Lech Ski Holidays

Description

Part of the extensive Arlberg ski domain, the fashionable resort of Lech sits just down the valley from the more widely famous St Anton. While groups of party animals may choose its neighbour, Lech draws visitors – including rich and famous clientele – with its beautiful historic buildings, peaceful ambiance, some outstanding restaurants and varied slopes for all skill levels. The ski area includes dedicated nursery slopes, wide cruisy blues, great rolling reds and some steep, demanding black runs for experts. There are 2 snow parks (1 in Lech and 1 in St Anton), and when the conditions are right there’s superb off-piste skiing to be had over in the linked Warth area. Speaking of lift links, as of winter 2016/17 Lech will be part of the largest interconnected ski area in Austria, with new lifts offering improved connectivity to the St Anton side of the Arlberg. Other resorts in the area include close neighbour Zurs, as well as St Christoph and Stuben. Lech is a great choice for families: the ski schools are wonderful, and the convenient access to good nursery slopes makes life easy for parents with young children. That said, the resort can be quite expensive. The après-ski scene is much more relaxed than that of St Anton, but there are a few superb bars for a classy, laid-back drink. Foodies, meanwhile, will find some delightful restaurants to enjoy, including lovely rustic spots with traditional cuisine. Holidaymakers interested in Lech can fly from a number of UK airports to Innsbruck, from which the resort is roughly 1 and 3/4 hours away by road. One can also fly from London Gatwick to Friedrichshafen, which is approximately 2 hours away from Lech. Within the resort itself, it’s quite easy to reach most amenities on foot, and there are reliable busses that run to the various villages around Lech and Zurs.

Getting There

If you haven’t booked a package where the travel is included for you then you will need to think about the best way for you to get to and from resort.

Fly

The most common method of getting to Lech from the UK is to fly. There are three local airports to the resort:
Innsbruck - 115km - 1h35
Friedrichshafen - 128km - 1h40

Zurich - 194km - 2h10

Innsbruck is the most popular airport due to the high level of chartered flights.

Transfers from the airport

Once you have arrived in resort you will need to think about the best way for you to get to resort. There are several operators who can offer shared and private transfers. It is worth checking transfer arrangements before booking your flights especially if you are wanting a shared transfer as these are less regular and you don’t want to be waiting for a long time at the airport.

Our recommended transfer companies include:

Ski Lifts have been awarded the world’s best ski transfer operator in the world ski awards. They provide private and shared transfers from Innsbruck, Friedrichshafen, Munich, Salzburg and Zurich.

Taxi Harry provides private transfers from the airports to resort.

Train

Guests are able to get the train into Lech. The two nearest stations are Langen am Alberg railway station which is 15km /20 minutes drive away, and St Anton am Alberg railway station which is 20km /30 mins away.

Drive

It is not ideal to drive to Lech as it is approximately 14-15 hours from UK. If you do want to drive then it is recommended to take the ferry from the UK to Dunkirk or Calais. The cheapest way is to travel through Luxembourg, Germany – Stuttgart, Ulm – Bregenz – Bludenz – Anton however there can be lots of heavy traffic on this route so a more relaxed route is to go through France – Calais/Dunkirk to Reims – Strasbourg – Stuttgart – Ulm – Bregenz – Bludenz – Anton. The French roads are more expensive due to the tolls which add up to approximately €45 but this extra cost is worth it for the clear stress free drive. To drive on Austrian highways, you will need a Vignette which you can buy at petrol stations near the border and cost approximately €8 for a 10 day pass.

When to Go

Lech is popular throughout the season and does get busier during school holidays however it is considerably quieter than its neighbouring St. Anton.

The resort has a consistent snow record so has guaranteed good conditions throughout the season. Lech is a premium resort so the majority of accommodation does come with a higher price tag so if you are looking for a good January or March deal, you will be better off looking at other resorts within the Alberg area.

Where to Stay

The majority of accommodation in Lech is located around the main road which runs through resort, and in the Tannberg and Omesberg areas on the way to Zug. Lech is a premium resort with the majority of accommodation being luxury chalets and hotels.

There are a handful of better value chalets in the resort but if you are looking to keep hold of the budget then you would be better of heading to other resorts within the Alberg area.

Getting around

Lech is relatively small so it is reasonably straightforward to get around on foot. However, there is a frequent local bus that runs throughout the resort that will take you up to the lifts if you’re are staying a little out of walking distance. There is a bus timetable available at the tourist office in the centre of Lech.

The Flexenbahn cable car connects Lech to the other resorts within the Alberg area making it the largest contiguous skiing area in the Alps. if you wanted to get to the other resorts by road then you would need to take a bus or taxi.

