Despite its historic reputation for catering to the rich and famous, skiing in Lech appeals to all tastes. This charming resort town in Austria’s Vorarlberg region first gained popularity during the 1920s and 1930s, and is now part of the country’s largest connected ski area, Ski Arlberg. With its superb snowfall, luxe accommodation and fantastic family facilities, it’s easy to see why it was the favourite ski resort of Lady Di. Read on to find out why we love skiing in Lech…
Sensational skiing
First and foremost, Lech possesses an unrivalled ski area which is perfect for winter-sports lovers. There are over 186 miles of ski runs to discover, facilitated by the resort’s 87 lifts and cable cars; a vast array of blue and red runs to satisfy the intermediate skier; and gentler slopes for beginners. 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 scene? You can ski over to one of the neighbouring resorts such as St Anton or St Christoph.
Luxe accommodation
Famed for its celebrity clientele, it’s no wonder that Lech boasts ample accommodation options. For style and elegance during your trip, stay in the eclectic boutique hotel, Kristiania, located just five minutes away from the slopes. Or, if you’ve lots of little skiers in tow, the historic family-owned (and family-friendly) Gasthof Post offers traditional farmhouse charm, boasting three restaurants and antiquities aplenty. And if Après ski is a non-negotiable on your holiday? 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.
Family-friendly fun
While a skiing holiday with young children may not sound like a dream getaway, Lech’s fantastic family facilities makes holidaying here a breeze. There’s nursery and beginner slopes galore, plus plenty of excellent ski schools to choose from, giving parents peace of mind when leaving little ones to learn. Off the slopes, there’s an array of activities to keep youngsters’ attention engaged, from horse-sleigh rides to ice skating and tobogganing; there’s plenty of fun to be had aside from skiing in Lech. The resort town even has its own babysitting agency, meaning parents can sneak in a relaxing massage or romantic dinner during the trip.
Easy accessibility
Located in landlocked Austria, Lech is easily accessible by plane and train, and is close to other Austrian hotspots. The state capital, Innsbruck, is only an hour’s drive away, while Zurich takes just under two-and-a-half-hours to reach. 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 boasts heated cable car seats, gastronomic delights galore and plentiful cosy accommodation, we’d forgive you for just wanting to spend all your time skiing in Lech.
Written by Hannah Whitehall