11 Sep
Guess there is a lot to do, even if you don’t ski
- The Vacation at Arlberg
As insiders, we can finally tell you openly: If you’re at Arlberg and want to experience it up close, you don’t have to do it exclusively on skis. Yes, our passion and the glue of Arlberg is skiing, but those spending their winter vacation here don’t necessarily have to spend their time on the slopes. Even though it may seem almost criminal, not every local here even owns a ski pass. But you don’t need one, as you’ll discover Arlberg is a winter sports multi-talent, a hub for art, culture, and culinary delights — and the opportunities for relaxation and experiences don’t end there. The best way to experience it all would be to mix it with some skiing — that would truly honour Arlberg. - Arlberg as a Winter Sports Multitalent (Alternatives to Skiing)
a. Cross-Country Skiing
Endless trails wind through the snowy valleys of Arlberg like fine lines. Whether in classic or skating style, these trails allow you to explore the distinctive winter landscape across the entire Arlberg region. Alongside flat terrain, the trails, up to 22.5 km long, also feature sharp descents and challenging uphill sprints, often passing through winter forests and softly murmuring streams. Even if you’ve never tried cross-country skiing, we recommend it. Some ski schools offer fantastic courses, and you’ll likely be surprised at how beneficial this sport is for your body. The fresh mountain air enters every last corner of your lungs, making you feel reborn.
b. Cross-Country Skiing Trails at Arlberg:
- St. Christoph am Arlberg – 2.5 km
- Ganderau (St. Jakob) – 3 km
- Stanzertal – 22 km
- Verwall – 10 km
- Zürs – 2.6 km
- Night Cross-Country Skiing at the Sports Field (Pettneu) – 1.5 km
- Zug-Älpele-Spullerwald – 6.6 km
- Omesberg to Zug – 2.4 km
- Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
Thinking of winter hikes through our snowy mountains warms our hearts. As little girls, still stumbling in thick winter clothing, our parents took us along on sledges for winter hikes. Even today, a winter hike can still captivate us. From relaxing strolls and accessible hikes to breathtaking high-altitude trails and challenging ridge walks, Arlberg offers a wide range of options. We find that winter hiking can be incredibly varied, as it can be enhanced by taking along a sledge for a thrilling ride down or by renting snowshoes, which allow you to walk through deep snow (descending through deep snow is particularly fun). Booking scouts or guides is also a great idea here, as guided hikes can lead you to hidden spots you would never find on your own.When it comes to winter hiking, whether it’s hardcore conditioning or a relaxed stroll, you’ll find absolute peace of mind on both paths. The nature experience is rounded off with a warm cup of cocoa at a hut. - Tobogganing
No, you can never be too old to have the most incredible fun (as we Austrians call it) while tobogganing. There’s not much more to add except to grab your favourite people and a sledge, head to St. Anton or Oberlech, and race down the mountain, day or night. If you have little children, the toboggan hill in Zürs could be a great option. Regardless of with whom, where, or when you indulge in the tobogganing fun — it will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. - Ice Skating and Curling
Where there’s snow, there’s also ice. Even though we don’t have natural frozen lakes at Arlberg suitable for ice skating, we’ve tried to create ice rinks. You’ll be the world’s world ‘s-conditioned hotel ice rink in Lech at the Jagdhaus Monzabon. Besides classic ice skating, hockey and curling are also possible here. If you prefer to do this in the fresh air, you can find moments of happiness in St. Anton or Zürs. Here’s an insider tip for a romantic date: A candlelight skate occurs in Zürs once a week. You’ll never feel cold With music, punch and your side. - Tandem Paragliding
We live in the highest heights here at Arlberg, and beautiful views are our speciality. When we climb peaks and feel the fresh wind whistling around us, we feel free, but since paragliding was introduced, we’ve discovered a new way to enjoy the heights. Even those without training in paragliding have the chance to soar through the skies of Arlberg. Tandem paragliding flights can be booked all over Arlberg and are worth the experience for adventurers.
- Skifox
For those who want to experience the slopes differently, you can start by swapping your skis or snowboard for a Skifox. If you’ve seen this device, it’s it’s a stool with a ski underneath. You might strap small gliders to your feet. With the help of the lift staff, you can transport the Skifox up the mountain and experience the slopes in a completely different light. Fun is guaranteed here, but don’t estimate yourself on your first try. Skifoxes should be available for rent at selected sports shops in the ski area.
- Fatbiking
In winter, we usually store our beloved mountain bikes and racing bikes in the basement — if only we had snow chains and winter tyres for our bikes, right? Well, at Arlberg, you don’t need them. We simply swap our mountain bikes for fat bikes or e-fat bikes. With these bikes, you can ride excellently in the snow and take winter tours in a very modern way. The name “Fat”” is “used by the bikes, which are much larger than those of regular mountain bikes. Feel free to rent one of these bikes at sports shops at Arlberg, hop on the saddle, and pedal even in the deepest winter.
- Climbing, Bouldering, and Ridge Crossings
Once captivated by the mighty Alps, you might feel an almost irresistible urge to conquer the mountains at your doorstep. Climbers from all over the world grapple with this urge year-round. In St. Anton and Lech, you can indulge this urge even in winter — both indoors and outdoors. The Arl. Rock Sports Center in St. Anton offers 100 climbing routes for every level, and you can also boulder there. In Lech, the Sport.Park.Lech offers similar climbing opportunities. For those for whom these climbing halls with outdoor climbing options are not enough, you can try a spectacular ridge crossing on the Rendl with a guide. One of TyrolTyrol’s beautiful winter via Ferrata routes awaits to be conquered there. As a diligent climber, you will rewarded with breathtaking views and untouched descents into the Moostal or Malfontal. However, don’t pack your courage. We also recommend booking a guide early to ensure you have the best equipment — they will cover you with all the necessary information. - Fitness, Games, and Fun
This might not entirely fit the “winter sport category”, but the Arlberg also offers opportunities to play ball sports and engage in fitness activities such as tennis, squash, bowling, trampoline jumping, football, etc. — even in winter. As mentioned under the climbing section, St. Anton with Arl.rock and Lech with Sport.Park.Lech offers numerous opportunities to work out: - Arl.rock St. Anton
- Squash
- Tennis
- Trampoline Hall
- Bowling
- Climbing & Bouldering
- Sport.Park.Lech Lech
- Tennis
- Multifunctional Ball Sports Court (Badminton, Football, Volleyball)
- Gym
- Bowling
- Climbing & Bouldering
- Wellness and Swimming
Yes, we Arlbergers love water and wellness, but not all of us.
