Lech Zürs am Arlberg in Spring
Spring arrives slowly in the Arlberg. High above the valleys, the snowpack that has built through the winter often remains in excellent shape well into April, particularly around Lech and Zürs where much of the skiing sits between 1,450 and 2,450 metres.
This is Austria’s largest interconnected ski region, with more than 300 kilometres of pistes linking Lech, Zürs, St Anton and several neighbouring villages. The scale of the terrain becomes particularly useful later in the season. With such a wide spread of slopes across different aspects and elevations, skiers can follow the best conditions through the day.
Lech itself has long cultivated a reputation for space on the mountain. The resort limits lift ticket numbers to keep the slopes from becoming overcrowded, something visitors notice immediately once the lifts open in the morning. In spring that sense of space becomes even more noticeable. The days grow longer, the pace eases slightly and there is more time to enjoy the surroundings.
In Austria the classic spring snow is known as firn. After a clear night the surface refreezes, then gradually softens as the sun warms the slopes. When timed well it produces smooth, forgiving conditions that many experienced skiers look forward to every year.
Lech and Zürs usually keep lifts running until late April, and thanks to the altitude and consistent snowfall of the Arlberg region, conditions can remain remarkably good right to the end of the season. Resorts like this frequently appear in conversations about the best destinations for spring skiing in the Alps, particularly for travellers considering skiing in April.
Fabulous Dining
Lech has been reviewed as the “World gourmet village” and is famed for its luxurious and upscale cuisine, although in truth there’s something for every taste and budget. Springtime is a great time to enjoy this aspect of your Lech ski holiday to the max, perhaps enjoying a fabulous meal with an après-ski spritzer at one of the mountain huts and restaurants out on one of the fantastic sun terraces. As they say here, Lech is the place to enjoy “Your Private Luxury Moment”.
Music in the Mountains
Early April also brings one of the resort’s most distinctive events. The Tanzcafé Arlberg Music Festival takes place across the villages and mountain restaurants of the region, filling Lech with live performances throughout the first half of the month.
Stages appear on mountain terraces, in hotel bars and across the village itself. The programme ranges from jazz and swing to funk, soul and electronic music, creating a relaxed festival atmosphere on and off the slopes.
Best Value and Service
As the season begins to wind down, Lech also introduces a number of spring promotions. Lift pass prices often fall slightly in early April before dropping again towards the final weeks of the season.
Despite the quieter atmosphere, the resort continues to offer a full range of experiences beyond skiing. One of the most unusual is Skyspace Lech, a remarkable light installation created by American artist James Turrell. Located high above the village, it invites visitors to experience the alpine landscape in a completely different way.
For lift operations, seasonal information and resort details visit the official Lech Zürs website.