Silvretta Montafon
Nestled in the scenic Montafon district of Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost state, the Silvretta Montafon ski area features 140 kilometers of pistes and is now among Austria’s main winter sports destinations.
Within the Austrian Alps, Silvretta Montafon is a shining refuge with a wide range of leisure activities, cultural interactions, and breathtaking natural settings. Its varied features have helped it to grow to be a sought-after location for mountain biking, hiking, and skiing, drawing guests from all over world. The area offers a varied range of hotels to suit every guest’s tastes and needs. Every discriminating guest can find something from elegant hotels and resorts to small chalets and bed and breakfasts.
Silvretta Montafon is an Eden bursting with events suitable for outdoor enthusiasts all year round. Skiing and snowboarding rule in the winter; a vast network of slopes and tracks suits all skill levels. While experienced skiers might challenge themselves on the more difficult paths, novice ski courses and equipment rentals are easily accessible. The scene transforms into a hiker’s paradise as summer arrives, with breathtaking paths and grand mountains just waiting for discovery. Equally popular activities with approved paths and rental choices are mountain biking and cycling.
Apart from outdoor activities, Silvretta Montafon presents a lot of tourism attractions and possibilities. Absolute must-see is the Silvretta Bielerhöhe Alpine Road, a serpentine wonder revealing amazing views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The area also features immaculate mountain lakes where guests could relax and enjoy the peace of the surroundings.
The gastronomic scene in Silvretta Montafon is a real feast for the epicurean visitor. The area is well-known for its traditional Vorarlberg cuisine, which skillfully combines locally obtained foods with strong Alpine tastes. From elegant restaurants to little mountain cottages, there are many places where one may savor local cuisine. Vegetarians or vegans will also have plenty of choices to fit their dietary tastes. After a day of outdoor excitement, relax and enjoy the energetic après-ski and nightlife scene, where you may taste a well-earned libation among other guests.
Silvretta Montafon provides a range of health and spa treatments for people looking for break-through and rejuvenation. Relax at spas and wellness facilities offering a peaceful haven from everyday grind. Discover inner serenity by visiting yoga and meditation retreats; soak in relaxing hot tubs and saunas. Moreover, the natural beauty of the area offers many chances for outdoor activities such picnicking by a bubbling mountain stream or just appreciating the amazing surroundings.
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Tourism In Silvretta Montafon
Since the 1990s, the Montafon area has been well-known for its developed ski resorts, which offer employment possibilities as well as tourism appeal. The history of the area goes back more than a century when young people moved to surrounding European nations as Swabian children and migrant laborers employed on building projects.
Built together with housing facilities and Alpine club huts, the Montafon Railway was constructed in 1905 to enable travel between Bludenz and Schruns. Summer tourism drew a lot of visitors at first, but in the 1980s winter tourism exceeded summer in terms of overnight stays because ski areas grew. Up till now, this tendency has not changed.
Responding to the COVID-19 epidemic, the Vorarlberg state administration decided in March 2020 to close all ski resorts in the state, therefore forcing all visitors to leave the following day. The ski destinations in the area have helped to define its reputation and still draw businesses and tourists.
Geography Of Silvretta Montafon
From Schruns to Gaschurn via Silbertal and St. Gallenkirch in Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost territory, the 17 kilometers and 1,700 meter Silvretta Montafon ski area spans. It is in the Montafon valley, with Rätikon, Silvretta, and Verwall mountain ranges all around.
While the Hochjoch section extends along the foothill of the Silvretta Group with the Montafon to the south, the Nova half rests along the northern boundary of the group. Covering one-fifth of Vorarlberg, the valley is bigger (562km2) than the metropolis of Vienna, Austria (415km2).
Two already-existing ski areas—Silvretta Nova (placed in St. Gallenkirch and Gaschurn) and Hochjoch (located in Schruns and Silbertal) came together in 2008 to form the Silvretta Montafon ski resort.From Feldkirch in the Rhine Valley to the district capital, Bludenz, the site is around forty minutes’ distance by automobile.
