The Ski Resort
The luxury ski resorts of Lech and Zurs are part of Arlberg ski network that includes St Anton. In contrast to St Anton which is renown for some of the best skiing and partying in the world, Lech and Zurs by contrast is seen quite rightly be one of the most sophisticated luxury ski resorts, certainly in Austria, and probably Europe and worldwide too! Lech in particular has always been a favourite with Royalty and the late Princess Diana was just one of the many famous people that have regularly frequented this luxury ski resort and its luxury ski chalets that ooze class and sophistication in abundance.
The centre of Lech is dominated generally by upmarket traditionally styled luxury chalet hotels. With the river running through the centre of Lech too it really does have a charm and class that few can rival.
The Arlberg itself is one of the most famous luxury ski areas in the world although it should be said Lech and Zurs have a very different feel from a skiing perspective in comparison to St Anton (St Anton being a very macho luxury ski resort). Luxury skiing in Lech being more aligned to the well-heeled set who seem to prefer their luxury skiing a little more relaxed. Here you will enjoy some beautifully manicured pistes either above or amongst the trees and you close at hand to Lech to ski down at lunchtime for fabulous lunches in the village. The skiing is therefore more aimed at beginners and intermediates, although it is linked by ski bus to St Anton, so you can ski more challenging terrain if you so wish. The luxury skiing at Zurs is a little more demanding than Lech and has some excellent intermediate skiing in particular. Zurs also benefits from the fact that it is located between Lech and Zurs but again whilst considerably smaller than Lech, still has a very upmarket ambiance.
Of course for the most challenging skiing, experts can ski in neighbouring St Anton where the skiing is without doubt some of the best in the world and the Valluga is a must
All in all, if you appreciate Austrian style and sophistication, but want a a luxury ski resort from a skiing perspective that has something for everyone, including world class skiing for experts (although Lech and Zurs areas are not linked with St Anton except by bus), Lech and Zurs is a fabulous call and has some great luxury ski chalets.
Worth Knowing
The Arlberg area has one of the best snow records in the Alps as well as some of the best luxury skiing. If you are skiing above Zurs we recommend a stop at the kriegeralpe for charm and rustic food from days that should not be forgotton!
Off Piste Skiing
The Valluga is a must as it is has an awesome drop in to Zurs that is stunning. It is not however a run that should be taken lightly and was found by the ski team here to be somewhat daunting in places (understatement) so it should be only attempted with a guide and with a clear understanding that it is very steep in places and should therefore only be undertaken by very good skiers.
Ski School
The main ski school in Lech and Zurs is the Ski School Arlberg.
Snow Boarding
You might be forgiven for thinking that due to Lech and Zurs upmarket reputation that both are not really snowboarding ski resorts. Far from it. The snowboarding is good and some of the backcountry ideal for snowboarders. The snowpark above Schlegelkopf is excellent. Then of course there is also the snowboarding around St Anton!
Pros
Lech is one of the most sophisticated towns in the Alps
Fabulous hotels
Great manicured pistes
Dining is hotels mostly but a very high standard
Cons
Not linked apart from ski bus to St Anton
Zurs lacks apres-ski life (Lech however is good)
Ski Resort Map
Ski Piste Map
Getting Around the Ski Resort
Horse drawn sleighs, by foot, ski bus, taxi or cars are the main forms of transport in the ski villages and to get to the other ski areas quickly. The ski bus to St Anton is regular and reliable to.
Activities Outdoor
Lech does have a floodlit sledge area that is frequented and loved by the children. The bars and restaurants around Lech are frequented by the rich and famous as are the boutique shops.