Lech and Zürs am Arlberg

With a snow history that boasts some of Austria’s greatest conditions and a tourism bureau that guarantees snow, you can generally ski in spectacular conditions all season. You’re sure to find some great skiing throughout the season thanks to a combined ski area with the higher resort Zurs, which has elevations up to 2450m, slopes facing all directions, and the option of heli-skiing. One of the best features of this resort is its excellent proximity to the Alberg Ski Area, allowing you to ski farther afield if desired. The resort, like any other ski resort, grows busier during peak weeks like Christmas and half-term, but you won’t notice it on the slopes since the resort’s latest lift technology keeps waits to a minimum.

Although you won’t have any Bridget-like mishaps on the piste if you take advantage of the excellent coaching and beginning slopes on offer, this is the renowned site of the funny skiing sequence in ‘Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.’ You’ll find some nice nursery slopes behind the town church and up near Oberlech to practice on until you’re ready to take the Schlegelkpof and explore some fantastic easy terrain for skiers and snowboarders.

If you’re comfortable on the white stuff, this is a great spot to go. There are plenty of intermediate pistes and plenty of off-piste. If you’re looking for a challenge, travel to the Rüfikopf region, which is located just outside of Oberlech, and speed down some severe steeps. The circumstances are great for powder hunters, with 180 kilometers of ungroomed terrain for some fantastic deep powder freeriding. Get a guide and explore other incredible runs near Zurs, or even better, arrange a guided heli-drop on the Schneetäli at 2450m or the Mehlsack at 2652m for some spectacular descents.

The Weisser Ring (or White Ring) challenge, which has been a bucket-list path for over 50 years, is an essential must for specialists. This famed 22-kilometer route takes you through Lech, Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech, featuring the challenging 5-kilometer Madloch descent and a massive elevation change of 5500 meters.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll be close to one of the country’s most popular freestyle hotspots: the gigantic Lech Snowpark in Schlegelkopf is a popular place for pros, with great obstacles for everyone from total novices to seasoned shredders.

Lech is situated in one of Europe’s, if not Austria’s, most constant snowfall locations. Annual snowfall averages 11 meters in Warth-Schroecken to the north, 7 meters in St Anton to the south, and 10 meters in Damuls to the northwest. You’re the one who does the arithmetic! Lech has a base elevation of 1450 meters, which is higher than St Anton. In comparison to similar elevation places in Austria, the Ski Arlberg region provides some of the best snow quality for longer periods of time.

The local drink of preference is Jägertee (rum, black tea, and spices), which is a must-try when you return from the slopes. The majority of the nightlife in Lech reflects the resort’s position as a first-class destination, with establishments that exude a high-end and exclusive vibe. While Lech’s après doesn’t have the same legendary status as St Anton’s, you’ll still find a fantastic range of venues providing a mix of the traditional and modern — switch between traditional tea dances and late-night dancing at Lech’s different pubs and nightclubs.

Eisbar in the Tannbergerhof, perhaps Lech’s most popular location, is worth visiting for drinks and dancing every afternoon. Head to the fashionable K Club for amazing cocktails and an equally fantastic dance floor if you want to continue the after-hours party into the early hours…

For dining out, Hagen’s Dorfmetzgerei und Imbiss is a fantastic restaurant providing classic Austrian cuisine, and Gasthof Post, which also offers local foods in substantial servings, is definitely worth arranging a seat at.

If you don’t want to be tied to a board, Lech offers several interesting non-ski activities… There are plenty of health options, as well as a sports center and Europe’s first and only air-conditioned ice rink. Snowshoe hikes and 15 kilometers of hiking paths are available to winter travelers. Icefall climbing is a thrilling experience. There’s also a natural toboggan slide, and a horse-drawn sleigh ride may be added to the winter fun.

Staying in a ski in/ski out hotel, such as Hotel Arlberg, which provides doorstep skiing only a minute from the closest lift and 3 minutes from the nursery slopes, may make skiing as a family much simpler. In the adjacent municipality of Zug, Chalet Alpenland is another ski in/ski out option. This is great for a family of seasoned skiers since the skiable terrain is intermediate. The apartment is also suitable for less experienced skiers, who can catch the regular bus to Lech in about 5 minutes.

Hotels may be an excellent alternative for families; inquire about family rooms, neighboring rooms, or hotels with childcare facilities to see if they would make your stay more convenient. Chalets provide a more private environment in which to spend quality time with your loved one in a genuine alpine setting. Both will prepare the meals for you, allowing you to spend more time as a family rather than in the kitchen during your week away.

The resort and ski area are excellent for families. Ski instruction are mixed with fun in the snow, such as snowman construction, and indoor activities, such as arts and crafts, for little ones learning to ski in a pleasant and safe atmosphere at the Kinderclub. Older children may enroll in group sessions alongside others their age and skill level, or you can hire a private teacher to teach you all together. Families with more experience may try freestyling in one of Austria’s greatest snowparks or hire a mountain guide for a tour of the best powder.

The iconic Hotel Tannbergerhof, located in the heart of the village, is ideal for parties seeking to party – Eisbar (probably the greatest après ski in town) is just outside. If you’re traveling with a big party, consider Chalet Alpenland. Although Zug is a little farther away, the ski in/ski out position and prospect of exclusive occupancy make it well worth the extra distance. Zurs offers a nice range of pubs and restaurants, including the Rote Wand, and Lech is just a 5-minute bus ride or a 5-minute ski run away. Enjoy nights relaxing together in on-site piano bars and spa facilities when you book one of our luxury resorts.

If you want to learn and progress together, book a private group instruction or hire a mountain guide for a tour of the greatest snow, the ski area offers something for everyone’s likes and skills. Non-skiers will find enough to do in the way of fitness and sports facilities, as well as a variety of outdoor activities that do not need being tethered to a board. In one of Lech’s mountain huts, pubs, or nightclubs, you may all come together for a warming Jägertee, regardless of how everyone spends the daily hours.

With one of our lodging, airline, and transportation packages, you can have everyone booked and on their way to the mountains. To see the most convenient vacations, choose an airport that is handy for everyone. If you’re all going to drive, self-drive packages are also available, and if finding a means of transportation that fits everyone is proving too tough, book accommodation-only.