European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 25, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                E u r o p e Classy resort not Only for the Rich and famous by Bill Walker european editor St. Moritz advertises itself As Switzerland s sunniest resort. Its location in the southwestern Corner of the country on the South slope of the Alps accounts for the heavy dose of Winter Stanshine that consistently bathes the nearly 250 Miles of groomed downhill trails. The resort is also a world class nordic skiing area with More than 75 Miles of Cross country trails. An additional 75 Miles of hiking trails await the no skier. St. Moritz is known for its pricey restaurants five Star. Hotels with $800-a-Day rooms and an abundance of the Rich and famous in attendance for the Winter season. Less publicized is the fact that the resort remains an attractive destination for those with smaller wallets but big ski. Appetites. While half of the hotels Are in the four and five Star category the other 50 percent Are squarely in the three Star category and below in the Price Range of most everyday skiers. The resort setting is extraordinary a 6,000 feet up in the Alps ringed by High passes and close enough to the italian Border for a Day trip into the Homeland of pasta. Skiing in St. Moritz is done primarily on the slopes of two mountains. Up a Nair at 9,270 feet and Piz Corv Atsch at 10,833, Are the twin towers of the resort. The runs above St. Moritz Are mostly from the 8,160-foot Cortiglia Peak below the Piz Nair. The runs Here come Down into St. Moritz Dorf the higher part of town St. Moritz bad is beside the Lake. The Best run at St. Moritz is on the opposite Side of the Valley. The five mile Long Hahne see Trail comes Down the Corv Atsch Side Ini a dizzying 1,500-meter vertical drop. The area s most challenging run is the treacherously Steep Mogul Field from the top of lag alb overlooking the Bernina pass there is easier skiing across the Bernina Road at Dia Otezza. The runs offer a Glacier Overlook and there is summer skiing at both the Dia Olezza and Corv Atsch glaciers. The two most famous runs at St. Moritz involve no skiing. One is the Glacier express a 150-mile train journey across the High Alpine landscape Between St. Moritz and Zermatt. The trip takes about seven hours one Way. The round trip ticket is approximately $150 second class and $238 first class. The other run is on the Cresta the famed bobsled track where passengers Are Welcome. Five descents As a guest rider on the one mile natural ice track Cost about $300. Fast facts a accommodations the local tourist office will assist. 1w St. Moritz is located in the southwestern Corner of the country on the South slope of the Alps. Of a of of a t / ,. Sefc National Touria boar skiing in t the Only activity available to outdoor enthusiasts in St Moritz. Sufea nation Tow loaf in finding a room. There is a club med in St. Moritz plus a Long list of moderately priced hotels. Hotels in the moderate category Range from $75 per Day upward for a single. The most economical vacation plan is the Engadine Valley ski week sponsored by the tourist offices in St Moritz and eight other area towns. A seven Day plan including accommodations two meals daily lift passes and 24 hours of instruction begins around $550 in St. Moritz itself. There Are slightly lower rates for some of the outlying towns. Parking is a problem in St Moritz and the fee of approximately $11 a Day in the Central garage is a consideration in making up your budget for a visit. There Are Good hotels with free parking in neighbouring towns within 10 minutes drive of St. Moritz. A lift prices the Best pass is the regional ticket which is valid for 59 lifts and Over 200 Miles of downhill trails. The approximate Cost for a Day pass is $36. A three Day ticket is approximately $100. Day tickets Are about $27 for Cortiglia Dia Olezza or Corv Atsch. A getting there most americans stationed in Europe drive to the resort the easiest Way from Central Europe is Zurich Chur thesis then up and Over the Julier pass. There is a car train from thesis to Samedan and when the pass is icy this is the preferred route. From Italy the Road climbs the Majja pass to reach the Valley. A for More information write the Kur und Vermehr Verein ch-7500 St Moritz Switzerland or Telephone 0038-82-33147. In nearby Pon Tresina the address is Vermehr Verein ch7505 Pon Tresina Switzerland. The Telephone is 0038-82-66488. 12 stripes Magazine november 25, 199j