Apres

Lech is more about smart hotel bars than dancing on tables in ski boots. With this in mind, here are some fantastic places to head for a glass of wine or three. Down in the resort centre, there are a few establishments that open out onto the river, including the Tannbergerhof with its daily open-air party and, purportedly, “the best Glühwein in the world”. Another classy choice is Pfeffermühle, which offers a cosy atmosphere and a great wine selection, while the FUX Restaurant and Bar serves brilliant whiskeys and cigars in a jazz-bar ambiance. For something a bit livelier, the Archiv Bar is the place to party and enjoy excellent cocktails until 2am.

Eating out

From traditional culinary delights to exotic steaks, Lech presents some excellent restaurants for visitors to enjoy. On the slopes just above Lech, the Rud Alpe serves excellent lunches in a beautiful rustic setting. At the top of the Rufikopfbahn, the Panorama Restaurant plates up excellent burgers and, as the name would suggest, offers breathtaking panoramic views from an altitude of 2,350. In town, the Klösterle restaurant, a former monastery, is a fine place to enjoy traditional fondues in historic surrounds. For a taste of Italy, Don Enzo Due is the only pizzeria in the Arlberg run by an Italian – they also have some lovely wines. The FUX Restaurant and Bar, meanwhile, offers the novelty of ostrich, crocodile, alligator and shark steaks, among other things. Visitors will also find that many of the hotel restaurants in Lech offer superb gourmet cuisine, keeping with the high standard of this very fashionable resort. Below, you’ll find a few top dining options for families, couples and groups of friends, as well as some excellent on-mountain options.

Good for Couples

Die Stube im Hotel Arlberg

Hotel Arlberg

Tannberg 187

Lech

+43 558 832 1340

Good for Couples

Hus Nr 8

Tannberg 629

Lech

+43 558 339 888

Good for Couples

Klösterle

Zug 27

Lech

+43 5583 3190

Good for Family

Don Enzo Due

Dorf 163

Lech

+43 5583 2225

Good for Family

Schneggarei

Omesberg 8

Lech

+43 558 333 220

Good for Friends

Panorama Restaurant

On Piste Restaurant

Top of the Rufikopfbahn

Lech

+43 5583 2336 278

Good for Friends

Rud Alpe

On Piste Restaurant

Haus-Nr 185

Lech

+43 558 341 825 0

Good for Friends

Seekopf Bergrestaurant

On Piste Restaurant

Top of the Seekopfbahn lift

Lech

+43 5583 2283 230

Activities

From special skiing challenges to activities off the slopes, Lech has plenty to keep lucky visitors thoroughly entertained. For experienced skiers in search of a challenge, one can undertake the famous White Ring circuit, which comprises roughly 22km of terrain around the Lech and Zurs area. Visitors who complete the challenge get a little souvenir to mark their achievement. For non-skiers, or those looking to shake things up, Lech also offers a range of activities sans skis. The resort has some 29km of walking trails, including a beautiful route that takes you along the river to Zug – maps are readily available from the tourist office. In the evening, the floodlit toboggan run is a must. This starts from Oberlech and runs down to the town via a 1.2km route. Another winter staple, horse-drawn sleigh rides run from Lech to Zug – an absolutely enchanting way to see the snowy country. If you fancy something indoors, the Sport Park has heaps on offer, including a gym, climbing wall, indoor tennis, badminton, volleyball and more – the kids will love the ten pin bowling! If all you want to do is unwind, the wellness area includes a soothing sauna, steam room, infrared cabin, massage room and relaxation area. There are also a few spas and salons in town. A trip to the resort’s tourist office will offer lots of useful information on resort activities, but here are a few ideas to start you off.

Snow-shoeing

Tannberg 443

Lech

+43 5583 39880

Sports Park

Lech

+43 558 341 850

White Ring Ski Circuit

Rüfikopfbahn

Lech

+43 5583 2824 0

Ski School

There are several ski schools in Lech offering both group and private lessons suitable for all ages and abilities. Group lessons are more sociable and generally work out cheaper but can be less intense than one to one tuition. Most of the ski schools will be happy to talk through your ability and requirements to make sure you are in the most suitable group.

Skischule Lech is known for its wide selection of instructional offerings and for its highly skilled snowsport instructors.

Alpin Centre Lech have a team of trained ski instructors and mountain guides. Their lessons will help you improve your style and skills and help you discover new dimensions in winter sports.

Getting around

Family ski

For families travelling to Lech and looking for childcare they can either book into a creche or book a private nanny.

Kinderclub is a creche in Lech for children from 3 to 5 years.

Alpine Angels offer 24 hour childcare. The are offer a flexible, personalised and affordable service to ensure that families can enjoy their holiday as much as possible.

Group Ski

Lech is part of the Alberg area, the largest continuous ski area in Austria. Neighbouring the party resort of St Anton, Lech offers a quieter village centre whilst still offering access to the large ski area.

