For many skiers and anowboarders there are few, if any, places more synonymous with wintersports than St. Anton am Arlberg. The resort itself, which is one of the largest in Austria, is known as the birthplace of modern alpine skiing. Over 100 years ago it was here that the skiing pioneer Hannes Schneider laid the foundations for winter tourism on the Arlberg mountain. Today, St. Anton am Arlberg continues to draw skiers and snowboarders from around the world with its top-class facilities and chic atmosphere.
In the centre of the village there are many shops selling ski equipment and clothing. Once you have everything you need, it is time to head for one of the many lits. How about, for example, the new Galzigbahn cable car whisking visitors into the heart of the mountains? Those who want to go even higher ride the Vallugabahn up to the top of the mountain of the same name at 2,650 metres above sea level, where they can then ski the longest run in the resort all the way down to the village. Another long run is the Valfagehr-Piste to Alpe Rauz and Stuben.
Indeed, the Ski Arlberg resort is famous for its exceptionally long runs. With an average snow depth of 163 cm high in the mountains and 57 cm in the valley it is also one of the most snowsure resorts in Austria. Ski touring enthusiasts and freeriders will find plenty to keep them entertained, and in the Rendl area there is even a via ferrata fixed-rope climbing route open in winter.
And, of course, no ski day would be complete without a little après-ski as the sun goes down. St. Anton is famous as one of the best places in the Alps to party. And those in search of something a little more refined will find plenty of fine-dining restaurants, including the Verwallstube at over 2,000 metres above sea level.
