LECH

Lech is part of the gigantic Arlberg skiing region. The entire area is now linked by ski runs and lifts which has made it the largest connected ski resort in Austria, and the 5th largest in the world - an impressive claim. there are endless wide open groomed runs and some very decent off-piste (read the St Anton profile for more detail on that part of the resort). The whole Arlberg region includes 88 state-of-the-art lift and cable car systems, 340km of ski runs and 200km of off-piste.

Apart from the slopes above the main village and around Oberlech, most of Lech’s ski terrain sits above the treeline. Skiers and boarders will enjoy wide-open runs, extensive grooming and a well-connected touring route. The White Ring or Der Weisse Ring is the area’s famous circuit (and annual race) that connects many of the resort’s runs and lifts. The course is 22km long and boasts 5500m of descent. While most people make a day of it (stopping at one of the many great on-mountain restaurants along the way), the course record is 44:35:07. With the addition of new cable cars connecting the entire region, there is a new run called the "Run of Fame" - an 85km circuit from St Anton/Rendle to Zurs, Lech, Warth and back again. the run also serves as an opportunity to highlight important people in the region's skiing history. If you do want to have an entire day skiing St Anton it would be better to catch the bus one way, or both ways. This will get you to the St Anton part fast than connecting via lifts and ski runs and give you more time to explore while there.

Lech is an intermediate skier’s paradise, since most of the groomed runs are designated red. There’s a ton of variety (some more difficult than others) and plenty of long runs that will get the thighs burning. For a challenge, intermediates will find some great mogul runs, and easier off-piste runs to try their hand at powder (when it’s around!).

More advanced skiers should hire a guide to discover some fantastic, and often quite challenging, off-piste terrain that doesn’t get skied out too quickly. Lech is also the only resort in Austria to offer heli-skiing. Heli trips are ideal in spring, when the snow has softened, but it is only possible on weekdays.

And Lech doesn’t forget about beginners. There are several beginner slopes, most in Oberlech or on the Rüfikopf side. There are beginners’ tickets on a day, half-day or points system allowing you to avoid wasting money on lifts you won’t use.

Lech has a 3.6ha snowpark with rails, boxes, kickers and more, suitable for beginners, intermediates and pros.

Lech makes a fantastic choice for families. Not only is the village easy to get around (though some accommodations will require a shuttle bus to get to the center) but it has some excellent ski schools. Oberlech is a great choice since it is car free and it has some good nursery slopes. With its charming village, Lech will also provide that unique European ambience that many international families desire. The only thing lacking for families that prefer it, is a decent amount of self-catered accommodation options close to the center, since most are hotels offering half-board packages.

Lech has some of the most beautiful mountain hotels around. From big to small, modern to traditional, there’s a style to suit every taste, particularly at the more luxurious end of the spectrum. Most sell their rooms on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner included) and some of the bigger hotels offer variety for dinner options since they have a choice of restaurants, either via sister hotels or within their own. The main village layout is stretched out along the valley and some hotels will involve a longer walk or shuttle bus ride to get to the ski lifts or village center. There are quite a few hotels in the village center, and a short distance to the south is the peaceful area of Omesberg with some excellent hotels across a range of budgets. Oberlech provides a car-free environment and is accessed via cable car from the village. A series of James Bond-style tunnels connect each of the hotels with the terminal making it relatively easy to get around (hotels will take care of your luggage).

Other activities abound in Lech, such as horse-drawn carriage rides, snowshoeing and winter hiking on a 40km network of trails, 27km of cross country trails, ice-skating, tobogganing and heli-skiing. Some more unique activities include a Mercedes-Benz off-road driving experience, game feeding and watching (wild red deer), tandem paragliding and a climbing wall.

Lech is also proving itself in the world of gastronomy with many excellent restaurants on and off the mountain. Each season Lech runs a series of “LoffelWeise” (“by the spoon”) gastronomic dinners with prized chefs from around the world serving up incredible degustation dinners matched with outstanding wines.

Although Lech lacks shop variety, a visit to the Strolz store, which is so big it’s almost a department store, is well worthwhile.

Getting to Lech is easy. Innsbruck is the closest airport - just 1 hour, 35 minutes away - while Zurich offers plenty of flight options and takes only 2 hours, 10 minutes. There are plenty of transfer options, including shuttle services, private transfer or train to Langen am Arlberg (and bus or taxi transfer). If you want to drive you can only access Lech from the south in winter, via Zürs. 

While most of the village activities and accommodations are within walking distance in regular shoes, there’s an efficient and free shuttle bus system that connects the more distant areas. The best way to get between the Arlberg resorts not via lifts is on the yellow Post Bus. Note that they can get busy during peak hours.

The whole Arlberg region opens for the season in early December and operates until the end of April. Given the area’s propensity for sunny weather, it can make for particularly enjoyable spring skiing in March and April.