As an ancient country in Europe, Austria has captivated tourists from around the world with its advantageous geographical location, unique natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. It is most famously known as a skiing paradise, with the global development of skiing originating right here.
Today, we’re taking you closer to the Arlberg Family — five charming and exceptional regions.
These five Arlberg destinations are small villages located in the Tyrol and former Arlberg regions, each with its own distinct style. What connects their ideas and actions is their shared passion for offering guests a unique skiing culture. In Lech, Zürs, St. Anton, St. Christoph, and St. Anton am Arlberg, the ski is always a central icon, while the pursuit of diversity, high-quality skiing, and enthusiasm for winter tourism abound.
Lech by the Arlberg: An Elegant, Pleasure-Seeking Village
In 2004, Lech was named the most beautiful village in Europe by the “Entente Florale.” This accolade is largely due to the residents’ careful preservation of the local image and resources. European nobility and international celebrities highly admire this exceptionally elegant mountain village charm, as well as its dining scene, which has earned the village the title of “World Gourmet Village” among Austria’s many award-winning restaurants. Hotels (half of which are four or five-star) and restaurants, whether in the village or by the slopes, receive high praise. The White Ring — a race that attracts over 1,000 participants annually competing on its namesake slope — is an annual highlight.
Zürs by the Arlberg: A One-of-a-Kind Ski Resort
The refined and unique Zürs lies hidden behind the Flexen Pass, accompanied by pristine white mountain slopes. It is regarded as a gathering spot for the wealthy from around the world, who have praised it as a hidden winter retreat for decades. With its wide, treeless, deep-snow slopes, it is the best place for traditional cross-country skiing. The village, with only 150 residents, is also the only departure point in Austria for thrilling heli-skiing adventures. Experienced winter sports enthusiasts can join these extreme trips with professional guides.
St. Anton by the Arlberg: A Hometown with Family Vibes
Located on the western side of the Arlberg Mountains, St. Anton remains a village — a village radiating quiet comfort. It is the birthplace of skiing pioneer Hannes Schneider and its utopian-like environment makes it especially popular with family travelers. You can start skiing right outside the doors of many hotels in St. Anton. Those who enjoy skiing on secluded deep-snow runs come here for fun, and skiers can still find a snow playground on the Albona mountain until late spring — one of the most enchanting slopes on the northern side of the Alps.
St. Christoph by the Arlberg: Legendary Ski Heritage
This highest village on the Arlberg (at 1,800 meters altitude) lies at the border of Tyrol and the former Arlberg region and has occupied several key milestones throughout history. Herdsman Heinrich Findelkind built a weather shelter for travelers called a “Hospiz” here in the 14th century, laying the foundation for the charitable Brotherhood of St. Christopher. Today, this institution has 20,000 members worldwide. The Hospiz, now a globally renowned top-tier hotel, is the birthplace of the Arlberg Ski Club (founded in 1901). This small village is also home to the Austrian Ski Association, a renowned national training center for ski instructors and coaches.
St. Anton by the Arlberg: The Birthplace of Alpine Skiing
This sporty village is the birthplace of legendary skiing history and has been hosting the iconic Lauberhorn race since 1928. St. Anton hosted the Alpine Skiing World Cup in 2001, and the event has returned repeatedly since. The combination of Tyrolean tradition and an international atmosphere creates its distinctive appeal. Its unparalleled architecture and modern infrastructure further enhance the village’s charm.
The Long-Awaited Vast Ski Area
St. Anton, St. Christoph, St. Anton, Zürs, and Lech have written new chapters in skiing history. With the launch of four lift systems in December 2016, these areas are now the largest interconnected ski region in Austria. The Arlberg Family thus fulfills its promise of guaranteed service quality for passionate winter sports enthusiasts.
The Arlberg Region has become Austria’s largest and the world’s fifth-largest ski area thanks to the collective efforts of its ever-growing number of visitors. People from both the eastern and western sides of the Arlberg once shared a common dream: to connect the “missing ski link” between all five ancient Arlberg villages. This wish became reality with the construction of the Flexen Cable Car between Zürs and St. Anton/Alpe Rauz, the Trittkopf Cable Car sections I and II, and the Albona Cable Car section II.
Austria’s Largest Interconnected Ski Area
The four new facilities, opened in the 2016/17 winter season, offer skiers maximum comfort. This investment enabled skiers to ski seamlessly from St. Anton, St. Christoph, St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, and Oberlech all the way to Schröcken and Warth for the first time. Nowadays, waiting for the shuttle bus from Alpe Rauz to Zürs has become a footnote in Arlberg’s history.
The Must-Ski Celebrity Slopes
The Arlberg ski region has operated a common lift ticket system since 1981. Today, skiers in the Arlberg can enjoy the freedom of standing on two (or even one) ski more than ever before. The “Celebrity Slopes” offer an especially thrilling way to experience new skiing adventures. With 85 kilometers of slopes and an altitude difference of 18,000 meters, this challenge is the main highlight.
One Number Says It All: 9 Meters of Fresh Snow
Since the 1946/47 season, the recorded average annual fresh snowfall has reached 9 meters. The entire region is considered one of the most snow-reliable areas in the Alps, resulting in a long ski season. With altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 2,800 meters, the mountains enjoy winter conditions from November to May.
Unique, Secluded, and Perfect Slopes
With 200 kilometers of deep-snow routes and off-the-beaten-track pistes, people from over 50 countries — both celebrities and everyday skiers — seek out the best ski lines in the snow. This passion for skiing ignites the allure of the Arlberg, making it a “must-visit” ski destination. You should experience the Schindlergrat or “Powder Bag” slopes at least once in your life. Beginners can also explore pure-white slopes in groups or with “private guides,” who are true mountain experts. Powder skiing enthusiasts can head to the legendary 40-degree Valluga North slope or the Langer Zug with gradients of up to 80%. Beginners lucky enough to go with experienced guides may even enjoy a less intimidating experience.