Ski Arlberg – Austria's largest ski area
Ski Arlberg extends across the border of Tyrol and Vorarlberg and connects places such as St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech, Oberlech, Zürs, Warth and Schröcken. The region is considered Cradle of alpine skiingHere, pioneers founded the first ski club and organized the first races. Today, the area presents itself as a modern winter sports resort with 300 kilometers of groomed slopes, more than 200 kilometers of variants in open terrain and 85 cable cars and lifts. The altitude difference ranges from the villages at around 1,300 meters to the 2,811-meter-high Valluga summit, ensuring reliable snow cover well into spring. Besides the legendary downhill runs in winter, hundreds of kilometers of hiking and biking trails, as well as via ferratas and mountain lakes, attract visitors in summer.
Short info:
- Where is Ski Arlberg located? Between Tyrol and Vorarlberg; the places St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech, Oberlech, Zürs, Warth and Schröcken form the ski area
- How big is the ski area? It includes 300 km of slopes for all skill levels and over 200 km of deep snow routes.
- How many elevators are there? 85 modern cable cars and lifts.
- What are the elevations? The ski area extends from approximately 1,304 m to 2,811 m; the highest point is the Valluga.
- What is the slope distribution? Approximately 34 % blue, 37 % red and 29 % black downhill runs (data from the 2025/26 season).
- Are there ski circuits? Yes. The 85 km long "Run of Fame" connects the entire area; the "White Ring" in Lech/Zürs It offers 22 km of descents with 5,500 meters of elevation gain.
- Longest descent? The longest continuous ski run is about 7.5 km long and leads from the Valluga summit down into the valley.
- Special features: An average of nine meters of natural snow per winter, three toboggan runs and several fun parks; heliskiing on Mehlsack (2,652 m) or Schneetäli (2,450 m) with 1,200 m of untouched terrain.
Overview of regions and location
The Arlberg Pass lies at 1,793 m and forms the border between Tyrol and Vorarlberg. The ski region is divided into three areas: St. Anton–St. Christoph–Stuben, Lech–Oberlech–Zürs as well as Warth–Schröcken. The towns are connected by modern cable cars such as the Flexenbahn and the Auenfeldjet, so that without bus connections throughout the entire area The lowest point of the ski area is at 1,304 m, the highest at 2,811 m on the Valluga. Thanks to this altitude, a lot of natural snow falls on average each winter, meaning powder lovers can enjoy more than 200 kilometers of off-piste runs.
Slopes, lifts and highlights
Ski Arlberg is Austria's largest interconnected ski area and is one of the largest in the world. It offers 300 km of groomed slopes: around 34 of which are designated as blue (easy) runs, 37 as red (intermediate), and 29 as black (difficult) runs. 85 cable cars and lifts efficiently transport winter sports enthusiasts to the starting points. In addition to classics like the 7.5 km long Valluga run, there are diverse themed areas:
- Run of Fame: At 85 km long and with 18,000 meters of elevation gain, this is one of the longest continuous ski circuits in the Alps. The route leads from St. Anton/Rendl about parlors and Zürs after Lech, The route leads to Schröcken and Warth and back again. Skiers follow purple or orange signs and can start the circuit at many points. An interactive museum ("Hall of Fame") at the Flexenbahn cable car station pays tribute to the Arlberg pioneers.
- The White Ring: The traditional round in Lech/Zürs It comprises approximately 22 km of slopes and 5,500 meters of vertical descent. The route circles the Omeshorn and offers viewing platforms at the Rüfikopf and Madloch. A legendary race takes place annually, attracting around 1,000 athletes.
- Funparks and funslopes: At Rendl in St. Anton The "Stanton Park" attracts freestylers with numerous obstacles. Additionally, there are funslopes like the adventure course with a spiral tunnel at Galzig and child-friendly themed slopes like the Hopplweg. Warth-Schröcken has its own fun park and children's areas.
- Toboggan runs and race tracks: Three toboggan runs, including the four-kilometer-long run from Gampen in St. Anton With a 500-meter difference in altitude, they provide a welcome change of pace from the slopes. Permanent race tracks, speed checks, and photo points complete the offering.
Freeriding, ski touring and heliskiing
With more than 200 kilometers of deep snow routes With abundant natural snowfall each winter, Ski Arlberg is considered a hotspot for freeriders. Local ski guides offer guided tours to minimize avalanche risks and find the best descents. The region has avalanche training areas, measuring stations, and published snow and avalanche reports, ensuring that ski tourers can stay well-informed.
One special feature is heliskiing.The Arlberg region is one of the few areas in Austria where heli-skiing is permitted. Flights take skiers to the Mehlsack (2,652 m) or the Schneetäli (2,450 m); from there, untouched slopes of up to 1,200 vertical meters lead down into the Zuger Täli valley. Heli-skiing is only possible with state-certified mountain and ski guides who adapt the tours to the weather and the skiers' abilities.
Historical Heritage and Culture
The history of alpine skiing is closely linked to the Arlberg region: the first ski club, the first ski courses and races originated here. This tradition can be felt in the villages, for example in the ski and local history museum. St. Anton or at the Arlberg schoolhouse in Stuben. During the skiing season, plaques and exhibitions such as the Hall of Fame commemorate pioneers like Hannes Schneider. Legendary events also take place in the Arlberg region: the cult race "Der weiße Rausch" (The White Rush) culminates in a mass start with several hundred participants in April, and in January the White Ring race attracts thousands of spectators.
Families, fun and service
Ski Arlberg is also ideal for families. Children's areas, practice lifts, and wide slopes make it easy for beginners; on the Hopplweg trail, even the youngest skiers can playfully learn the FIS rules. Speed checks, racecourses, and funslopes offer variety. Off the slopes, there are winter hiking trails and illuminated toboggan runs. Modern infrastructure with ski schools, rental shops, ski bus networks, and numerous mountain huts ensures comfort; culinary highlights range from simple taverns to fine dining.
