: Lake Zurich, Walensee, Chur old town, dramatic Julier Pass ascent (if open)

Winter Alternative (Via Vereina Tunnel):

• Used when Julier/Albula passes closed
• Zurich → A13 → Landquart → Klosters → Vereina car-carrying train → Engadin valley → St. Moritz
• Slightly longer but avoids high passes in severe weather

The journey to St. Moritz rewards with stunning alpine scenery, particularly the final ascent into the Engadin valley. Your Express Transfer driver navigates these routes expertly, choosing the optimal path based on conditions.

Transfer Cost: €550-650 for sedan (1-3 passengers), €650-750 for SUV (4-6 passengers)

Transfer to Davos (2 hours)

The transfer to Davos is notably shorter and more straightforward:

Standard Route:

• Zurich Airport → A3 motorway → Landquart → Davos
• Distance: Approximately 150km
• Journey time: 2h
• Scenic highlights: Rhine Valley, approach to Prättigau valley

The route to Davos involves less dramatic mountain passes than St. Moritz, making it more reliable in extreme weather. The final stretch through the Prättigau valley into Davos offers beautiful alpine scenery without the high-altitude challenges.

Transfer Cost: €420-480 for sedan (1-3 passengers), €480-560 for SUV (4-6 passengers)

Transfer Time Winner: Davos saves approximately 1 hour 15 minutes each way—significant for weekend trips or families with young children.

Ski Terrain & Mountain Comparison

St. Moritz: Four Distinct Ski Areas

St. Moritz’s ski domain comprises four separate areas, each with unique character:

1. Corviglia (Main Area)

• Elevation: 1,800m – 3,057m
• Terrain: 120km of pistes
• Character: Sunny, wide slopes, excellent grooming
• Best for: Intermediate cruising, learning, enjoying views
• Access: Funicular from Dorf, cable car from Bad
• Highlights: Corvatsch panoramic view, long cruising runs, tree-skiing lower down

Corviglia serves as St. Moritz’s primary ski area with predominantly blue and red runs perfect for confident intermediates. The sunny aspect and reliable snowmaking ensure good conditions throughout the season.

2. Corvatsch

• Elevation: 1,800m – 3,303m
• Terrain: 120km of pistes
• Character: Challenging, steep, glacier skiing
• Best for: Advanced skiers, off-piste enthusiasts, glacier skiing
• Access: Cable car from Surlej (requires bus/car from St. Moritz)
• Highlights: Highest point in region, excellent off-piste, challenging blacks

Corvatsch offers St. Moritz’s most demanding terrain with steep blacks and extensive off-piste opportunities. The glacier section provides skiing into May.

3. Diavolezza

• Elevation: 2,093m – 2,978m
• Terrain: Limited prepared runs but exceptional off-piste
• Character: High-altitude, glacier, off-piste paradise
• Best for: Experienced off-piste skiers with guides
• Access: Cable car from Bernina Pass (20min drive from St. Moritz)
• Highlights: Iconic Morteratsch glacier descent (with guide), stunning Bernina range views

Diavolezza is primarily for off-piste enthusiasts. The prepared terrain is limited, but the off-piste opportunities—particularly the Morteratsch glacier run—are legendary.

4. Lagalb

• Small area primarily for beginners and easy intermediates
• Often used for ski school

St. Moritz Terrain Summary:

• Total: 350km of pistes across all areas
• Beginner: 30% (good, but spread across areas)
• Intermediate: 50% (excellent variety)
• Advanced: 20% (challenging terrain at Corvatsch and Diavolezza)
• Off-piste: Exceptional with guide
• Tree skiing: Limited

Note: The four areas are not connected on skis, requiring buses or cars between them. The Upper Engadin lift pass covers all areas.

Davos-Klosters: Integrated Ski Paradise

Davos-Klosters functions as one integrated ski area with six sectors, though the main action centers on Parsenn:

1. Parsenn (Main Area)

• Elevation: 1,560m – 2,844m
• Terrain: 120km of pistes
• Character: Varied, extensive, connected
• Best for: All levels, especially intermediates
• Access: Funicular from Davos, cable car from Klosters
• Highlights: Longest run in Switzerland (12km from Weissfluhjoch to Kublis), extensive intermediate terrain, excellent snow record

Parsenn dominates Davos skiing with vast intermediate terrain, reliable snow, and the famous Parsenn Derby descent. The area connects Davos and Klosters, allowing you to ski between towns.

