Lech

A luxury resort in the heart of the Austrian Vorarlberg, Lech is also home to one of the Alps’ best snow records and thanks to the Flexenbahn gondola, is now part of Austria’s largest ski area.

The resort is a collection of high-quality family-run hotels and whilst it isn’t cheap, it provides access to some of the Alps’, if not the world’s, finest skiing. It is linked to neighbouring Zürs, as well as Warth-Schröcken and since 2016 to the legendary resort of St Anton. This gives access to 306km of linked pistes and a further 200km of ungroomed ski routes, all of which are joined up by a great lift system that has seen constant investment in recent years.

This season, Ski Club Freshtracks have three action-packed holidays heading out to Lech. Each will make the most of the vast ski area, plentiful snowfall and the Hotel Schwarzwand, a fantastic family-run 4* hotel.

Our Lech Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Advanced ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Lech Skiing and Snowboarding

The local slopes are extensive and that’s before you even consider the rest of the Ski Arlberg area. This covers 306km of groomed trails and a further 200km of marked but unpisted ski routes – which come into their own after fresh snow. From the steeps of Valluga above St Anton to the cruisey blues above Oberlech there is something for everyone.

For beginners there are some great learning areas on the edge of Lech and also Oberlech just above the main village. Progression on to longer blues is excellent and confident learners will quickly be able to explore more and more of the area. For intermediates the choice is almost limitless – there are 255km of immaculately groomed blues and reds in the Ski Arlberg, of which the long, shady reds above Stuben are our favourite. On powder days experts will be treated to some of the world’s best lift-served off piste, but if steep pistes are your thing, head to the Saloberkopf above Warth.

• Total Pistes: 306km
• Blue: 43%
• Red: 40%
• Black: 17%
• Additional Ski Routes: 200km
• Lifts: 88
• Altitude: 1300m – 2811m

Lech Piste Map

The Ski Arlberg piste map can be downloaded here.

Lech Resort

Lech itself is attractive, with upmarket hotels built in traditional chalet style dominating the centre and a gurgling river running through its centre. The only issue is the through traffic, but this is generally restricted to busier weekends and holidays. There is a good selection of traditional Austrian bars and restaurants in town, but many people will stick to their own hotels in the evening.

Families should consider staying in ski-in-ski-out Oberlech just above the main village, or the small but extremely convenient Zürs just up the valley – but sadly neither are budget options. Don’t come here expecting wild St Anton-style après, however some of the bars at the foot of the lifts can become lively – just don’t expect to buy a cheap round!

How to get to Lech

Innsbruck and Friedrichshafen airports are equidistant and the drive takes around an hour an a half. Zürich is a little further away, but on a good run, the resort can be reached in around two hours.

• Innsbruck airport: 1.5 hours (driving)
• Friedrichshafen airport: 1.5 hours (driving)
• Zürich airport: 2 hours (driving)
• Calais: approximately 12 hours driving (639 miles)

Lech Contact Details

• Website: www.lechzuers.com
• Email: info@lechzuers.com
• Telephone: +43 05 58 32 16 10
• Facebook: @lechzuers
• Instagram: @lechzuers