The Five Best Pistes for Beginners in Lech

Lech Resort Guide

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned skier, this guide aims to provide all the essential information you need to make the most of your stay.

Resort Overview

Snow

On-Piste

Lifts

Off-Piste

Beginners

Nightlife

Lech am Arlberg is a distinguished ski resort tucked away in the beautiful Vorarlberg region of Austria. Known for its charming atmosphere, Lech offers a unique mix of luxury and tradition, making it a favourite spot for wealthy and discerning travellers. With a rich history dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, it transformed from a quiet mountain village into a bustling winter sports hub thanks to skiing.

Perched at an altitude of 1,444 meters, Lech is accessible via the Flexen Pass, though heavy snowfall can sometimes make travel tricky. While there’s no direct train connection to the resort, nearby stations at Langen am Arlberg and St. Anton make it easy to get there, with local buses filling in the gaps. Its remote setting only adds to its charm, offering a peaceful and stunning backdrop for visitors.

Lech is part of the extensive Arlberg ski area, boasting 300 kilometres of ski runs, making it one of the largest connected ski areas in Austria. With 88 modern lifts and cable cars, the resort caters to everyone from beginners enjoying gentle blue slopes to experienced skiers eager for the excitement of challenging runs like the Langer Zug, famous for its steep gradient.

You’ll find a variety of accommodation options here, from luxurious 5-star hotels to cosy family-run lodges for those on a budget. Oberlech, a neighbourhood within Lech, offers ski-in/ski-out convenience with a range of upscale chalets, while the charming village of Zug provides a quieter, picturesque setting with easy access to the slopes.

Lech is known for its fantastic snow conditions, breathtaking mountain views, and high-end après-ski scene. It strikes a perfect balance between luxury and traditional Austrian hospitality. The resort’s top-notch dining options and vibrant bars enhance the visit, while its commitment to blending development with the stunning natural landscape maintains its enchanting alpine vibe.

At a Glance

Key Features

Ski Area: Arlberg
Nearest International Airport: Innsbruck

Altitude

1444m

Pistes

348km

Total Lifts

Longest Run

10km

Skiing in Lech

Lech’s ski area is well-known for its awesome variety and quality. Beginners can enjoy gentle blue slopes, which are perfect for practising basic skills in a safe setting. As skiers get better, they can tackle the intermediate red slopes, offering just the right mix of challenge and fun. For the more experienced skiers, Lech has some tough runs, including the famous Langer Zug, one of the steepest groomed trails in the world, with gradients hitting up to 80%.

The region is set up for a smooth skiing experience, with plenty of chances for both on-piste and off-piste adventures. Free-riders and ski tourers especially love the off-piste areas, where you can find untouched powder and backcountry thrills surrounded by stunning alpine views.

One of the best things about skiing in Lech is the reliable snow conditions. Even though it’s not super high, its unique microclimate often means it gets more snow than any other resort in Europe. The resort also does a great job maintaining well-groomed slopes and clear signage for safety and enjoyment. Plus, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, making your skiing experience even more special.

Discover Our Lech Ski School

Frequently Asked Questions

Lech is great for first timers. In fact, Lech is a good choice for families of all abilities and ages. With easy access to gentle terrain just a short walk from the village centre, and amazing off-piste options for more advanced skiers up in the high mountains – there is something for everyone. It’s one of the few Austrian resorts to offer heli-skiing too!

But for beginners, and those relatively new to skiing, Lech and the entire ski arlberg region have some lovely long descents that are gentle, open and perfect for practicing those turns. If you’re a beginner in Lech, you’ll enjoy the Weibermahd, Schelgelkopf and Petersboden lifts. Make sure you pick up a piste map when buying your lift pass, so you know where

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