Exploring Arlberg Mountain Village In Austria

The Arlberg region in Austria is a massif between Vorarlberg and Tyrol, connecting the Klostertal Valley in the west with the Stanzer Valley in the east. The area is known for its winter sports, with the Ski Arlberg resort being the biggest connected ski area in the country. The Arlberg ski club was founded in 1901, and the region hosted its first ski race in 1904. The Arlberg is also known for its summer activities, including hiking, climbing, and biking. The region consists of five villages: St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, St. Christoph, and Stuben. The villages offer a mix of classy mountain resorts, traditional Alpine events, outdoor nature explorations, and some of the best restaurants in Austria.

The Arlberg Trail: a 40km hiking trail connecting the five resorts of Arlberg

The Arlberg Trail is a 40km hiking trail that connects the five resorts of Arlberg: Lech, Zürs, Stuben, St. Christoph, and St. Anton. The trail covers a total distance of 52.1km, with 40.2km of the route being hikeable by foot. The remaining distance is covered by cable cars, which connect the hiking trail's five villages. The trail takes hikers through the spectacular alpine scenery of the Arlberg region, which connects Tyrol and Vorarlberg. The Arlberg Trail is a moderately difficult mountain trail that takes around 18 hours to complete.

The trail is divided into three stages, with each stage ending in one of the five villages. The first stage begins in St. Anton and ends in Stuben, with hikers traversing the Rauhkopfscharte border between Vorarlberg and Tyrol. The second stage starts in Stuben and ends in Lech, taking hikers through the Flexenpass and past Lake Zürsersee. The final stage connects Lech and St. Anton, with hikers climbing to the Madlochjoch at 2,450m above sea level.

The Arlberg Trail is accessible during the summer months of July, August, and September. The trail is well signposted and offers hikers a unique mountain experience. Partner hotels in the villages provide tailored offers for long-distance hikers, and luggage transportation services are also available. The Arlberg Trail Ticket provides access to the five cable car rides required for the trail and is valid for four consecutive days.

The Arlberg region is known for its charming mountain villages, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, climbing, golfing, and excellent food and drink. The villages of St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, and Lech celebrate their love of sport and nature, cosmopolitanism, and pride in their traditions. The Arlberg Trail provides hikers with a challenging yet relaxing experience, allowing them to explore the mythical aura of the region and discover its hidden treasures.

Arlberg villages: St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, St. Christoph, and Stuben

The Arlberg region in Austria is known for its five charming villages: St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, St. Christoph, and Stuben. Each village offers a unique experience, ranging from traditional Alpine charm to world-class ski resorts and luxurious accommodations.

St. Anton am Arlberg, known as the "cradle of alpine skiing", is a traditional Tirolean mountain village with a blend of modernity. Sitting at 1,300 metres above sea level, it offers excellent customer service and facilities while retaining its original village-like charm. St. Anton forms the heart of Austria's largest connected skiing area, with over 300 kilometres of marked downhill runs, 85 lifts and cable cars, and 200 kilometres of off-piste variants. The village has a population of around 2,400 and provides a mix of alpine cosiness and international cosmopolitanism.

Lech, located in the Vorarlberg region, is one of Austria's main attractions for the rich and famous. It offers a variety of luxury hotels and family-run accommodations, catering to different budgets. Lech is situated at 1,444 metres above sea level and provides outstanding convenience for skiers, with some accommodations in the Oberlech suburb located directly on the ski slopes. The village has a permanent population of just under 1,500 and has maintained its charm, attracting visitors from royalty to business leaders.

Zürs, often mentioned alongside Lech, is another attractive high mountain village. It offers convenient access to the sunny bowls above and is connected to Lech via the Flexen Pass. Both villages came to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s, transforming what were once poor mountain farming villages into renowned winter sports resorts.

St. Christoph, located just under the Arlberg Pass, is a tiny ski resort providing an exclusive and expensive high alpine experience. It offers direct access to the slopes at an altitude of 1,800 metres, making it one of the highest ski resorts in Austria. St. Christoph provides a more secluded and tranquil skiing experience compared to the bustling St. Anton.

Stuben, with its 80 residents, is a quaint winter sports village located in the centre of Austria's largest ski area. It offers direct access to 85 lifts and cable cars, with more than 300 kilometres of ski slopes connecting to Zürs, Lech, St. Christoph, and St. Anton. Stuben has maintained its original charm and is known as the cradle of alpine skiing, offering a cosy and authentic experience to its visitors.