2. Jakobshorn

• Elevation: 1,560m – 2,590m
• Terrain: 40km of pistes
• Character: Freestyle, sunny, party atmosphere
• Best for: Snowboarders, freestylers, fun-seekers
• Access: Cable car from Davos Platz
• Highlights: Excellent terrain parks, halfpipe, relaxed vibe, sunny south-facing slopes

Jakobshorn attracts the snowboard crowd with top-tier parks and a more relaxed atmosphere than Parsenn. The sunny aspect makes it popular for spring skiing.

3. Pischa

• Small, quiet area
• Good for avoiding crowds
• Family-friendly
• Limited terrain

4. Rinerhorn

• Family-oriented sector
• Gentle slopes
• Excellent for beginners and children

5. Madrisa (Klosters sector)

• Quieter alternative
• Good intermediate terrain
• Less crowded than Parsenn

Davos-Klosters Terrain Summary:

• Total: 300km of pistes
• Beginner: 25% (excellent dedicated areas)
• Intermediate: 60% (superb variety and extent)
• Advanced: 15% (good blacks, excellent off-piste with guide)
• Off-piste: Very good, especially in Parsenn north faces
• Tree skiing: Good lower down on Parsenn

Terrain Advantage: Davos offers more integrated skiing—spend the entire day exploring without needing buses. St. Moritz requires transport between areas but offers more vertical and glacier skiing.

Skiing for Different Abilities

Beginners

Davos Wins for Beginners

• Dedicated beginner zones at Bolgenhang (Rinerhorn) and Jakobshorn
• Gentle, wide slopes perfect for learning
• Excellent ski schools with group lessons
• More affordable than St. Moritz
• Less intimidating atmosphere for first-timers

St. Moritz for Beginners

• Good beginner areas at Corviglia and Lagalb
• High-quality instruction but premium pricing
• More pressure/intimidation from exclusive atmosphere
• Beautiful, scenic learning environment

Intermediate Skiers

Both Excel, Slight Edge to Davos

• Davos: Vast intermediate terrain on Parsenn, can ski all day without repetition, excellent cruising
• St. Moritz: Beautiful intermediate cruising on Corviglia, more variety across four areas, stunning scenery

For keen intermediates who want extensive mileage without repeating runs, Davos edges ahead. For those who value scenery and variety across different mountains, St. Moritz appeals more.

Advanced Skiers

St. Moritz Wins for Advanced Terrain

• Corvatsch offers challenging blacks and extensive off-piste
• Diavolezza provides world-class off-piste with guides
• Higher altitude means better powder preservation
• More vertical drop from top lifts
• Glacier skiing extends season

Davos for Advanced

• Excellent off-piste in Parsenn north faces
• Good black runs but less extreme than Corvatsch
• Famous long descents (Parsenn Derby)
• Very good with guide but not quite the extreme terrain of Diavolezza

Family-Friendliness

Davos: The Family Choice

Why Families Choose Davos:

• More affordable accommodation across all categories
• Excellent childcare and ski school facilities
• Dedicated family zones (Rinerhorn, Madrisa)
• Wide, gentle slopes ideal for kids
• Less pretentious atmosphere
• Good value restaurants with children’s menus
• Sports facilities beyond skiing (ice rink, indoor pools, sledding)
• Easier to navigate with family (flatter terrain in town)

Family Cost Savings: A family of four typically spends 30-40% less in Davos than St. Moritz for comparable accommodation and dining.

St. Moritz: Luxury Family Holidays

Why Some Families Choose St. Moritz:

• Exceptional children’s ski schools (premium service)
• Luxury family hotels with childcare
• Beautiful, scenic environment
• Excellent snow reliability
• More exclusive, quieter slopes (fewer crowds)
• Special experiences (horse-drawn sleigh rides, luxury dining)

St. Moritz works for affluent families seeking luxury and exclusivity, but most families find better value and more suitable terrain in Davos.

