Freeriding in Lech-Zürs am Arlberg

Ski the Arlberg Like a Local
The Cradle of Alpine Skiing

Vast slopes, rich history, and indulgent flavours define the Arlberg. Known as the 'Cradle of Alpine Skiing,' it's a top-notch region with five unique villages!

Five villages make up the Arlberg's heart and soul: St. Anton is known for its sporty and lively atmosphere and its vibrant après-ski scene. Lech is Arlberg's epicurean brain, with the highest density of award-winning restaurants and luxury hotels in Austria. Zürs is the only place in Austria that offers heli-skiing and has a history of attracting the international jet set to its slopes. St. Christoph has the longest-standing history of hospitality, thanks to a hospice dating back to the 1300s. The village of Stuben tempts with an idyllic, quiet atmosphere high up in the mountains and is the birthplace of iconic Alpine skier Hannes Schneider.

Hannes Schneider brought Alpine skiing as we know it today into the world by developing the 'Arlberg technique' (a progressive system that takes the skier from the snowplough turn to the parallel christie through measured stages of improvement). In 1921, he founded the world's first ski school in St. Anton, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe and spreading his technique worldwide. It is still the leading skiing technique today, earning the Arlberg its well-deserved recognition as the 'Cradle of Alpine Skiing.' Skiing is in the locals' DNA, and the region is populated by 1,000 ski instructors in 50 ski schools that cater to everyone's skill levels. To no surprise, the local Ski Club Arlberg, one of the oldest in the world, boasts an impressive tally of 118 medals from Olympic Games and Ski World Championships, including numerous skiers who proudly call the Arlberg their home.

Arlberg Mountain Facts
Ski lifts85 lifts
Ski schools50+
Ski runs186 miles
Freeriding options124 miles
Winter hiking trails68 miles
Cross-country trails43 miles
Vertical drop4,994 ft
Altitude4,278 – 9,222 ft
Highest peak: Valluga9,222 ft

Skiing season:
December 4 – April 22, 2025

Ski Arlberg ski pass
3-day pass from approx. $ 110 – $ 240

Ski Arlberg is included in the Epic Pass when staying at a participating lodging property

Snow-covered village Lech Zürs am Arlberg
Freeriders on the Arlberg
Ski Arlberg
St. Anton am Arlberg ski resort
Фрирайд в Арльберге
A mountain hut in the Arlberg region
winter in Lech am Arlberg
Skiing in the Arlberg region - on the ski lift
Why Austrians Ski at Arlberg
  • Austria's largest connected ski resort and the 5th largest in the world!

  • Five villages – St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Zürs, and Lech, each with their distinct charm

  • All villages are easy to reach by public transport and the ski buses are free – no need for a car!

  • More than 30 Gault Millau restaurants, the highest density of award-winning restaurants in Austria

  • International ski enthusiasts mingle with top winter athletes and celebrities on and off the pistes

  • Sustainable ski holidays – LED lighting concepts, electric charging stations, and electricity from renewable energy are part of everyday life on the Arlberg

  • Extra-long skiing season till April

  • World-renowned as the "Cradle of Alpine Skiing"

Lorraine Huber, freerider from Arlberg

The Arlberg is made up of a multitude of local family-run businesses. Meet, ski, dine, and stay with us locals. Many of our guests come back to the same accommodations year after year and often feel like they're returning home to extended family.

Lorraine Huberprofessional skier and freeride world champion from Arlberg
Local Tips to Make The Most Out of Your Stay
Winter hiking in the Arlberg region
5 Tips for Things To Do Besides Skiing

For those seeking activities beyond skiing, try some of these favourites of the locals:

Ski Arlberg
3 Après-Ski Spots

The Arlberg is famous for its legendary après-ski scene. From the lively party atmosphere in St. Anton to the more relaxed vibes in Lech and Zürs, there are ample opportunities to mingle with locals and high society alike and get your taste of Alpine nightlife. Here are some of the local’s favourites:

  • Mooserwirt: An iconic spot in St. Anton, known for its parties that continue late into the night.

  • Balmalp: The perfect spot to watch the sunset while enjoying some drinks on the sun deck with a 360-degree view, accessible via gondola from Lech.

  • Hospiz Alm: Lively vibes await you at the Arlberg's oldest establishment, located in the high-altitude town of St. Christoph.

Lorraine Huber, freerider from Arlberg

As a free rider, I am lucky to call this ski paradise home. I could spend 3 lifetimes at the Arlberg and still wouldn't be able to ski all the mountains here. Make sure to stop by the Balmalp at the top of the Kriegerhorn for a sundowner with some of the best views.

