Lech Ski Resort, Austria

Overview of Lech

Lech forms part of the Arlberg ski area which also includes world-famous St Anton as well as the smaller hamlets of St Christophe, Zurs and Stuben. It was one of the earliest Alpine ski villages and although a cosmopolitan resort today, Lech has managed to maintain a traditional alpine and fairytale-like atmosphere whilst offering a sophisticated nightlife, short lift queues and a balanced mixture of gentle and challenging runs. Often considered the little brother of St Anton, Lech actually more than holds its own as a ski resort in its own right. There are less catered chalets here but hotels are plentiful and great quality, the après scene is buzzing and some of the best skiing in the Arlberg is accessed from the gondolas which rise from the heart of the village, either side of the river. In short, if you wondering if you should… do.

3 Things We Love About Lech

1. Skiing access – Getting into the heart of the Arlberg is what Lech is all about. From the smaller resorts immediately next-door like Zurs and Oberlech to the further-flung areas of Zug, Warth and Sonnenkopf, Lech offers the easiest access to all.

2. Sophistication – With its reputation for high-end hotels, the choice-resort of the British Royal family and a more refined après scene, Lech is at the very least worth at least one day-trip from St Anton.

3. Modern lifts – Annual improvements to the lift system have not only enabled a skier’s link between all the major Arlberg resorts (rather than buses), but they’re also among the quickest and most efficient in the Alps meaning you’re rarely stood in a queue.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Lech

The balance of gentle and challenging runs makes skiing in Lech both comfortable for the novice and challenging to the expert. The ski area is extensive – the Arlberg ski pass includes a total of 88 lifts covering over 300km of pistes – and as well as Lech includes St Anton, Zurs, Stuben, St Christoph, Sonnenkopf and basically everywhere you can get to on skis!

Beginners will find plenty of blues close to the resort, which all cruise down to easy-access chairlifts. There’s little confusion with navigation when you can see the resort in the distance which is great for building confidence.

Intermediates will love the contrasts of tree-lined runs down by the resort and challenging reds at the top. Embarking on one of the Arlberg’s itineraries such as the 22km White Ring, or 85km Run of Fame is a great way to test both your technique and your endurance.

The advanced skier will be right at home on the many black runs and miles of excellent off-piste when skiing in Lech. The ‘ski routes’ marked on the piste map are a great way to explore the ski area away from the pistes, but still on marked routes and present a unique challenge for the adventurous skier or snowboarder.

Lift Passes in Lech

Although local passes are available, to enjoy the full benefit of the massive Arlberg ski area, visitors to Lech should strongly consider investing in a full area lift pass. Novice skiers and children may feel the financial benefit of a local pass as there are some excellent gentle runs, but the allure of the 305km of skiable runs will be too tempting for anyone of intermediate and above ability.

Activities in Lech

• Leisure centre – Lech’s Sports Park leisure centre offers several activities for non-skiers or for when the weather closes in. 10-pin bowling, climbing and bouldering, badminton and squash are all bookable, plus there’s a café for parents if you just need to let the kids blow off some steam!
• Curling & Ice Skating – The ice rink at the Hotel Monzabon offers casual ice skating (including skate hire) as well as curling if you fancy trying your hand at this unique, traditional alpine sport.
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides – Take a tour of the beautiful town of Lech at night by horse-drawn sleigh. You can either take a round-trip tour or why not consider a sleigh as a taxi after a special evening meal in one of Lech’s excellent restaurants.
• Snowshoeing – With over 25km of walking trails around the resort, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to both take in some alpine scenery and get some exercise away from the bustling ski slopes. Snowshoe hire is available at most ski hire shops and from there it’s your own adventure…

Après Ski in Lech

• K Club - Kicking off every afternoon on the terrace where you’ll be like a moth to a flame for an Aperol Spritz, the K Club in Hotel Krone is one the classiest nightspots in the Arlberg. Loads of great music will have you dancing well into the night… Maybe into the morning, as it closes at 4 am.
• Archiv Bar - A cosmopolitan choice for a classy cocktail or two and the ideal starting place to launch an evening of partying. There’s live music once a week which is well worth sticking around for.
• Fux - No visit to Lech would be complete without a visit to Fux. It’s well known for the two restaurants on-site, but if you’re after a relaxing drink with friends before your meal, the lounge bar has a perfect atmosphere, an extensive selection of drinks and impeccable service.

Places to Eat in Lech

• Hûs Nr 8 – On the main street at the south end of the resort, this little wooden hut is a well-regarded restaurant for traditional Austrian mountain dishes such as soups, a variety of fondues and roasted meats. All the dishes are hearty and you’ll leave feeling replete and happy.
• Restaurant Ambrosius – with a reputation for large portions and happy diners, Ambrosius is an obvious choice. As close to ‘pub grub’ as you’ll probably get in Lech, with a variety of schnitzels on the menu, as well as burgers, steaks and ribs.
• Lecher Stube – Traditional on all accounts, from the décor to dessert, Lecher Stube is a great option for dining out. Local and seasonal specialities on the menu are well paired with regional wines and some excellent beers. Located in the Hotel Gothard.

Family Features

Please see the ‘Activities’ tab for non-skiing options for Families. Lech is a quieter resort than St Anton which is great in terms of peaceful evenings, but with that comes slightly fewer options in terms of entertainment for families or specifically aimed at small children. Slightly older children will revel in the floodlit toboggan run from Oberlech back into Lech itself, which is only €5 a go…