Accommodation & Dining

St. Moritz: Luxury at a Premium

Accommodation:

• 5-star luxury: Badrutt’s Palace, Kulm Hotel, Carlton Hotel (€800-2,000+ per night)
• 4-star upscale: Numerous options (€300-600 per night)
• 3-star/apartments: Limited availability (€150-300 per night)
• Budget options: Very few, consider nearby Pontresina or Celerina

Dining:

• Michelin-starred: Multiple options (€150-400 per person)
• Mid-range: €40-80 per person
• Casual/takeaway: €20-35 per person
• Mountain restaurants: €15-40 per person

Après-ski:

• Sophisticated cocktail bars
• Hotel lounges
• High-end wine bars
• Bobby’s Pub (legendary but expensive)

Davos: Value Without Compromise

Accommodation:

• 4-star hotels: Good selection (€150-350 per night)
• 3-star hotels: Excellent value (€100-200 per night)
• Apartments: Widely available (€80-150 per night)
• Budget hostels: Available (€30-60 per person)

Dining:

• Fine dining: Limited but available (€60-120 per person)
• Mid-range: €25-45 per person
• Casual/takeaway: €12-25 per person
• Mountain restaurants: €10-25 per person

Après-ski:

• Relaxed bars and pubs
• Hotel bars with reasonable prices
• Jakobshorn après scene (young, lively)
• Traditional Swiss restaurants

Cost Winner: Davos offers significantly better value—expect to save 30-50% on accommodation and 25-40% on dining compared to St. Moritz.

Snow Reliability & Season Length

St. Moritz: High Altitude Advantage

• Higher base elevation (1,800m vs 1,560m)
• Glacier skiing at Corvatsch (3,303m) and Diavolezza (2,978m)
• More north-facing slopes (better snow preservation)
• Season: Early December to late April (glacier to May)
• Average snowfall: 1.5m annually
• Sunshine: 322 days per year
• Excellent snowmaking coverage

St. Moritz’s famous “Champagne climate” delivers abundant sunshine and dry, powdery snow. The high altitude and glacier access provide exceptional snow reliability, especially late season.

Davos: Reliable Continental Snow

• Lower base but still respectable (1,560m)
• Top elevation 2,844m (good but not glacier)
• Mix of aspects (north-facing Parsenn, south-facing Jakobshorn)
• Season: Early December to mid-April
• Average snowfall: 2.0m annually (more than St. Moritz)
• Less extreme sunshine (but still good)
• Comprehensive snowmaking

Davos receives more natural snowfall than St. Moritz due to its continental location, though St. Moritz’s higher altitude often preserves snow better late season.

Snow Winner: Early/mid-season edge to Davos (more natural snow). Late season (March-April) advantage to St. Moritz (higher altitude, glacier options).

Accessibility & Transfer Convenience

From Zurich Airport

Davos:

• Transfer time: 2 hours
• Route complexity: Straightforward motorway, one mountain valley
• Weather reliability: Less affected by high passes
• Cost: €420-560 (depending on vehicle)
• Weekend trip friendly: Yes, the shorter transfer makes weekend trips viable

St. Moritz:

• Transfer time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Route complexity: Motorway + high passes or tunnel alternative
• Weather reliability: Occasionally affected by pass closures (alternative routes available)
• Cost: €550-750 (depending on vehicle)
• Weekend trip friendly: Possible but the longer transfer is less ideal

From Other Airports

Geneva Airport:

• St. Moritz: 4h 30min (very long)
• Davos: 4h (very long)
• Both: Zurich is clearly the better airport choice

Milan Airports:

• St. Moritz: 3h from Milan Malpensa (viable alternative)
• Davos: 3h 30min from Milan (less convenient)

Accessibility Winner: Davos for Zurich (much shorter), St. Moritz for Milan

Non-Skiing Activities

St. Moritz

• Ice skating on frozen lake
• Horse racing on ice (White Turf)
• Snow polo
• Luxury spa experiences
• Shopping (designer boutiques)
• Gourmet dining experiences
• Cresta Run (historic toboggan)
• Cross-country skiing (extensive trails)
• Winter hiking trails
• Helicopter tours

Davos

• Ice hockey (HC Davos professional team)
• Natural ice rink
• Extensive winter hiking
• Sledding (Schatzalp-Davos 3km run)
• Cross-country skiing
• Indoor sports facilities
• Swimming pools and wellness centers
• Sleigh rides
• Paragliding

Winner: St. Moritz for exclusive experiences and luxury, Davos for active families and sports variety.

