Lech

Overview

Lech am Arlberg is one of the most exclusive and elegant ski resorts in the Alps, combining a picture-perfect Austrian alpine village with access to one of the world’s great ski domains. Set at 1,450 m in the Vorarlberg region, Lech is part of the Ski Arlberg area, which offers a staggering 305 km of pistes and 200 km of marked off-piste routes, shared with St. Anton, Zürs, Stuben, Warth, and Schröcken.

Long favoured by royalty and celebrities, Lech has earned a reputation for luxury, sophistication, and understated glamour. Yet beneath the five-star hotels and Michelin-starred dining lies an authentic alpine village with a rich history and traditional wooden chalets clustered along the river.

Lech appeals to skiers who want the best of both worlds: world-class skiing with plenty of challenge and variety, but in a more serene, refined setting than the party atmosphere of neighbouring St. Anton.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Lech sits at the heart of the Arlberg, offering terrain for every level with outstanding snow reliability.

• Beginners: Lech has excellent nursery slopes in Oberlech and Zürs, with wide, gentle runs that are ideal for learners. The compact village layout makes it easy for families with children.

• Intermediates: This is the sweet spot. Long, rolling blues and reds dominate, linking Lech with Zürs, Zug, and Warth-Schröcken. The famous White Ring circuit (22 km, 5,500 m vertical) is a must-do for intermediates wanting a grand tour of the area.

• Experts: Advanced skiers can tackle challenging blacks like Langer Zug, one of the steepest groomed pistes in the world (up to 80% gradient). The off-piste in the Arlberg is legendary, with routes such as Mehlsack and Valluga offering serious freeride terrain with a guide.

• Freestylers: Lech has the Snowpark Lech at Schlegelkopf, well-equipped with kickers, rails, and creative lines. St. Anton’s park adds further variety.

The hallmark of Lech skiing is snow reliability and space. Its north-facing slopes, combined with extensive snowfall, keep conditions excellent throughout the season.

Ski Lift Passes

Lech is covered by the Ski Arlberg pass, giving access to the full area.

• Adult: ~€72/day | ~€360 for 6 days
• Child (6–15): ~50% reduction
• Under 6s: Free

Deals:

• Family discounts available.
• Reduced beginner passes for nursery slopes.

Details at the Ski Arlberg lift pass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Lech combines traditional alpine charm with modern, efficient lifts.

• The Rüfikopf gondola links directly to Zürs and the rest of the Arlberg.
• The Auenfeldjet connects Lech with Warth-Schröcken, massively expanding ski mileage.
• High-speed chairs and gondolas dominate, reducing queues even in peak weeks.

The village is compact and walkable, with many hotels offering ski-in/ski-out convenience. Extensive snowmaking ensures reliable pistes to the village throughout the season.

Accommodation

Lech is known for its luxury hotels and chalets, though there are options for a range of budgets if booked early.

• Budget: Guesthouses and pensions in Lech or nearby Zug.
• Mid-Range: 3★–4★ chalet-style hotels, many family-run with half-board.
• Luxury: Some of the finest hotels in Austria, including Hotel Aurelio, Severin’s – The Alpine Retreat, and Gasthof Post. Wellness facilities, spas, and Michelin-starred dining are common at this level.

Browse via the Lech accommodation search.

Dining & Après

Lech has a well-deserved reputation as a gastronomic hotspot. The village boasts several Gault-Millau and Michelin-starred restaurants, including Griggeler Stuba at Burg Vital Resort and Restaurant Aurelio’s. Traditional Austrian dishes are served in cosy stube restaurants, while rustic mountain huts like Balmalp provide hearty fare with spectacular views.

Après-ski is stylish and more restrained than St. Anton. Krone Ice Bar and Hotel Tannbergerhof are popular for lively drinks in the village, while Oberlech offers slope-side terraces for sunny afternoons. The vibe is more champagne and fur coats than table-dancing in ski boots.

Non-Skiing Activities

Lech caters beautifully for non-skiers and those seeking relaxation.

• Winter hiking and snowshoe trails around Zug and Oberlech.
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the Zug valley.
• Ice skating and curling in the village.
• Designer shopping and art galleries.
• Spa and wellness at the luxury hotels.

Cultural events, concerts, and gourmet festivals add to the year-round calendar.

Village Character & Access

Lech is a storybook alpine village, with wooden chalets, a riverside setting, and an atmosphere of elegance and refinement. It’s cosmopolitan yet intimate, attracting royalty, celebrities, and discerning travellers who value discretion and quality.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Innsbruck Airport (1.5 hrs) is closest, with Zurich (2.5 hrs) a common gateway.
• By train: Rail to Langen am Arlberg, then 20 mins by taxi or bus.
• By car: Around 11 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Lech offers the perfect blend of luxury, tradition, and world-class skiing. With direct access to the legendary Arlberg area, reliable snow, and slopes for all levels, it’s one of the most complete ski destinations in Europe. Add in Michelin-starred dining, luxury spas, and the authentic charm of an alpine village, and it’s clear why Lech consistently ranks among the world’s top resorts.

For those who want refinement without sacrificing ski scale, Lech is hard to beat.

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