Skiing: Arlberg is home to Ski Arlberg, the biggest connected ski resort in Austria

The Ski Arlberg area comprises 15 aerial tramways, 45 chairlifts, and 28 drag lifts, serving over 300 km of marked slopes and 200 km of off-piste trails. The resort includes the villages of Lech, Oberlech, Zürs, Zug, Warth, and Schröcken, which were linked in 2013-14. The White Ring, the world's longest ski circuit at 22 km, is located within Ski Arlberg.

The Arlberg ski area is known for its high quality and progressive thinking. The state-of-the-art cable cars link the three ski resorts on Arlberg, with the Auenfeldjet connecting Lech Zürs and Warth-Schröcken. The ski resorts offer a wide variety of options for winter sports enthusiasts, including skiers, snowboarders, tourers, cross-country skiers, and freeriders.

The Arlberg ski club was founded in 1901, and the first club competition was held two years later in 1903. The first general Arlberg race took place in 1904, and the famous Arlberg Kandahar races began in 1928. The first ski school in the region, the ski school Arlberg, was established in 1921 under the leadership of Hannes Schneider.

The Arlberg region offers a unique combination of charming mountain villages, excellent cuisine, and a wide range of activities, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Summer activities: hiking, climbing, golfing, and watersports

Hiking

With over 400 kilometres of hiking trails, St. Anton am Arlberg in the Tirolean Alps offers a variety of hikes for holidaymakers. The well-marked trails vary in length and difficulty, taking in the nature of the Verwall Group and the Lechtal Alps. The Arlberger Bergbahnen can help hikers reach the summit faster, with lifts to Rendl, Gampen, Kapall, Galzig and the highest peak in the region, the 2,811-metre-high Valluga. The Alpine Rose Trail and the Mountain Spirit Trail are particular highlights, both having been awarded the Bergwege seal of approval by the state of Tirol.

Climbing

The arl.park sports centre in St. Anton am Arlberg offers 1000 square metres of climbing area, with 125 square metres dedicated to bouldering. There are around 100 climbing routes, with almost 70 indoor routes ranging in difficulty from Levels 3 to 9, and 30 routes outdoors. For those who prefer a less steep climb, there are two via ferrata routes that lead to an 18-metre-high outdoor tower.

Golfing

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the Golfclub Lech am Arlberg.

Watersports

Adventure seekers can take advantage of the diverse selection of watersports possibilities in the Arlberg region. White-water rafting, kayaking and canyoning in untouched gorges are some of the thrilling activities on offer. Tubing is also available for those who want to conquer the force of wild waters.

Arlberg Hospiz: an elegant resort that was once a 14th-century inn

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Arlberg Hospiz is a luxurious resort boasting a rich history and an unparalleled location. Once a humble 14th-century inn, it has now been transformed into an elegant hideaway, offering guests an authentic taste of Austrian hospitality.

Perched at an elevation of 1,800 meters, Arlberg Hospiz is situated in the charming village of St. Christoph, one of the five Arlberg resorts renowned for their winter sports and scenic beauty. With direct access to the ski slopes, the resort provides an ideal base for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. The village itself exudes a unique blend of tradition and cosmopolitanism, with a strong emphasis on sports, nature, and exceptional quality.

The resort's long and illustrious history dates back over 600 years. It began as a humble hospice, providing refuge and warmth to travellers braving the treacherous mountain pass. Over the centuries, it evolved into a beloved inn, known for its warm hospitality and exquisite cuisine. Today, Arlberg Hospiz has been meticulously renovated, combining modern comforts with a deep respect for its heritage.

Guests at Arlberg Hospiz are treated to a truly magical experience. The resort offers cosy and chic suites, ranging from 80 to 275 square meters, providing the perfect retreat after a day on the slopes. The Hospiz Alm Restaurant delights diners with its haute cuisine, elegantly presented in a rustic ski lodge setting. The extensive wine cellar showcases an impressive selection of vintages, catering to oenophiles and casual enthusiasts alike.

For those seeking relaxation, the resort features a sprawling 2,000-square-meter wellness spa, offering a range of treatments and massages. The fitness centre and indoor pool provide additional opportunities for rest and rejuvenation. The attentive staff at Arlberg Hospiz go above and beyond, ensuring that each guest's stay is tailored to their needs and preferences.

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