Lech and Zürs am Arlberg are part of Ski Arlberg, Austria's largest linked ski area. These two famous villages are a jumping-off point for more than 300 kilometres of slopes, accessed by 88 lifts. Highlights of the Lech Zürs am Arlberg ski area include the "Der Weisse Ring" ski tour, the Lech snow park and the unlimited off-piste possibilities.
Since the inauguration of the Flexenbahn in the 2016-17 ski season, Ski Arlberg is officially the largest linked ski area in Austria. Lech en Zürs, which form part of the ski area, have access to seemingly unlimited skiing. The region has been home to a lively winter sports scene since 1901, and has seen many skiing-related events over the years, from the inauguration of the Ski Club Arlberg to the first ski race in the Alps (1904), the first ski lessons (1906) and the first drag lift in Austria (1936). Today, Ski Arlberg is deservedly one of the most famous ski areas in the world. It currently boasts 305 kilometres of pistes as well as roughly 200 kilometres of off-piste terrain. Thanks to reliable snow cover - the ski area receives as much as 9 metres of snow every winter - the ski season stretches from November through April.
Traditional houses, charming streets and a spectacular setting in the mountains have brought tourists here since the construction of the Flexenstraße back in 1900. Over the years, Lech am Arlberg has conserved its special charm, remaining an authentic mountain village even today. And it's not just any ordinary skiers and snowboarders who are drawn by the town's offerings: the jetset and many royals spend winter after winter here. You can reach the slopes via lifts placed at either side of the village, and there is something for every ability level here.
Zürs am Arlberg is a chic winter sports destination with glitzy ski-in, ski-out accommodation. You'll find everything you need here both on and off the slopes, including a lively après-ski scene and an assortment of good restaurants and wellness facilities. Due to its small size, Zürs never gets overcrowded, and thanks to its central location within the Ski Arlberg ski area, you have easy access to almost anywhere on the mountain. The perfect destination for those who want to get as many ski hours as possible out of their trip.
For over 60 years, the White Ring ski route has linked the ski resorts of Lech, Zürs, Zug and Oberlech. The route is 22km long and has 5500m of vertical rise and fall. Suitable for almost any skier or snowboarder, this route also offers the opportunity to snap some great pics at the Rüfikopf and Madloch viewing platforms. Once a year the ski area organises the White Ring: The Race, which usually takes place in January.
Over the course of the day you'll undoubtedly ski pass numerous excellent mountain huts. One particularly mouthwatering option is the Trittkopf BBQ Station restaurant, located in the old Trittkopf mountain station at 2423 metres above sea level. This is the highest barbecue restaurant in Europe, serving up top-quality meat. Over at the Balmalp you'll find a selection of Asian dishes and healthy salads for a change. Rudis Reuzenpizza is another must, as are the Berghaus Trittalpe, the Flexenhäusl and the Schneggarei.
Lech Zürs am Arlberg is so much more than just a ski area. Between the mountains of Lech en Zürs you'll find an excellent hiking network with 40km of winter trails. Cross-country skiers also have 27km of snow-sure trails to explore. Tobogganing is possible on the tracks between Oberlech and Lech (9am til 10pm) and the hill at Zürs, while ice skating is offered on the natural skating rink at Zürs as well as the Jagdhaus Monzabon - the only hotel in the world with an indoor skating rink! Other winter activities at Lech Zürs am Arlberg include paragliding, horse-drawn carriage rides and snowshoeing.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
