AN ALPINE RETREAT: LECH, AUSTRIA
I’ve been lucky enough to have skied in a variety of different resorts including working as a chalet girl in Verbier and Meribel. My favourite area in Europe for skiing however is Lech in Austria as not only is it a charming and picturesque village, it offers a combination of exceptional skiing conditions, gorgeous hotels and stunning alpine scenery.
Lech is part of the Arlberg ski region, which is one of the largest interconnected ski areas in Austria, offering 85 lifts, over 300 kilometres of groomed pistes and 200 kilometres of deep snow runs. The ski area features a state-of-the-art lift system, including high-speed gondolas and chairlifts (many of which are heated!), minimizing wait times and maximizing time on the slopes.
Lech is renowned for its off-piste opportunities, attracting advanced skiers and snowboarders looking for fresh powder and challenging terrain. The resort offers excellent ski schools and professional guides, catering to beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers, ensuring everyone can improve their skills. Experienced skiers seeking an addictive adrenaline rush are catered for too, with ample off-piste routes and access to the famous White Ring ski circuit, the longest in the world at 13 miles. And if you fancy a change of scenery, you can ski over to one of the neighbouring resorts such as St Anton or St Christoph.
The area boasts reliable snow conditions throughout the winter season, ensuring quality skiing experiences from early December to late April.
This village maintains its traditional alpine charm with picturesque chalets, upmarket hotels, and gourmet restaurants – per capita, Lech Zürs boasts the world’s highest density of award-winning restaurants. Lech also offers vibrant après-ski options, from lively bars to sophisticated lounges, allowing skiers to unwind and socialize after a day on the slopes. Head to the chic Schlegelkopf for a tipple while taking in the spectacular mountain views or visit the popular Tannbergerhof bar to have an obligatory gluhwein.
The resort is also family-friendly, with dedicated children’s areas, ski kindergartens, and family-oriented hotels and activities.
Apart from the more traditional skiing there is also cross-country skiing, heliskiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, winter hiking, tobogganing and horse drawn sleighs.
The village of Lech is the perfect place to wander around and do a bit of shopping. For me the highlight was visiting Sporthaus Strolz which is a concept store on nine floors. Apart from a lovely selection of clothes, sportswear and the Strolz Bar “Treff”, what I would highly recommend is having your ski boots personally fitted. What boot fitting is all about is ensuring skiing pleasure without pain and optimal power transmission to the ski. Their centrepiece is the Strolz ski boot, which is a customized foamed boot. Of course, they also work with other ski boot brands. Never have I had such comfortable ski boots after a visit here!
The breathtaking alpine scenery, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, adds to the overall experience, making every run visually stunning. Lech is known for its exclusivity and has a reputation as a prestigious ski destination, attracting the fashionable and famous, which adds a touch of glamour to the experience.
The favourite airports for Lech skiing holidays are Innsbruck, which is only an hour’s drive away and Zurich, which is just under two and a half hours away. With direct rail connections from Vienna, Zurich and Munich and an extensive public transport network, you can enjoy a car-free, flexible holiday. If time’s on your side, it’s well worth adding on a city break to your escapade into the mountains. But given the fact that Lech offers so much we’d forgive you for just wanting to spend all your time skiing in Lech.
Lech is home to several luxurious hotels which offer exceptional amenities and experiences. but also provide personalized services to ensure an unforgettable experience in this stunning alpine village.
The hotels below are some of my favourite ones to stay in.
Kristiania Lech is a charming boutique hotel, located just five minutes away from the slopes. It is also known for its unique art collection and personalized service. The owner Gertrude is usually in residence and is a fascinating character. The hotel features quirky individually decorated rooms, a cosy lounge with a fireplace, fine dining, and a wellness area.
Hotel Aurelio is one of the most luxurious hotels in Lech, with top-notch amenities and personalized service. It offers ski-in/ski-out access, gourmet dining, an extensive spa, and beautifully designed rooms and suites.
Severin*s – The Alpine Retreat, this is a contemporary luxury hotel offering a blend of modern design and alpine tradition. It offers spacious suites, an exclusive chalet, a high-end restaurant, a spa with an indoor pool, and beautiful mountain views.
Gasthof Post, this is a family-run hotel with a long tradition of hospitality and luxury. It offers traditional farmhouse charm, boasting three restaurants and antiquities aplenty, along with rustic yet elegant rooms and gourmet dining There is a wellness area with an indoor/outdoor pool and saunas plus a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Apart from these lovely hotels, if you fancy staying in a chalet there are a wonderful selection sleeping anything from four to fourteen guests.
Also, Lech isn’t just a winter destination, in the summer there are beautiful hikes, trail running, mountain lakes, hidden huts, golfing, mountain biking, fishing and swimming at the new Lech Forest swimming pool.
