Arlberg Destination Guide

St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Zürs and Lech combined offer quite the variety of classy mountain resorts, traditional Alpine events, outdoor nature explorations, some of the best restaurants in entire Austria and not to forget world-class skiing.

Why the Arlberg region?

To start with, the name is deceptive. There is neither a summit nor a mountain range called the Arlberg. More exactly, it is the name of a pass, which spans the mountain formations that merge here. The mountain villages of St. Anton am Arlberg, St. Christoph, Stuben, Zürs and Lech are coveted locations in the midst of a capacious mountain region between the provinces of Tirol and Vorarlberg. Each of them embodies a perfect synergy of tradition and pioneering spirit, down-to-earthness and innovation. Together, they share a passion for the outdoors.

Skiing was borne and honed to greatness on the slopes of the Arlberg. Since the beginning of the 20th Century, the five Arlberg villages have been a shining example of ski culture and competence. They navigate their tourism services with unwavering passion and authenticity to concur with changing times in Austria’s largest inter-linked ski area. Since 1946/47, an average of 9 metres of fresh snow has been measured annually at the region’s monitoring site. Marked and cleared winter hiking trails also invite guests to get out and enjoy nature. Toboggan runs, ice skating rinks, curling rinks and horse-drawn carriage rides complete the range of alpine winter pleasures for families, romantics and nature lovers.

During summer, the Arlberg region transforms into a hikers paradise. Forests, alpine meadows, emerald green lakes and mountain streams are sandwiched between the lush, green valleys and jagged rocky ridges. Healing tranquillity embraces hikers, mountain bikers, e-bikers and climbers who venture deep into the Verwall Group and Lechtal Alps, along a myriad of marked paths and routes. Thanks to summer cable cars, the Arlberg’s upper echelons can be reached quickly and easily by all holiday guests.

The largest connected ski area in Austria

Ski Arlberg elevates skiing to new dimensions. Because Austria’s largest ski resort impresses guests not only with its gigantic size, but also with the highest quality in all regards.

Find out more about skiing in the Arlberg region HERE

Where ski history has, and will always be made

Born in Stuben, Schneider founded Austria's first ski school in St. Anton in 1921, revolutionising skiing with his Arlberg School and stem turn technique.

Find out more about Arlberg's skiing history HERE

The culinary offerings at the Arlberg are as diverse as its ski area

In perfect symbiosis with the range of sports offered, Arlberg’s kitchens and restaurants are committed ambassadors for high quality cuisine. In fact, the five Arlberg villages have Austria’s highest density of award-winning restaurants in proportion to the population. Lech is also called 'World Gourmet Village'.

Find out more about the culinary Arlberg HERE

An introduction to the Arlberg Region

Aufrufe min

Contact details of the interview partners

Markus Hahn, Lech-Zürs Tourist Office: markus.hahn@lechzuers.com

Gertrud Schneider, Kristiania Lech: gertrud.schneider@kristiania.at

Irmgard Huber, Lech-Zürs Tourist Office: irmgard.huber@lechzuers.com

Renée Jud, Lech-Zürs Tourist Office: skyspace@lechzuers.com

Joschi Walch, Rote Wand: josef.walch@rotewand.at

Andreas Weiskopf, Darmstädter Hut: darmstaedter.huette@gmx.net

Iris Kaufmann, Mountain Yoga Festival: iris.kaufmann@auszeitmarketing.at

Wilma Himmelfreundpointner, St. Anton Tourist Office: wilma@stantonamarlberg.com

News & Updates

NEW ski lifts - renewed Zugerberg and Madlochbahn

The Zugerberg and Madlochbahn ski lifts are a familiar sight to all winter sports enthusiasts. Firstly in their role as the central lifts connecting Lech/Oberlech, Zürs and Zug – but secondly of course also because of the spectacular ski runs they are associated with. The two chair lifts are now being retired after more than 50 years of service. They were replaced by two state-of-the-art lifts that will take skiers up into the unique winter pleasures of Ski Arlberg even more quickly and in more comfort during the winter season 2021/22. The timing of the two renewed lifts is perfectly synchronised to effectively minimise waiting times.

