Ski Arlberg – Lech, Zürs, Stuben, St. Christoph, St. Anton

Ski Arlberg
Austria's most extensive ski circuit

A new boost in comfort records the fantastic area on the Arlberg. In the new "hub" Alpe Rauz, the 8-seater Albonabahn I monocable gondola is replacing the old chairlift. The mountain station is moving about 200 meters down the valley and is now located right next to the Albona Mitte mountain restaurant. After new 10-seater cabins with large panoramic windows were built from the tranquil Zug to the Zugerberg two years ago and the fast 6-seater chairlift was built to the 2,446-meter-high Madloch, the cold times are history thanks to the weather protection hood and heated seats. It's enough to start shivering on the steep descent in the Madloch. In any case, it's now hard to think of a weak spot on the slopes.

The true fascination The Arlberg region's most impressive feature is the sheer endless expanse of the ski area, which unfolds even between the wide-meshed network of lifts. But even in this fantastic freeride area, it is undisputed that the mountain railways are what usually make a day of skiing more enjoyable.

Since the lift connection between the mega ski areas of Lech Zürs and St. Anton am Arlberg, the Arlberg has been the largest connected ski area in Austria. Many people still remember the saying coined when the railway tunnel was built under the pass: "What God has separated, let no man join together". Guests never saw it that way anyway. But enough theory, let's get to the practical skiing test of the spectacle.

As a "Run of Fame" The region can be circumnavigated without repetition on 85 kilometers of ski slopes. There are 18,000 meters of ascents on the program. A circuit that can only theoretically be completed in one day, which even trumps the "White Ring" of Lech-Zürs. Both circuits have become even more attractive thanks to the two renovated cable cars described at the beginning (Zugerberg and Madloch), which take us to the summits in just five minutes each.

rooms, a village that had led a wallflower existence for many years, or perhaps even enjoyed it, has moved to the centre of the network since the big merger. This was once the cradle of the cradle of skiing, namely that of Hannes Schneider. We are now moving closer to the origin of the merger, the architecturally striking valley station. The Flexenbahn. It is calculated that it replaces 120 bus journeys that took skiers from one ski area to the other between Alpe Rauz and Zürs every day. The single-cable gondola takes just six minutes. The Flexenbahn, which runs high above the Flexenpass road, covers a distance of almost 1.8 kilometres, then you are at the central middle station of the Trittkopfbahn, which climbs in two stages.

Landed in the "White Ring" we are moving on familiar terrain. The marked circuit around Lech and Zürs is not only skied at racing speed every January, it is an important leitmotif for a great day of skiing all winter long. We first tackle the young upper section, but then we cross the Flexenstraße on skis to float off towards Madloch. If you want to warm up on the cool lift up to the Muggengrat beforehand, you can then enjoy an extra tour over the picturesque Zürser Täli. From Madloch it is mostly shady and hard. The spectacular entry into the Stierloch is an exciting off-piste experience with the right equipment. Via Zug you then reach the Lech ski area - and the Balmalp is one of the many irresistible huts. Speaking of Zug: The dreamy mini-village, located at the end of the valley to the Lech source "Rote Wand", is also a popular destination for winter hikers, cross-country skiers and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Between Lech and Warth The strategic expansion of the Arlberg ski association began a few years ago with the Auenfeldjet as a connection to the Bregenzerwald communities. From the perspective of the Bregenzerwald village of Warth, which has a new center, the endless world of slopes in the Arlberg opened up in one fell swoop. In Warth (Saloberkopf ski area), even late risers still have a chance to enjoy untouched slopes. Completely new slopes have not been developed here, but deep snow runs from the Rotschrofen, which extend beyond the Bergeralpe, are becoming increasingly popular. In general, depending on the time of day and year, additional sunny or powder snow slopes can be conquered. This is problematic for those who miss the "return transfer" in the evening, because the road connection between Lech and Warth is closed in winter.

Zürs and above all Lech represent the upscale side of the Arlberg. Society strolls along the Lech promenade every evening, but make no mistake: for the vast majority, winter sports are the main focus during the day in the "Xsiberger" luxury region. The impressively wide slope of the Schlegelkopf in particular offers optimal carving conditions thanks to perfect snowmaking, especially in the morning hours.

In ideal skiing areas you can go for example on the Kriegerhorn East variant, one of the best slopes that the region, rich in steep slopes, has to offer. When you go up on the chairlift, you can easily judge which of the runs is in the best condition, especially whether you can even ski down the south slope. Finding the east slope without tracks after snowfall is reserved for early risers. If you want to have the absolute powder feeling with a guarantee, a helicopter takes you from Lech to Mehlsack. In addition to a thickly padded wallet, you also need a ski instructor on board. Air transport is by no means necessary. You continue up the "White Ring" to Rüfikopf, then swing to Trittkopf and do some proper carving on Ochsenboden. In these regions, people are suddenly spoiled for choice: return to Zürs - or take the new cable car to Stuben to tackle the second loop of the "Run of Fame". The Albona is famous for its almost endless opportunities for deep snow. It can also be used as a connection to St. Anton if you choose the tour variant through the Maroi with an experienced guide.

St. Anton and St. Christoph am Arlberg on the Arlberg can usually be reached from Stuben via the Albona middle station and Alpe Rauz. Time to take a breath while looking at St. Christoph. This is a topic in many ways on the Tyrolean side of the Arlberg. Up above, on the Schindlergrat, for example, where the view of the expanse of the summits invites you to do so. Before it wanders down, where the steep gully marked as a variant briefly takes your breath away again. But also take a breath when it comes to unusual innovations. Innovations outside of pure winter sports are constantly being developed in St. Anton. Such as the Arlberg.rock, where tennis, squash, bowling, climbing, bouldering at various levels of difficulty, as well as exercise in the adjoining trampoline hall, which has been expanded to 1,000m2, are lively all year round. One of the special attractions is the winter via ferrata on the Rendl. This sunny area, which is well connected to the rest of the offering, is a real insider tip.

We haven't even reached the end of our tour, St. Anton. The longest descent, at 10.2 km, leads from the Valluga via the Ulmerhütte to St. Anton with a difference in altitude of 1,350 meters. During the "White Rush" at the end of the season, it can be tackled at full speed. On all other days, you shouldn't tackle the slopes at racing speed. Instead, it's better to indulge in enjoyment. For example, when you make a final stop at the Rodelhütte, a celebrity hangout, or the turbulent Mooserwirt. Unless you're planning a meal in one of the classy gourmet restaurants. To round off a day that isn't necessarily spent only on the slopes. 200 kilometers of deep snow and firn descents beckon, which are best explored with the help of the highly experienced ski instructors and guides. They know whether the firn is already working in Schöngraben at ten o'clock - and above all, where you're safe from avalanches.