Lorraine Huberprofessional skier and freeride world champion from Arlberg
Fine Dining at the Arlberg
6 Restaurant & Mountain Hut Tips

In Austria, the food is an integral part of the skiing experience, and the Arlberg is a true foodie destination. With over 30 Gault Millau restaurants, it boasts the highest density of award-winning restaurants in Austria. Here are some of the locals' favourite spots, from fancy gourmet to cosy traditional:

  • Rote Wand Chef's Table: A Gault Millau's top ten restaurant in Austria, where you can also witness the chefs at work.

  • Hospiz Alm: Top-notch traditional cuisine and an expansive wine cellar for private tastings in St. Christoph.

  • Hus Nr. 8 (website only in German): One of Lech's oldest and finest restaurants, serving traditional regional dishes.

  • Wolf Hütte: A premium ski hut with modern architecture and regionally produced food.

  • Verwallstube: This mountain hut is one of the highest-located gourmet restaurants in Europe.

  • Rud-Alpe: Charming mountain hut with an open fireplace, heartwarming food, and a great selection of wines.

Genussmomente, Arlberg
7 Hotel & Chalet Tips

At the Arlberg, hospitality runs deep, with most hotels in the hands of local families for generations. These establishments offer more than just a place to stay; they provide a warm and personalized experience that makes guests feel part of the family. Here are some of the local's recommendations:

The commuter cable railway valley station of the Galzigbahn in St. Anton am Arlberg
5 Top-Notch Mountain Innovations

When it comes to innovative and forward-thinking approaches, the Arlberg region has long been a role model. Here are some of the mountain innovations that the locals are especially proud of:

  • Galzigbahn: In 2006, the historic gondola (one of the first in the Alps) underwent a groundbreaking innovation in cable car construction. The gondolas are now detachable from their 2-wire ropes and lowered to the ground level, eliminating the need for stairs.

  • Top-notch lift technology: Enjoy comfy rides with heated seats, weather-protecting covers, automated safety bars, and large 8-seater lifts.

  • Valluga viewing platform: Once you reach the Valluga summit at 9,000ft above sea level, it boasts a 360-degree panorama showcasing peaks from five countries: Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany.

  • Sustainability pioneer: The Arlberg region meets nearly 100% of its energy and heating needs through hydroelectric power plants and a biomass heating facility fueled by locally sourced wood chips – that includes ski lift seat heating. Add in a solar heating system for hot water, energy-efficient LED street lighting, and electric ski buses, and you've got a sustainability model that really sets the bar.

  • No need for a car: The region is easily reached by train, and the local bus service plus the 'Blaue Flotte' (Blue Fleet) of ski buses eliminate the need for a car. The mountain hamlet Oberlech proudly remains entirely car-free, with hotels accessible solely via an intricate tunnel system.

Practical Travel Tips

Closest Airports

Here are the closest airports to the Arlberg:

  • Innsbruck (approx. 62 miles)

  • Zurich (approx.124 miles)

  • Munich (approx. 155 miles)

Arriving by train

The St. Anton am Arlberg station is on the main train line through Europe. ÖBB Railjet trains, as well as the Orient Express, stop here with direct connections from:

  • Innsbruck (approx. 1 h 10 min)

  • Salzburg (approx. 2 h 20 min)

  • Zurich (approx. 2 h 20 min)

  • Vienna (approx. 4 h 15 min)

Getting around

In the Arlberg region, there is no need for a car!

  • A vast and reliable network of regional buses connects the five villages and the nearest train stations.

  • Arlberg Express shuttle buses are available from Airport Zurich and Four Seasons Travel from Munich Airport.

  • The electric-powered ski buses are free to use with your ski pass and provide transportation to and from all the main resort lifts!

Explore Europe from the Arlberg

Austria's central location makes it easy to extend your trip to other European destinations. Here are 8 destinations reachable in less than 8 hours by train:

  • Innsbruck, Austria (approx. 1h 20min)

  • Salzburg, Austria (approx. 3h)

  • Vienna, Austria (approx. 5h 30min)

  • Zurich, Switzerland (approx. 2h 20min)

  • Munich, Germany (approx. 3h 30min)

  • Milan, Italy (approx. 6h)

  • Venice, Italy (approx. 7h 30min)

  • Paris, France (approx. 7h)

More info about the Arlberg

Arlberg Marketing GmbH
Dorfstrasse 8
6580 St. Anton am Arlberg

www.arlberg.net

Skiing in St. Anton am Arlberg

Ski Austria Like a Local

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