Find out more HERE

Facelift for the Galzig Restaurants

St. Anton am Arlberg will be taking the next steps in culinary delights for the 2022/23 winter season with the construction of the new restaurants in the Galzig Mountain Station, which will also include the popular Verwallstube restaurant.

Arlberg Trail - 3 stages 5 villages 3 days

The new, sporty long-distance hiking trail connects all five Arlberg resorts of Lech, Zürs, Stuben, St. Christoph and St. Anton. A total of 40 km of hiking trails are to be surmounted over three stages on this tour amidst spectacular alpine scenery, with convenient cable car assistance. The well signposted circular hiking trail comprises a total length of 50 kilometres, almost a fifth of which is covered by cable car. In total, it takes around 18 hours to hike the route, which encompasses 6,038 metres in elevation difference by foot. Ideally, you start from St. Anton, Lech or Stuben in a clockwise direction, so that the routes and cable car rides coordinate perfectly. Those who do not want to walk the entire route can try individual stages, or easier variants.

Find out more HERE

Must-sees & must-dos for every itinerary

Run of Fame: On the RUN of FAME, skiers can embark on a spectacular ski circuit through the entire Ski Arlberg ski resort. The 85-km route across the Arlberg, Flexen and Hochtannberg mountain pass – with 18,000 metres of difference in altitude – leads from St. Anton/Rendl via Stuben, Zürs, Lech and Schröcken to Warth and back (it can be travelled in both directions). The ski route is dedicated to the ski pioneers, sports and movie stars who once swooshed down the snowy slopes on skis and left their tracks in the snow of the Arlberg. Tip: The HALL of FAME with its spectacular views of Zürs is located right at the heart of the RUN of FAME – at Flexenbahn/Trittkopfbahn I mountain station.

Valluga - The highest peak of the Arlberg: The summit of Valluga Mountain at 2,811 meters is one of the most stunning views you'll find in Tirol. Take a scenic ride up the Valluga Gondolas and enjoy a 360-degree vista of "Three-Thousanders", high altitude peaks averaging 3,000 meters in elevation. Moreover you have a fantastic view over 5 countries: Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Liechtenstein.

Skyspace Lech: World-famous American artist James Turrell designed a Lightroom where sky and earth seem to encounter one another from a new point of view in the high alpine landscape of Lech. James Turrell selected the location “Tannegg” in Oberlech at 1780 meters above sea level. A hiking trail leads to the small hill above the mountain station of the Schlosskopfbahn all year.

St. Anton Ski and Local Heritage Museum: Historic Villa Trier is home to the noteworthy St. Anton Ski and Local Heritage Museum. A guided tour of the museum highlights fascinating stories about St. Anton’s rich ski heritage. Situated among charming Alpine parklands, the building itself is more than 100 years old and is an architectural jewel in St. Anton’s crown.

Horse-drawn sleigh ride in Lech Zürs: Snuggled up in a warm blanket, guests experience the true meaning of slow travel during a horse-drawn sleigh ride. By day, listen to the distant roar of the Lech river and feel the tingle of the cool mountain air as you enjoy the views of the mountains and an unforgettable panorama. At night, enjoy the glow of the romantically lit houses and the blanket of stars that carpet the sky above.

Verwalltal valley: Just a few minutes from the centre of St. Anton am Arlberg, holidaymakers can "take a break" and immerse themselves in the picturesque and car-free Verwalltal valley. The local recreation area covered can be visited all year round. During winter it's a snowshoes or cross-country skiing paradise. During summer it's an adventure playground for young and old with hiking and biking trails and a high ropes course. The Wagner Hut, a cosy meeting place for locals and visitors alike, offers plenty of local culinary delicacies.

Unique experiences to ensure an unforgettable trip

(E-)Bike & Hike in St. Anton

Whether beginner, hobby or professional athlete: around St. Anton visitors can ride to the starting point of their hiking route. The Darmstädter Hut, eleven kilometres south of St. Anton am Arlberg in the Verwall Mountains, is a great introduction tour for the less experienced.

