AUSTRIA

                                                                                                   
Our first European ski adventure was to beautiful Lech, 25 years ago, chosen by my wife as this was where lady Diana use to ski with William and Harry. The charm of Lech captivated us instantly, the snowy alpine slopes, cozy chalets, and lively apres-ski created unforgettable memories. Following in Lady Diana’s footsteps added a touch of magic, we too bought our children here to ski making it a treasured memory.

Lech part of Austria’s famous Arlberg region is a premier resort known for its beauty, excellent snow and world class skiing. Regularly ranked among the best European ski resorts, Lech combines breathtaking alpine scenery, high-quality accommodations, gourmet dining, and vibrant apres-ski options. Here, we delve into everything you need to know about skiing in Lech, including ski passes, accommodation, dining, and how to get there.

SKIING IN LECH

Plan your Ski Adventure

Booking a ski trip involves a range of reliable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. I have listed below our favourite companies we use when we plan our ski holiday. Ski World– They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada for more than 36 years. Skyscanner– it’s our go to for finding the best flights, we usually start here and usually finish here. Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews. Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermatt, the Eurostar from London to the French Alps. We find “Omio or Trainline” are the best sites for booking trains in Europe. Car Hire – we usually hire a car it offers us flexibility and convenience, allowing easy access to most resorts. Companies like “Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com’ provide reliable options with winter equipment. Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We used “Safety Wing” when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific. Ski Equipment – Bring your own ski gear, its usually cheaper and much better than renting, it ensures you have a perfect fit. Owning also saves time and money in the long run. Equipment like “Skis’, ‘Pants and Jackets, Gloves, ski-helmets and Thermal underwear can all be bought online. You can purchase everything you need from Berg’s Ski and Snowboard (USA) or Snow and Rock (UK).

For specific resort information- we turn to the resort website, which often provides details on lift passes, equipment rentals, ski school bookings. These resources together make planning our ski trips a lot easier.

    VILLAGE IN LECH                                                                              

         Lech Ski Area

Lech is part of Arlberg region, Austria’s largest ski area, which includes St. Anton, Zurs, and Warth-Schrocken. Known for its high-altitude slopes, consistent snow fall, and stunning beauty. With over 300-Kilometers of piste and 200-kilometers of off-piste runs, Lech is ideal for everyone, from beginners to seasoned skiers.

1. Terrain: Lech’s pistes range from gentle beginner slopes to challenging off-piste areas, including famed powder fields and long cruising runs.
2. Snowfall: Lech is one of the snowiest resorts in the Alps, offering reliable snow coverage from December to April.
3. Scenic Beauty: The village of Lech retains it traditional Austrian charm with chalet-style buildings, making it one of the prettiest alpine towns.                                                     

TRIAL WALKING IN LECH

*Handy tip:

Don’t forget your GOPRO or your INSTA360 for all those action shots of family and friends.

         Ski Passes

         The Arlberg region offers several ski pass options, giving visitors access to extensive    terrain,

1. Arlberg SKI Pass: This is the primary pass, providing access to the entire Arlberg region, including Lech, Zurs, St. Anton, St, Christoph, And Warth-Schrocken. With over 300-kilometers of slopes, the Arlberg ski pass is ideal for skiers who want to explore multiple areas.
2. Day and Multi-day Passes: Lech offers day passes for single-day skiing, as well as multi-day passes up to 14 days. Prices vary by season, with discounts for children, youths, and seniors.
3. Flexi Pass: For those skiing only a few days, the flexi pass allows you to choose specific days within a given timeframe, ideal for skiers with non-traditional schedules.
4. Season Pass: The Arlberg season pass provides unlimited access throughout the ski season. This pass is perfect for frequent skiers or those planning an extended stay in the region.
5. Family Discount: Families can benefit from discounted ski passes, with free passes often available for younger children. Special family packages make skiing more affordable for families visiting Lech.

With the extensive network of interconnected lifts and runs, the Arlberg ski pass makes it possible to ski from village to village.                                                        

MAGIC CARPET IN LECH
Wear a SKI HELMETS, especially if you’re a beginner or in the snow parks and remember to pack your SKI GOOGLES for Lech.

Accommodation in Lech

Lech offers a range of accommodation, from luxurious hotels to charming guesthouses and self-catered apartments.

Luxury Hotels

1. HOTEL AURELIO: This five-star hotel is one of the most luxurious accommodations in Lech, offering elegantly designed rooms, a full-service spa, and gourmet dining. Located close to the slopes.

1. GASTOF POST: A historic hotel, that makes you feel like your part of a James Bond movie. It combines traditional alpine charm with modern luxury, this five-star hotel is popular for visitors looking for a sophisticated stay.
2. SEVERINS – ALPINE RETREAT: Located on the outskirts of town, this boutique hotel personalized service, a beautiful spa, and luxurious suites. Stunning views and quieter atmosphere.

Mid-Range

1. HOTEL KRISTBERG: Conveniently located near the main ski lift, this four-star hotel with excellent amenities, provides comfort at a moderate price.
2. Pension Juliana: This cosy, family-run hotel offers comfortable rooms and friendly atmosphere, known for its home cooked breakfasts, Pension Juliana is a popular choice for families and groups.

