Skiing in Lech - immaculate slopes, wide open runs

With stunning conditions and something to suit everyone, particularly intermediates, Lech is definitely the place to ski and be seen. With ski in and ski out access, Lech has been popular destination for Alpine enthusiasts for over a century for good reason. Steeped in the heritage of Alpine Skiing, with exceptional levels of snowfall and close proximity to the nearby smaller resorts of Warth and Shrocken, a combined ski area is easily accessible that is some 50% larger than the immediate Lech-Zürs terrain. Offering easy direct access to the entire Arlberg region, the modernised Oberlech cable car and the opening of the new Trittkopfbahn and Flexenbahn lifts now better connect the Lech and St. Anton sides of the Arlberg. This makes direct access to all 305km of slopes, and 111 lifts of the region now even easier. This combined with a 1,000m of vertical skiing between 1,450m and 2,450m above sea level and the only region in Austria to offer heli-skiing, puts Lech firmly at the very heart of the Arlberg skiing culture. Lech is also home to the now legendary ‘White Ring’ that goes from Lech to Zürs. This is a spectacular 22km panoramic circuit with a total of 5,439 meters of altitude set amidst the impressive Alpine peaks and created some 60 years ago.

Après-ski in Lech - the Arlberg’s gourmet paradise

There’s a reason that people return to Lech year on year and it’s not just for the exceptional snow conditions. It is arguably as well known for offering the very best in luxury alpine charm, lively après-ski and award winning fine dining restaurants. Après-ski can kick off up in the mountains at the Burg Hotel’s Umbrella bar, moving on to the Hotel Montana’s champagne bar before making your way down to the heart of the village and the delightful terrace bar of the Hotel Krone. If it’s a simple glühwein straight from the slopes that you’re after, then the Eis Bar outside the Hotel Tannbergerhof is an institution for a quick après and also one of the best nightspots in town. If you’re after something a little more lively, then Archiv Bar is the hip place to be and serves up a tried and tested formula of cocktails and dance music. K Club is another popular haunt offering the same. If you want to carry on until the small hours, Fux Jazz bar is situated on the riverside and features live music and a fabulous wine list. It also has laid-back lounge bar for those looking for something a little more relaxed. Coffee, cigars and 60 different single malt whiskies are on offer, all served on comfy sofas beside a roaring log fire.

Lech’s rich and varied range of fantastic restaurants is second to none. Looking for something rustic that won’t break the bank? Then Hûs Nr 8 is for you. Seemingly unremarkable on the outside, their specialty is serving traditional recipes with a modern twist. If its award winning fare that whets your appetite then the Burg Hotel’s Lechtaler Stube serves light Mediterranean cuisine and traditional Austrian dishes. It also features an exceptional salad bar that’s popular with vegetarians. If only a gastronomic feast will do, head to the award-winning Griggeler Stuba, part of the Burg Vital Hotel in Oberlech with it’s three acclaimed Gault Millau toques.

It’s not just the village that has sensational food though, the mountains are more than catered for. Balmalp, a contemporary mountain restaurant with table service and a sun terrace at the top of the Zugerberg chair serves Italian fare and has daily-changing Asian stir-fried dishes. There’s also a self-service section offering typical mountain food and snacks. Rud-Alpe is also worth a look in with its tiny, wood-panelled rooms and a terrace with gorgeous views. Serving hearty local specialities, fondues, and cakes. For fine dining try the Hotel Montana and its restaurant Zur Kanne and its fully deserved two Gault Millau toques. Sit inside or out on the sun terrace and opt for everything from a small snack to a proper lunch with excellent food, wines and service. Deckchairs, blankets, heated seats and infrared lamps, ensure you’re warm even when the sun goes down.

Summer activities

Probably as well known for its Alpine Summer as it’s skiing, there’s a wide variety of summer activities.

Summer hiking – Hiking in Lech takes you through breathtaking and spectacular scenery and the hiking trails reveal some of the area’s hidden treasures. Of note are three themed hikes. The Lechweg takes hikers from the source of the river Lech near the Formarinsee in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg to the Lechfall in Fuessen in the Allgaeu. Highlights include hiking past one of the largest colonies of alpine ibex in Europe.

The Tannberg is a themed trail that takes hikers on a journey to explain the shared history of Warth, Schröcken and Lech and their history of settlement by the Walsers from the Swiss canton Wallis. There are a total of 57 stations along the trail that offer insight into the life and work of the Walsers on the Tannberg.

The Green Ring is a three day trail that takes hikers on the trail of legends and stories through the stunning scenery of the region. Through this trail, hikers can explore a modern mythological world caringly put together with wit and charm and enjoy the stunning scenery and extraordinary installations along the way.

Fishing in Lech – If fishing is your thing then why not cast your line in the emerald waters of Lake Formarin. Located in the mountains above Lech at 1,793m above sea level, this tranquil, turquoise lake is the ideal spot to while away the hours, view the stunning vistas and hopefully catch a spot supper.

Swimming in Lech – The forest swimming pool located right next to the Lech River is the perfect place to take a plunge or dip your toes on hot summer days. With water slides, a large children’s pools and 25°C water it’s the perfect spot to relax and wash your worries away. For children there’s also a fantastic playground featuring tennis courts, table tennis and beach volleyball.

Golfing – High level golfing in the mountains? Lech offers this as well with the newly constructed highest golf course in Austria. The 19 hectare, 9 handicap rated golf course set amongst the majestic mountain scenery is suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

Kids & Family

It’s not all about skiing in Lech and for those who like alternative winter sports, there are plenty of options.

Winter hiking – There are over 40km of hiking trails immediately around Lech Zürs am Arlberg taking in the crisp air, fresh snow and breathtaking views, sun terraces and huts.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoes – For cross-country skiers, the resort is a dream come true with well prepared ski trails and skating routes. 27km of varied trails will entertain professionals and amateurs alike.

Tobogganing – A 1.2-kilometre twisting toboggan run winds its way through the forest of Lech, complete with a high-speed descent just before the last station – guaranteed to get the adrenaline flowing through your veins. The Oberlech mountain railway ensures you can be back at the start of the run some four minutes later. For the mini would be tobogganists, the smaller trochanter in Zürs offers the ideal place to learn the ropes and is found just behind the Hotel Edelweiß.

Ice skating and curling – The Hotel Jagdhaus Monzabon possesses the first and only air-conditioned hotel ice rink in Europe, offering 300 square metres of ice to enjoy for ice skating and curling.

Horse-drawn sleighs – Romantic and charming day or night, a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh is sure to delight.

Indoors sporting activities – If staying active indoors is more your cup of tea, Lech doesn’t disappoint and offers a massive array of options. Choose from; fitness classes, cycling, tennis, badminton, volleyball, soccer, handball, table tennis, ten pin bowling, climbing, bouldering or slacklining. If that’s all too strenuous, relax in the wellness area or the comfy sports lounge.

Tandem paragliding in winter – Ever wandered what it feels like to soar like an eagle above the snowy slopes and peaks? Leave the earth behind and experience the sensation by trying tandem paragliding. Spectacular thermal flights and breathtaking panoramic flights are also on offer.