Find out more

Chef’s Table at Rote Wand

Zug’s old schoolhouse is the setting for an award-winning culinary experience: world-class chefs compose, create, stage, dress and serve 16- to 19-course set menus made from predominantly regional products directly infront of your clients. Please note: reservations are essential

Find out more

Heliskiing in Lech Zürs

Lech Zürs is the only place in Austria offering heliskiing experiences in compliance with all applicable environmental protection regulations. From fresh, deep powder snow in winter or firn in spring, each type of snow has its own special appeal and provides different challenges. Heliskiing packages are available for up to four people and include a ski guide.

Find out more

Huskies sleigh ride

From far away, the excited howling and joyful barking of Arun, Nanook, Iron and the many other sled dogs can be heard. They can hardly wait to run through the snow. Your clients can experience this extraordinary breed of dog in the midst of a spectacular and beautiful winter landscape in St. Anton am Arlberg.

Find out more

Event Highlights for the upcoming winter season 2023/24

The White Thrill
Date TBA

On the day of the „White Thrill“ – the cult ski race which drives its participants to their absolute physical limits every year - the atmosphere is electric in St. Anton am Arlberg: a large proportion of skiers are already dressed in racing attire and try to conceal their mounting nervousness with jokes in the gondola or by looking uber-casual about the approaching event. At 5.00pm, 555 skiers, snowboarders or telemark skiers assemble on the Valluga Ridge for the mass start.

Find out more HERE

Longboard Classic in Stuben
13 April 2024

Even so many years after the idea first developed at restaurant Middlestation, over 400 riders from all over the world will gather in powder heaven Stuben for the 24th annual tribute to snowboarding.

Find out more HERE

Der Weiße Ring
13 January 2024

Every year, 1000 ambitious winter sports athletes compete in this thrilling race, every moment of which is closely followed by spectators alongside the course and at the finish line. Meanwhile, locals and guests listen to the race call as skiers of different age groups compete for a spot on the podium.

Find out more HERE

Start designing an itinerary to the Arlberg

Hotel recommendations for the Australian market

Lech Zürs

Hotel & Chalet Aurelio 5*s: unique ski-in-ski-out location overlooking the village of Lech
Hotel/Residenz Thurner's Alpenhof 5*s: the only member of the Leading Hotels of the World in the region
Hotel Post Lech am Arlberg 5*: family atmosphere with high level cuisine
Hotel Kristiania Lech 5*: Grand hotel en miniature with tailor made service (member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World)
Severin's The Alpine Retreat 5*: informal luxury and authenticity (member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World)
Hotel Bergkristall 4*s: located in the car-free village of Oberlech directly on slopes
Hotel Edelweiss Zürs 4*: legendary ski hotel with 62 unique rooms
Chalet Anna Maria 4*: serviced ski-in-ski-out apartments for 2 - 8 guests

More accommodation in Lech Zürs can be found HERE

St. Anton / St. Christoph

MOOSER Hotel 4*s: located above the village of St. Anton directly on the slopes; home to only 17 guest rooms
Himmlhof 4*: traditional Tirolean and intimate family run boutique hotel in the centre of St. Anton
Anthony's Life & Style Hotel 4*: prime location at the entrance of St. Anton only a few steps to the lifts
Hotel Grieshof 4*: Tirolean quaintness combined with modern comfort in the heart of the village
Hotel Die Arlbergerin 4*: newly renovated adult only hotel 15min from the centre (free ski-bus stop in front of the hotel)
Ullrhaus: located in the heart of St. Anton between the Galzig and the Rendl cablecars
Skihotel Galzig 4*: Located only a few steps from the Galzig cable car and pedestrian zone of St. Anton

More accommodation in St. Anton / St. Christoph can be found HERE

Stuben

das Johann 4*: the hotel in the heart of Stuben has long been known for its traditional service with a feel-good factor
Mondschein: The Mondschein (moon shine) compromises a hotel, luxury chalets, hostel and mountain hut
Arlberg Lodges: seven pristine, well-equipped apartments for two to four people, complete with a fantastic view
Haus Hannes Schneider: Combining modern facilities with a traditional style and located 100 m from Walchlift

