Inside The Arlberg

Arlberg Tips: The Most Famous Ski Touring Routes in the Arlberg Region 

07 Aug
ski arlberg touring

The world-famous Ski Arlberg offers a variety of ski-touring adventures.

The Arlberg region, renowned for its world-class ski resorts, offers some of the best ski touring experiences in the Alps. Its breathtaking scenery, varied terrain, and excellent snow conditions make it a haven for ski-touring enthusiasts. Here’s a summary of the most famous ski touring routes in the Arlberg, including some of the classic tours highlighted by Bergwelten. 

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Valluga North Face

  • Overview: The Valluga North Face is one of the most iconic and challenging ski tours in the Arlberg region. Starting from the top of the Valluga cable car at 2,809 meters, this tour is only recommended for experienced skiers due to its steep and exposed terrain.  
  • Route: From the summit, you descend the North Face, navigating through steep and narrow couloirs before reaching the open powder fields. The descent continues through the Pazieltal valley, ending at the village of Zürs.  
  • Highlights: 
    • Stunning panoramic views from the summit. 
    • Exhilarating descent with varied terrain. 
    • Potential for deep powder snow conditions. 

Trittkopf Flexenpass Tour

  • Overview: This tour offers a mix of stunning scenery and relatively moderate difficulty, making it accessible for intermediate ski tourers. Starting from the village of Zürs, the route takes you up to the Trittkopf and then down through the Flexenpass.  
  • Route: The ascent begins in Zürs, heading up towards the Trittkopf. After reaching the summit, you descend through the Flexenpass, enjoying long stretches of untouched snow before ending in Zürs.  
  • Highlights: 
    • Spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. 
    • A balanced mix of challenging ascents and enjoyable descents. 
    • Great for those looking to combine a scenic tour with adventure. 

Silbertal Kristberg Tour

  • Overview: This tour, highlighted by Bergwelten, takes you through the picturesque Silbertal and up to the Kristberg. It’s known for its tranquillity and beautiful alpine scenery, making it a favourite for those seeking a peaceful touring experience.  
  • Route: Starting from the village of Silbertal, the tour ascends through forested slopes and open meadows to the Kristberg summit. The descent follows a different route, taking you through untracked powder fields back to Silbertal.  
  • Highlights: 
    • Quiet and less crowded compared to other popular routes. 
    • Beautiful, untouched alpine scenery. 
    • Suitable for intermediate ski tourers looking for a serene adventure. 

Arlberg Tour

  • Overview: The Arlberg Round Tour is a classic ski touring route that offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s diverse terrain. It’s a multi-day tour that requires good fitness and skiing skills.  
  • Route: The tour starts in St. Anton and takes you through various key points in the Arlberg, including St. Christoph, Zürs, Lech, and the Flexenpass. Each day involves significant ascents and descents, with overnight stays in mountain huts or village accommodations.  
  • Highlights: 
    • Extensive exploration of the Arlberg’s varied terrain. 
    • Opportunity to experience different villages and landscapes. 
    • Perfect for those looking for a challenging multi-day adventure.  

Paziel Tour

  • Overview: The Paziel Valley Tour is another highlight from Bergwelten. It offers a mix of scenic beauty and challenging terrain, a demanding tour through one of the most picturesque valleys in the Arlberg.  
  • Route: The tour starts from the top of the Trittkopf cable car and descends into the Paziel Valley. From there, you navigate through the valley, enjoying wide-open powder fields and stunning views before ending at the village of Lech.  
  • Highlights: 
    • Stunning valley scenery with wide-open powder fields. 
    • Challenging terrain that requires good skiing skills. 
    • It is a rewarding tour for experienced ski tourers.  

Madloch Tour

  • Overview: This tour is known for its stunning landscapes and moderate difficulty, making it suitable for intermediate ski tourers. It takes you through the scenic Stierloch and Madloch valleys, offering a mix of ascents and enjoyable descents.  
  • Route: Starting from Lech, the tour ascends towards the Stierloch, offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. The descent takes you through the Madloch valley, ending back in Lech.  
  • Highlights: 
    • Beautiful and varied scenery. 
    • Moderate difficulty, suitable for a wide range of skiers. 
    • A great introduction to ski touring in the Arlberg.  

The Arlberg region’s diverse terrain and stunning landscapes make it a top destination for ski touring. Whether you’re looking for a challenging adventure or a serene exploration of the alpine beauty, the Arlberg offers something for every ski-touring enthusiast. Always ensure you have the appropriate gear, check weather and avalanche conditions, and consider hiring a local guide to enhance your safety and experience. 

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Written by Nina Gigele

Picture by Kristof Stursa