Nightlife & Entertainment

St. Moritz

• Sophisticated cocktail bars
• Hotel piano bars
• Limited club scene
• Cultural events (concerts, exhibitions)
• More refined, quieter evenings
• Bobby’s Pub (famous but dated)

Davos

• More variety in bars and pubs
• Younger crowd at Jakobshorn base
• Several nightclubs (Ex-Bar, Cabanna Club)
• More affordable nightlife
• Mix of locals and tourists
• Livelier overall atmosphere

Nightlife Winner: Davos for variety and energy, St. Moritz for sophistication.

Who Should Choose St. Moritz?

St. Moritz is ideal if you:

• Seek luxury and exclusivity
• Appreciate fine dining and upscale shopping
• Are advanced skiers wanting challenging terrain and glacier skiing
• Don’t mind higher costs for premium experience
• Value scenery and stunning mountain backdrops
• Want to experience legendary resort with rich history
• Prefer quieter, more exclusive slopes
• Are willing to travel between ski areas
• Enjoy sophisticated après-ski and cultural events
• Want the best snow reliability into April/May

Who Should Choose Davos?

Davos is ideal if you:

• Want excellent value for money
• Are traveling as a family
• Prefer integrated, extensive ski area you can explore all day
• Are beginner or intermediate skiers
• Value authentic Swiss atmosphere over glamour
• Want shorter transfer from Zurich (especially for weekends)
• Prefer more lively, down-to-earth nightlife
• Are snowboarders (Jakobshorn freestyle terrain)
• Want more dining and accommodation options across price ranges
• Enjoy active sports culture and local community feel

Express Transfer Recommendations

After transporting thousands of skiers to both resorts, here’s our honest assessment:

Choose St. Moritz for:

• First-time visitors wanting the “classic” luxury Swiss ski experience
• Special occasions (honeymoons, milestone birthdays, anniversaries)
• Advanced skiers prioritizing challenging terrain
• Those who can afford premium pricing
• Late-season trips (March-April glacier skiing)

Choose Davos for:

• Families with children or teenagers
• Groups of friends on a budget
• Week-long ski holidays where variety matters
• Intermediate skiers wanting extensive terrain
• Weekend trips from Zurich (shorter transfer)
• Those prioritizing skiing over resort atmosphere

Can’t Decide? Consider this creative option: Stay in Davos and take a day trip to St. Moritz (or vice versa). Express Transfer can arrange a day transfer, allowing you to experience both. Many of our clients spend 4-5 days in Davos and 2-3 in St. Moritz, enjoying the best of both worlds.

Booking Your Transfer to St. Moritz or Davos

Express Transfer provides professional airport transportation to both resorts with:

✓ Fixed Pricing: No hidden fees or surprise charges

✓ Flight Monitoring: We track your arrival and adjust pickup accordingly

✓ Professional Drivers: Experienced in Alpine winter driving, multilingual

✓ Premium Vehicles:Mercedes, BMW, VW fleet maintained to highest standards

✓ Equipment Handling: Ample space for skis, boards, and luggage

✓ Flexible Scheduling: Depart when you’re ready

✓ Child Seats: Complimentary (request when booking)

✓ Weather Expertise: Alternative routes during pass closures

Make Your Choice with Confidence

Both St. Moritz and Davos rank among Switzerland’s finest ski destinations, each excelling in different ways. St. Moritz delivers unmatched luxury, glamour, and high-altitude skiing for those willing to invest in an exclusive experience. Davos offers superior value, extensive integrated terrain, and authentic Swiss atmosphere ideal for families and value-conscious skiers.

There’s no wrong choice—only the choice that best fits your priorities, budget, and skiing style.

Ready to book your transfer? Contact Express Transfer today to reserve your Zurich Airport transportation to either St. Moritz or Davos. Our team can answer specific questions about routes, timing, and help you plan the perfect Swiss ski holiday.

Book your Swiss ski transfer now and let us handle the driving while you anticipate the alpine adventure ahead.