More accommodation in Stuben can be found HERE

Where to eat & drink

Restaurants in St. Anton am Arlberg HERE

Restaurants in Lech Zürs am Arlberg HERE

Restaurants in Stuben HERE

Incoming Agencies & DMCs

St. Anton am Arlberg

TUI Incoming - www.tui-incoming.at
Denz Travel – www.denztravel.com
Eurotours – www.eurotours.at

Lech Zürs Tourismus

Irmgard Huber - irmgard.huber@lechzuers.com / +43 5583 2161-230

Tourism Office Stuben am Arlberg

info@stuben-arlberg.at / +43 5582 399

Sample Itinerary: 3 Days in the Arlberg Region (ready to download)

Download a PDF version of the itinerary HERE and add it to your clients' travel documents.

Day 1

For anyone looking for their own private luxury moment, they will find it in Lech Zürs am Arlberg. The fresh mountain air ensures a restful sleep, especially on cold winter nights. A delicious breakfast in a selected hotel creates the basis for the necessary energy boost for a perfect day on the slopes.

Your personal ski guide has already been booked in advance and will be waiting for you at the agreed meeting point at the Rüfiplatz directly in Lech. The ascent of the Rüfikopfbahn provides your first reward: a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain peaks. Now off to the most legendary ski circuit in the alps, „The White Ring“. For more than 60 years it has been an integral part of the skiing experience in Lech Zürs am Arlberg. This ski circuit of the alps connects Lech with Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech. It leads along the most beautiful slopes around Omeshorn, which is the backyard mountain of Lech Zürs.

There's one thing you can't afford to miss out on while skiing: the stop for the next private luxury gourmet moment. The Lech Zürs connoisseur knows that virtually all huts and restaurants are located near the slopes and each one has a beautiful sun terrace and offers a wonderful view. If you are still fit enough you should not miss the cultural highlight in Lech. A guided sunset tour at the Skyspace Lech is a must for many guests. The tour should be booked one day in advance either online or at the information desk in Lech.

Before you choose your dinner you should know that Lech Zürs boasts the world´s highest density of award-winning restaurants per capita. Allow yourself be surprised and take time to relax before hitting the slopes again the next day for more private luxury moments.

Day 2

What follows a perfect day of skiing on the Arlberg? Exactly the next one! With more than 300 kilometres of marked slopes and more than 200 kilometres of freeride terrain, Ski Arlberg is not only the largest connected ski area in Austria but also one of the fifth largest in the world. First take the Rüfikopfbahn and ski on to Zürs, where you can enjoy a fantastic mountain panorama that is second to none along the beautiful slopes. You can feel that you are getting close to St. Anton am Arlberg, as the sporting challenge gets bigger and bigger. Once you arrive at the Flexenbahn, head over to the eastern area of Ski Arlberg to St. Anton am Arlberg – “The cradle of alpine skiing”. This can be felt in every corner and on every slope. Where the ski pioneers once took their turns, you can enjoy the challenging slopes with pleasure. But don't worry! The slopes in St. Anton am Arlberg are not just for experts, everyone will find their own challenge here. Want to get a taste of the high altitude? Then the observation deck on the 2,811m high Valluga is exactly the place you need to visit. The perfect selfie spot is included. You will also be rewarded with a magnificent Alpine panorama as far as the eye can see.

A successful day of skiing can be rounded off in comfort and with culinary highlights at the numerous award-winning mountain huts and restaurants along the slopes and in the centre of St. Anton am Arlberg. Another unforgettable day at the Arlberg comes to a close.

Day 3

After two fabulous days on the slopes, it's okay to take some time off. The Arlberg not only impresses with its extensive ski area but is also the ideal place to forget the daily routine with walks, cross-country skiing or tobogganing in the Arlberg winter paradise. The wellness lovers among you will not be disappointed here either. The high-quality hotels and accommodations in the region captivate with a wide range of wellness offers and numerous treatments. Like special massages for skiers, Aprés Ski Yoga and much more. In short, enjoy everything else about skiing. Get in touch with our warm-hearted hosts, who will be happy to give you more insider tips and tell you about the good old times here at the Arlberg. Because at the Arlberg, personal service is a top priority and we are all more than happy to take care of all your questions and concerns. And once you've made a friendship at the Arlberg, it lasts forever.