The Ski Resort
If you are searching for a special chalet ski holiday in the most glamorous ski resort in Austria, look no further than Lech-Zurs. Whilst St Anton in the Arlberg is world famous for its world class skiing the home for aristocratic Austrian skiers. In fact it is not just Austrian aristocrats, British Royalty has often been here too and the late Princess Diana was famously photographed in its centre soon after the royal romance started.
Dominated generally by upmarket chalet styled hotels, these traditionally styled buildings are quite stunning and enhanced by the picturesque river running through middle. The ski chalets here are typically large but on the outskirts there are smaller establishments but style and class does come with a price.
The skiing in the Arlberg is of course world famous although Lech and Zurs are quite different to its very macho neighbour St Anton. Ski holidays in Lech more geared to its well heeled visitors who do not appreciate be shaken or stirred after a fine lunch in Lech centre. Here you will find manicured pistes either above or in the trees and the skiing is ideal for beginners and intermediates. In Zurs it is a little more challenging and very popular with intermediates as a consequence. St Anton,linked by ski bus is considerably more challenging and loved by expert skiers worldwide. The Valluga mogul fields have to be experienced to be believed.
Worth Knowing
The Arlberg has a very good snow record despite the top lift being below 3,000m. Do not therefore be influenced towards a higher French ski resort. The Arlberg seems to capture snow in extraordinary levels and has some great off-piste as a consequence.
Off Piste Skiing
The Valluga has to be skied over the back into Zurs if you are a very competent skier. Competent and with a guide is our advice and when we suggest it is steep in places, we really do mean steep. People with vertigo might best giving it a miss!
Ski School
The main ski school in Lech and Zurs is the Ski School Arlberg.
Snow Boarding
Lech-Zurs are upmarket but they are skiers and snowboarders resorts and far from being stuffy and pretentious. The snowboarding is therefore very good and some of the back-country is perfect for snowboarders. There is also an excellent snow park above Schlegelkopf. Not forgetting St Anton that attracts many snowboarders or its on and off-piste.