The route from Zurich, o Geneva, to St. Moritz is one of the most popular among travelers who choose to charter a private jet to the most exclusive destinations in the Alps. Samedan-St. Moritz , the highest in Switzerland, is the ideal airport for a “signature approach” landing after traveling one of Europe’s most fascinating and scenic routes.
Taking off from Zurich in the direction of St. Moritz is like opening a curtain. A short flight-a handful of minutes, 35 from Zurich, a little more from Geneva-but enough to traverse a whole world of light, snow and suspended silences. As the plane pulls off the runway and points eastward, the city recedes behind us like a blurry detail. Ahead, however, the first dance of the mountains immediately begins: profiles emerging one after another, as if they had been waiting for that very moment to show themselves. The Alps never show up all at once; they reveal themselves in layers, with a grace that only those who fly over them in winter can truly understand.
We fly over the Tödi massif and then the Bernina. Each ridge has a different character: some severe, others soft as frozen dunes; all interwoven with veins of ice that glisten like silver threads. In the cabin, the silence is almost total: the engines work quietly, the fuselage glides through the cold air as if it was designed specifically to traverse this alpine corridor.
As we begin the descent into the Engadine valley, the panorama widens: frozen lakes, snow-covered forests, perfect lines drawn by the ski slopes. The jet glides along the approach path like a brush on a blank canvas. It is at that moment that, even for someone who has been flying for years like me, it becomes obvious why this is considered Europe’s most scenic route in winter: short, technical just the right amount, and visually unparalleled
Then, suddenly, Engadin Airport or Samedan appears: small, elegant, perfectly set in the snow. It is one of the most beautiful approaches one can make, not because it is difficult, but because it is harmonious. A precise, smooth conclusion to a flight that feels more like a poetic interlude than a transfer.
Every time we land here, I know that the passenger has just experienced the rarest of luxuries: not only arriving in St. Moritz, but doing so by flying over the winter from above, like a painter viewing his completed canvas for the first time
Why the Zurich-St. Moritz route is the most spectacular in Europe
The description sums up what makes this route unique: flying over the Bernina massif is a unique combination of technique, excitement and scenery.
Flying over glaciers and Alpine ridges in the wintertime offers passengers one of the most striking views in Central Europe. The Zurich/Geneva – Samedan – St. Moritz route is characterized by bright contrasts: pink and gold lights at dawn, deep blue shadows over the valleys, lakes that look like sheets of opaque glass.
And then there is the landing: entering theEngadine Valley is considered a “signature approach,” a maneuver that requires experience but pays off with unparalleled views.
Unforgettable landings: The “signature approach” of Samedan – St. Moritz
The approach to the Samedan-St. Moritz is considered one of Europe’s most fascinating signature approaches: a unique entry procedure that is the airport’s “signature,” its most recognizable feature. Before landing, the jet descends between the peaks of the Bernina massif, following the natural curve of the Engadine valley. The runway appears only in the last moments, nestled at an altitude of 1,707 meters between snowy forests and frozen lakes.
This is not a difficult approach: it is a scenic approach, designed to take the passenger inside the landscape rather than simply flying over it. It is this combination of natural harmony and precision flying that makes the signature approach of Samedan – St. Moritz an experience in itself, a perfect prelude to the luxury of the destination.
The destination: St. Moritz, absolute icon of European winter.
As we have seen, Samedan is the gateway airport to St. Moritz, the undisputed queen of Alpine resorts. Winter here is characterized by luxury, elegance, and lifestyle: historic hotels such as Badrutt’s Palace, starred restaurants, exclusive events, and some of the most fascinating slopes in the Alps.
That is why routes to St. Moritz are always among the most popular at Christmas time and during the ski season. Even in the Easter weeks for the last skiers of the season, private jet bookings to Alpine destinations reach high peaks every year.
The ideal type of private jet to reach the peaks of the Alps
Given the lay of the valley and the altitude of the airport (1,707 meters), not all jets are suitable.
The most popular are:
Light Jets (most recommended)
- Pilatus PC-24 – the king of this route
- HondaJet HA-420
- Cessna Citation CJ2/CJ4
Reasons:
- excellent management of short tracks
- rapid ascent
- Exceptional performance in cold air conditions
- Safe landings even in moderate side winds
Midsize Jets
- Phenom 300
- Learjet 60XR
Preferable in perfect weather conditions and with low weight.
Recommended moments to take off to St. Moritz while flying over the alpine landscape
- At dawn: the Bernina massif is shrouded in pinkish light, creating a “cosmic postcard” landscape.
- At sunset: the sky turns amber and the snow-capped peaks sparkle like crystals.
- After a snowfall: muffled atmosphere and perfectly even landscapes, one of the most exciting times to photograph from the window.
FBO and dedicated services for VIP passengers
Europe’s most luxurious destinations in the wintertime always reserve an unforgettable welcome for visitors passing through their airports. Both Zurich and Geneva and St. Moritz are top-tier destinations for very discerning travelers.
Zurich and Geneva Airports
- Private lounges
- Confidential check-in
- Customized catering
- Quick customs
- Dedicated transfers in limousines and luxury cars
Samedan Airport
- Air-conditioned hangars
- Concierge for St. Moritz
- Transfers in 10 minutes to the ski slopes
- Support winter luggage and sports equipment
- Private helicopter for heliskiing
Rent a private jet from Zurich/Geneva to St. Moritz with PrivateJetFinder
Contact privatejetfinder.com now to charter a private jet to St. Moritz, and you’ll receive a personalized quote quickly, with the ability to customize every detail of your flight: from departure time to the most scenic routes, from gourmet catering to full baggage handling.
PrivateJetFinder ‘s staff will guide you through the planning process, offering professional and discreet support for every aspect of your trip, so that you can enjoy maximum comfort and flexibility, worry-free as you fly over the snowy peaks of the Alps or to any destination in the world.
