Car Hire In St Moritz: Competitive Prices And A Practical Local Guide

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St Moritz sits at over 1,800 metres, and the surrounding Julier, Bernina and Maloja passes become genuinely demanding in winter. A mid-size SUV with four-wheel drive and decent ground clearance copes well with compacted snow, slushy valley roads and the short, steep climbs out of the resort. Tyres fitted by the rental supplier are usually winter-rated in the colder months, which gives UK drivers unfamiliar with mountain conditions a welcome margin of safety. Boot space is sufficient for skis, boots and a couple of large suitcases.

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The roads linking St Moritz to Pontresina, Samedan and the Italian side via Maloja are mostly well surfaced but twisty and unforgiving. A medium petrol or diesel hatchback with a responsive automatic gearbox feels planted on fast sweepers yet light enough to manage the hairpins and narrow bridge crossings around the Engadin. It also slips into the tight parking bays near the station and in the resort's pay-and-display car parks with far less stress than a bulkier 4x4. Fuel economy is a pleasant bonus on long valley drives.

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In late spring and summer the Engadin valley enjoys long, bright days and some of the most photogenic roads in Switzerland. A premium convertible turns the drive along the lakes, over the Julier Pass and down to the Italian border into the highlight of the trip rather than mere transport. The roof comes down quickly when the sun breaks through and the cabin stays refined on smooth tarmac. UK visitors used to British weather are often surprised at how many clear, warm days there are between June and early September.