             Budget-Friendly Stays

1. Hostel Lech: located near the centre of town, ideal for budget-conscious travellers looking for basic accommodations with easy access to the slopes.
2. APARTMENTS: Lech’s self-catered apartments offer more independence for families and groups; these apartments are fully furnished with kitchen facilities and multiply rooms providing flexibility and comfort.

      Haus 8 Restaurant in LECH                                                

I always carry a DAY BACKPACK when skiing, as well as a WATER BOTTLE. It keeps me hydrated all day long on the slopes.

               Dining in Lech

                Lech is home to an impressive selection of restaurants, offering everything from traditional Austrian dishes to international cuisine.

               Mountain Restaurants.

1. Rufikopf Panorama Restaurant: Located at the top of the Rufikopf cable car, this restaurant offers breath taking views and a menu featuring Tyrolean specialities loke schnitzel and goulash (our favouritre), as well as international dishes.
2. Kriegeralpe: Known for its rustic charm and excellent food, Kriegeralpe serves hearty meals like Kasespatzle, schnitzel, and homemade desserts. It a popular lunch spot for skiers.

Village Dining

1. Hus Nr. 8: Housed in a 300-year-old building, Hus Nr. 8 is a cosy spot traditional Austrian food. The menu includes fondue, raclette, and hearty dishes like roast pork and venison.
2. Fux restaurant: For those looking for something different, Fux offers an electric menu with Asian and European fusion dishes. The sushi and steaks are particularly popular.
3. Balmalp: Accessible by ski or snowshoe, known for its excellent food and festive atmosphere. The restaurant serves a variety of alpine-inspired dishes, the apres-ski scene here is lively.

               Apres-Ski and Bars                                                                       

                 Lech apres-ski scene is sophisticated, offering a range of upscale bars, traditional huts, and lively spots to unwind after a day on the slopes.

1. The Bar at Hotel Krone: This upscale bar is ideal for those seeking a quieter apres-ski experience. Excellent cocktails and elegant ambience, it’s a relaxing place to unwind.
2. Schneggarei: One of our favorites, near the main slope, one of Lechs most popular apres-ski spots. Vibrant atmosphere, great drink list, it’s a must visit for apres-ski.
3. Archiv: A popular hangout with locals and tourists, casual and friendly atmosphere, with a drink list of craft beer and cocktails.
4. Eisbar at Hotel Tannbergerhof: Right in the centre of Lech, Eisbar is another bar we have visited many times. It’s a very lively open-air bar that draws crowds for its music, drinks and great location.

                    How to get to Lech

                   Lech is easily accessible from major cities in Austria and neighbouring countries, making it convenient for international visitors.

                   By Plane

1. Innsbruch Airport: The closest major airport, Innsbruck, is about 120-Kilometres from Lech. Travelers can reach Lech via shuttle, train, or RENTAL CAR. Innsbruck has regular flights from major European cities during the winter season.
2. Zurich Airport: located about 200-kilometers away, Zurich is a popular choice for international travelers. From Zurich, it’s a scenic drive or train ride to Lech.
3. Munich Airport: Munich is approximately 250-Kilometers from Lech, with a well-connected rail network to get you to the resort. CAR RENTAL is another great option from Munich Airport.     BOOK YOUR FLIGHT

                 By Train:

                The nearest train station to Lech is Langen am Arlberg, about 17-Kilometers        away. Regular TRAINS run from Major cities, including Innsbruck, Zurich, and Munich, to Langen. From Langen you can take a bus or taxi to Lech. BOOK YOUR TRAIN HERE.

                  By Car

                  Driving to Lech is straightforward, especially if you’re coming from Germany, Switzerland, or other parts of Austria. The most common route is to follow the A12 or A14 autobahn to Langen then follow the signs to Lech. For more flexibility and convenience, compare these car rentals DISCOVER CARS or RENTALCARS.COM

Ski Lifts

Getting to Austria’s best ski resorts couldn’t be easier than with Ski-Lifts, offering both airport and train station transfers. Private transfers are a popular choice, as your not sharing with others or waiting at the airport as your driver will be waiting for you on your arrival.

By Shuttle

There are several shuttle services from major airports to Lech. These shuttles offer convenient door to door service ideal for families and groups. ALPS 2 ALPS and ALPIN BUS we have used and highly recommend either, another is ALPS HOLIDAY TRANSFER. We have not used them but have had good feedback about them. Advanced bookings are recommended, especially during peak season.

Resort Activities                                         

 · Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
Discover the beauty of the alpine surroundings on scenic winter trails or guided snowshoe hikes, perfect for all skill levels.

· Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Enjoy a romantic sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside, soaking in the serene atmosphere of Lech’s picturesque landscapes.

· Tobogganing
Have fun on the toboggan runs in the area, such as the Oberlech run, offering excitement for all ages.

· Relaxation at Spas and Wellness Centers
Unwind in one of Lech’s luxurious spa facilities with saunas, steam baths, and rejuvenating treatments.

· Ice Skating
Glide on the natural ice rink in Lech, a great way to enjoy the outdoors and keep active.

*Handy Tip:

Make sure you have TRAVEL INSURANCE before hitting the slopes. *

Lech is a ski resort that combines charm, elegance, and world class skiing. I truly can’t recommend this resort highly enough, with its extensive slopes, high-end accommodation, and superb dining, it’s a destination for all tastes. Its apres-ski option ranges from lively bars to cozy lounges, making it a perfect resort for relaxation and adventure. Lech offers a Alpine experience that really is hard to beat.

 
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