Though the region saw the birth of modern ski instruction, St Anton is arguably not a beginner’s resort. The nursery slopes at Nasserein are perfect, but to progress on from these to the blue pistes higher up is a big leap – and as blue pistes go these ones are tricky. The reds are also known for being challenging. It is then a resort best suited to enthusiastic intermediates, and advanced skiers – and a pure playground for off-piste and powder enthusiasts.
However the little ones generally thrive here – there's a superb children's ski school and youth centre in Nasserein (a quiet hamlet which has been absorbed into St Anton as the resort has grown), plenty of non-skiing activities and lots of family-friendly hotels, chalets and eateries.
amazing value lift pass access to big skiing
The Arlberg ski region is covered by one lift pass; by comparison with other top European resorts excellent value at only €252 for 6 days in the 2015/2016 season. The region is made up of 11 villages all lift linked; St Anton is surely the best known, but with Lech and Zürs also packing a punch in their own right. Looking at the different areas on offer across the region each certainly has it’s own appeal and distinctive flavour - and with so much skiing on offer the lift pass price looks better and better value.
Galzig offers up some of the best skiing
Galzig offers much of the best skiing especially when using St Anton as your accommodation base for the week. The pioneering Galzigbahn gondola will give you direct access from St Anton village – or head across from Gampen taking the Zammermoos chair. The skiing above Galzig on Schindler Spitze (2,660m) and Valluga (2,811m) is incredible, including the long run from Schindler down to Rauz and two itineraries. These are patrolled to make safe, but unpisted and offer to die for views of the Arlberg and some amazing off-piste options.
Schindler Spitze - expert skiers heaven
At Schindler Spitze the skiing is certainly geared toward the more advanced skier; you can take the black run (10) northwest from Galzig to the Schindlergrat chair, taking this to Schindler Spitze (2,660m) and ski down the popular red run (14) to the Ulmer Hütte. Then taking the blue run (17) down to Rauz you have a choice of a high-speed 8-seater chairlift (with heated seats) if you want to head back to St Anton, or you may continue past Rauz through a small tunnel under the road, and ski down to Stuben. For the more challenging routes from the top of Schindler Spitze try the steep and narrow Schindler chutes - for expert skiers only, or the Schindlerkar mogul field (15).
Stuben for hard to beat conditions
Stuben is a tiny village, but it packs a punch with excellent skiing on the north facing Albonagrat – with typically the best snow in the Arlberg region. It also boasts the longest uninterrupted; lift accessible off-piste descent in Europe - the 1,000 vertical meter decent from the Albonagrat to Stuben.
The Valluga North Face Decent
Valluga is accessed by the middle lift station at Galzig, via the Valluga I cable car which takes you as high as 2,650m where you will be treated to panoramic views. The hard–core skiers (if accompanied by a guide) can then take the small 5-seater Valluga II cable car on up to the peak at 2,811m where there is an observation platform. This is the starting point for the Valluga north face descent into Zürs. You may ride this lift unaccompanied if you leave your skis at the mid station, and if you have a head for heights this is well worth doing for the views.
If you do plan to tackle this famous off-piste route you will only be allowed access to the lift with ski equipment if accompanied by a qualified guide. Two routes are available to you, both equally challenging, and rewarding. Choose the classic route requiring some skill at traversing, or the Valluga Bridge couloir – requiring you to negotiate the roped steps leading to the old wooden bridge before a tight 40-degree couloir. This route will test your skill at jump turns. There are cliff faces to be aware of along the routes so accuracy is required and you must follow your guide at all times.
Rendl for progressive beginners
Rendl is now made more easily accessible by the impressive new Rendlebahn lift; the station is in the centre of St Anton village next to Sport Jennewein. This modern lift leads to a wide and open ski area with good slopes for both beginners and intermediates. The sun does not hit this side of the mountain until late morning, so it may be best to wait awhile and head over this side for lunchtime.
The Riffel I & II chairlifts take skiers and boarders up to Riffelscharte (2,645 m) from where there are challenging on and off-piste descents. Access to the higher slopes has been improved with the addition of a new 6-man chairlift, which rises to 2,390m and boarders in particular will be pleased to hear this replaces the long Gampberg draglift. Rendl also plays host to the St Anton snowpark, which offers kickers, roller, rails and boxers for those new and experienced – in addition to the Snowboard Academy who can fine-tune your park skills. The popular Rendl Beach Bar is here – good to stop off at for a drink and to watch the fun before taking the long red, which descends over 1,300m, back into St Anton.
Easier family skiing over in Lech & Zurs
Lech-Zürs are better accessed by taxi or bus ride from St Anton, and mostly offer easier blue and red piste skiing for beginner and intermediates. Worth considering staying here then if this better matches your ski level – these are classic Austrian family resorts. There' is also some challenging off-piste terrain here though, including great options for heli-skiing on Mehlsack (2,652m). Intermediate skiers will enjoy the White Ring circuit, which links the two villages.