History Of Silvretta Montafon
The Montafon area has been marked by the building of opulent ski resorts since the 1990s, which have greatly helped to define its reputation. Together with illwerke vkw AG, these resorts have also been a main source of jobs in the valley.The situation differed more than a hundred years ago.Under ideal political circumstances, young people would migrate seasonally as laborers across neighboring European countries beginning in the spring.They returned to their house late autumn carrying the money they had made.
For example, the Montafon Railway started running in 1905 to help goods and passengers be moved between Bludenz and Schruns.Then alpine club chalets and homes were built, together with hiking trails.In terms of overnight stays, winter tourist exceeded summer tourism in the 1980s; this pattern has been maintained unaltered till now.
A major event in the history of the ski area was the extraordinary closing of all the ski resorts in the state on March 15, 2020, mandated by the Vorarlberg state government during the current ski season, and the following day departure of all visitors.
Skiing in Silvretta Montafon
Situated in the lovely Montafon area of Austria, more especially in Vorarlberg, Bludenz, the Silvretta Montafon ski resort Skiing and snowboarding can find 27 km of ski tracks and 113km of slopes total. There are 37 elevators overall used for transportation of guests. The range of elevation in the winter sports area is 700 to 2,430 meters.
There is something for everyone at the Silvretta Montafon ski resort since it offers a large spectrum of slopes with different degrees of challenge. The resort also provides great winter sports conditions, which makes the ideal setting for an amazing ski holiday. They have been adding new elements and improvements to make their visitors even more comfortable. These include the quickest 8-person chairlift in Vorarlberg, the Silvretta lift, and the Panorama lift, an 8-person gondola lift.
Early winter to spring, skiing and snowboarding conditions at 2,430 meters above sea level are perfect. Apart from the consistent snowfall, the Silvretta Montafon winter sports area has the major benefit in terms of accessibility. The FIS Snowboarder Cross World Cup and big concerts honoring the start and end of the season are other noteworthy attractions of the event.
Things To Do in Silvretta Montafon
Silvretta Montafon is an Austrian well-known ski resort. With its amazing 140 kilometers of slopes and 37 lifts, it gives skiers and snowboarders many of possibilities. Although this resort is fantastic all year long, especially in the summer when it provides a lot of events to keep visitors occupied.
The Silvretta High Alpine Road is a lovely route connecting the two stunning valleys of Paznaun and Montafon. From this road, the great Alps are all their glory. Another choice is the amazing Silvretta Reservoir, where boating and fishing are allowed. The exhilaration at Nike Fun & Cross Park will appeal to skiers and snowboarders of whatever skill level.
Underneath the Hochjoch mountain lies also the 476-meter-long largest ski tunnel in the world. Among the other guided trips Silvretta Bergerlebnisse GmbH offers are glacier treking and animal viewing. At the Montafon Alpine and Tourism Museum are exhibits on mining, alpine culture, and tourism. By contrast, the Alpinarium Galtur focuses especially on the 1999 avalanche disaster. Among the creatures found at the amazing Silvretta Game Park, ideal for families, are deer, ibex, marmot, and lynx.
Silvretta Montafon - FAQ
What are the skiing conditions at Silvretta Montafon?
Slopes of the Austrian ski resort Silvretta Montafon, situated in the Montafon Valley, suit skiers and snowboarders with different degrees of ability. The resort's snowfall is much praised by skiers and snowboarders since it regularly produces a good snowpack and world-class powder. Perfect grooming of slopes makes skiing or snowboarding a delight. Advanced level skiers and snowboarders can face the challenging black diamond runs; intermediate level skiers can enjoy the well-kept blue and red paths. Novices can polish their trade under the direction of experienced teachers. Thanks to the resort's modern infrastructure—fast lifts and handy services—skiing here is easy. For its amazing mountain views and large range of courses, skiers and snowboarders swarm Silvretta Montafon.
How many ski slopes does Silvretta Montafon have?
The Silvretta Montafon ski area boasts 141 km of recognized slopes overall, with 28 km of freeride paths and 27 km of moderate, medium, and challenging lines. Situated in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg's beautiful Montafon valley, the ski resort One of the top ten ski resorts in the country, it takes considerable satisfaction in its standing.Besides that, the area is full of events ideal for those who enjoy winter sports. One well-known alternative is the longest valley drop in Vorarlberg, the Hochjoch Totale. Perfect for thrill-seekers, the Black Scorpions have the strongest downfalls in the area. Moreover, Snowpark Montafon is a great choice for all ability riders with its fun park and forty challenges.