The pistes of the Alberg are perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers however there are also beginner friendly slopes to keep everyone happy. There are a few chalets available in Lech with the majority of accommodation being hotels available on a b&b or half board basis.

Childcare

For families with kids, Lech offers some excellent childcare options and fun pastimes to keep them entertained. As well as excellent ski instruction, Fun and Snow have wonderful babysitting and childcare services, which include exciting activities for the older kids. Meanwhile, the Kinderclub in Lech takes children between 3 and 5-years-old and introduces them to the joys of skiing in a fun and safe environment. The Lech Skischule is another brilliant choice for kids taking their first turns on the slopes. Otherwise, tobogganing, ice skating and an indoor Sports Park mean there’s plenty to amuse the young ones on and off the slopes.

The Piste

Beginners

The best beginner area in Lech is the Fluhen area next to the church where you will find a T-bar lift and easy terrain for beginners to learn. After a few days practising on the nursery slopes, you can then progress to the easy blue runs in Oberlech such as Weibermahd. There are also nursery slopes in Zurs located near the main car park which are a great place improve your skills before moving on to the blue runs on either side of the valley via the Hexenboden and Seekopt chairlifts.

Intermediate

Lech and Zurs are perfectly suited to intermediates. The ‘white ring’ circuit in particular is one of the best routes in resort. From Zurs take the Ubungshang chairlift and follow the blue run 123 towards the Zursersee chairlift. From here ski to the Madloch chairlift. From the top of the chair, following the 5km red to Zug and take the Zugerberg chair towards the Balmalp restaurant. From her you can take a tow rope to blue 200 around Kriegerhorn and into the main Lech ski area or alternatively take the 220 to Steinmahder and take the Zuger Hochlift up to Oberlech. From Oberlech, descend down into Lech and take the Rufikopft cable car back up to Zurs.

Experts

Lech has some excellent mogul runs, in particular the ungroomed routes off Kriegerhorn towards Lech including the Sudhang, Osthang and Nordhand and towards Zug there is Liezan, Furkawang and Gipsloch. There are ungroomed trails from the top of the Steinmahder and Rotchrofen lifts as well as plenty off piste and some reasonably priced heliskiing for the very adventurous.

Ski School

Skischule Lech is known for its wide selection of instructional offerings and for its highly skilled snowsport instructors.

Alpin Centre Lech have a team of trained ski instructors and mountain guides. Their lessons will help you improve your style and skills and help you discover new dimensions in winter sports.

Equipment Hire

There are several ski hire shops in Lech providing a wide range of ski and snowboard equipment. We would recommend that you book your hire in advance to save yourself some time and money as the majority of places will offer an online discount for booking in advance.

If there is a particular piece of equipment that you are after, you can call up the shop in advance and most places will reserve it for you.

Recommended equipment hire in Lech:

Sport 2000 provides expert advice and ski and snowboard hire suitable for all ages and abilities.

Intersport have ski and snowboard equipment to suit all.

Skibex rent and sell the best and newest equipment. The store is run by professionals who know every slope on the Alberg and know the best equipment for beginners and professionals.

Lift Passes

The Alberg ski area boasts than 305km of piste and one ski pass covers the whole area including St Anton, St Christoph, Lech, Zurs and Stuben. The pass also covers the bus service between Rauz and Zurs.

The below prices are based on the most current prices in resort but may change at the time of booking.

Day            Child (8-15)     Junior (16-19)     Adult (20-64)    Senior (65+)
Weekday          €32.00            €48.00              €53.00              €48.00
Weekend        €32.00            €48.00              €53.00          €48.00
Afternoon Pass   €24.50          €37.00                €40.50          €37.00
2-day pass        €62.00        €94.00                €104.00        €94.00
6-day pass      €164.00          €237.00               €275.00            €237.00

Children under 8yrs are entitled to a free lift pass however they are required to pay €10 for the magnetic card. This is a flat rate regardless of the number of days. Proof of age is required.

If you are travelling for a short break or are not planning on skiing all day every day then you could consider a flexible points card. This allows you to choose the days and uses point systems – before 11.50am – 3 points, after 11.50am – points, after 3 pm – 1 point. These don’t need to be taken on consecutive days. It is €245 for 15 points and €458 for 30 points.

If you are skiing for more than 2 weeks then it is worth considering a season pass.

You can buy your lift pass from several of the lift pass offices in resort which are open daily from 8am to 4.45pm.

You can pre-book your lift pass through your tour operator who will deliver it to your accommodation upon your arrival. This is generally the easiest method of doing it as you don’t have to worry about the hassle of going to going to buy it in resort and can get straight out on the slopes on your first day.