What is the altitude of Silvretta Montafon?
The Silvretta Montafon ski area reaches 2430 meters in highest elevation.The base of the ski area consists on villages situated between 700 and 1000 meters above sea level.The ski resort dips 1,730 meters at its steepest point. Silvretta Montafon might have what those seeking a high-altitude skiing experience are looking for.
Are there ski lessons available for beginners in Silvretta Montafon?
There are several ski schools in Silvretta Montafon offering fundamental ski instruction. Schruns has you covered whether your interests are in freeriding instruction, ski touring, or cross-country skiing. They provide family, private, and group programs as well. St. Gallenkirch provides both group and individual education under competent teachers in a secure setting covering the fundamentals. Gaschurn-Partenen starts programs for adults, children, and bambini under afternoon supervision and lunch options at Nova Stoba restaurant. The Versettla cable car valley station will be the venue.
What is the ski pass pricing at Silvretta Montafon?
Depending on the type, length, and date of the ticket, ski passes at Silvretta Montafon range in price range from extremely reasonably inexpensive to rather expensive. Elements in the dynamic pricing system of the ski area are season, day of the week, booking date, and demand for tickets. Book your ticket online early if you wish the greatest deal on it. Adult day tickets run €36 to €64; senior tickets run €34 to €61; children's tickets run €21 to €37. Two to fourteen-day multi-day tickets range in prices for adults (€75–€372), seniors (€71–€353), and children (€43–€213).
How far is Silvretta Montafon from the nearest airport?
The closest airport to Silvretta Montafon is Friedrichshafen; The car trip there takes one hour and seventeen minutes. Still, many of the tour operators fly to Innsbruck, which requires a two-hour trip. Another way is to take a train from Munich, Milan or Zurich to Bludenz and then take a bus or taxi to the ski area.
Are there snowboarding facilities at the Silvretta Montafon?
The Silvretta Montafon does in fact have snowboarding facilities.At the Snowpark Montafon of the ski area, enjoy 40 challenges intended for both novice and experienced skiers and snowboarders.Another choice is Montafon freeriding, which offers steep gullies, varied terrain, deep snow falls in the high mountains, and amazing cliffs.One of the more challenging black slopes in the ski area is Black Scorpions, whose count dropped 80%.
What après-ski activities are available at Silvretta Montafon?
Silvretta Montafon offers a wide range of après-ski events to suit varied moods and tastes.At both the mountain and base stations, there are several bars, umbrella bars, and clubs where you might find yourself lost in the music and surroundings. Additionally in St. Gallenkirch is the Aquarena, a wellness area, sauna, and pool where one may relax. If you want some thrills, go tobogganing down the illuminated road between Garfrescha and St. Gallenkirch. Conversely, you could feel the rush and freeeride down steep snow slopes in the high mountains.
Is there night skiing available at Silvretta Montafon?
Yes, there is night skiing available at Silvretta Montafon. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Garfrescha and Kapell ski areas feature floodlights accessible from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Another choice is to go night Tobogganing on the longest run in Vorarlberg, 5.5km and from Garfrescha to St. Gallenkirch.Night skiing and Tobogganing passes can be bought from ticket offices and internet sites.
Are there any equipment rental options at Silvretta Montafon?
Yes, Silvretta Montafon offers some possibilities for equipment rentals. From one of the 13 Intersport sites in the Montafon valley, rent skis, snowboards, bikes, or via ferrata sets.Additionally, you can reserve your equipment online and gain from the Test & Buy option, which lets you test the items before you buy them.Renting your equipment from the Silvretta Montafon Holding GmbH provides another choice with two sites close to the ski area and a range of services including culinary options, ski depot, and ski service.
What is the weather typically like at Silvretta Montafon during the ski season?
With temperatures between -10°C and 10°C and average snowfall of 7.5 m per season, Silvretta Montafon's ski season weather is typically cold and snowy.Depending on the state of the snow, the ski season normally runs early December through early April.Before visiting the slopes, it is advisable to check the weather forecast since the altitude, the time of the day, and the wind direction will affect the variations in the temperature.
