Is Lech good for beginners? Yes – especially if you’re cautious, new to skiing, or looking for a relaxed place to build confidence.
This guide shows you the best place for beginners to start in Lech. We’ll also point out the most suitable lift passes, best runs to progress to and best off-snow activities.
Lech has dedicated nursery slopes. easy-to-navigate lift systems, wide, gentle blues for days two and three, and useful extras like a 30-point beginner lift ticket and free ski bus.
Car-free Oberlech makes logistics easier still, and there are sociable, friendly places to eat and meet up when you’re off the slopes.
With a little planning, Lech can feel like one of the most beginner-friendly resorts in Austria.
Why Lech Works for First-Timers

Lech stands out among Austrian resorts for its excellent support of first-timers.
There are several practice areas which are purpose-built for beginners. These areas include the Flühen, Schwarzwand, and Berghof lifts in the village. There’s also the Übungslift in Oberlech just above Lech.
These gentle zones are ideal for finding your feet without the pressure of busy, steep pistes.
For day one, a beginner-friendly 30-point ticket keeps costs low and offers access to the small lifts most first-timers need.
The ticket works on a point-per-lift system, with practice lifts deducting just 2–3 points per ride, making it perfect for learning at your own pace.
Beyond the lifts, the logistics of Lech make things even easier.
Oberlech is located just above the main village. In winter, it’s completely car-free and accessible via cable car. This makes it ideal for those who want stress-free ski-in/ski-out access.
The entire area is also well connected by a free ski bus system that runs between Lech, Oberlech, Zug, and Zürs.
That means you don’t have to ski every part of the resort ot get around. You can use the bus or cable cars to skip tricky terrain while you’re building confidence.
Day 1: Where to Learn (and Which Ticket to Buy)
On your first day, stick to the dedicated beginner areas.
The Flühen lift in the centre of Lech is the best place to start. It’s quiet, sheltered, and designed for learners, with magic carpets and a short drag lift.
Right nearby, Schwarzwand and Berghof offer similar terrain. These are all located in the lower part of the resort.
Those staying in Oberlech, the Übungslift Oberlech is another great option.
The bonus of direct access if your accommodation is nearby.
Rather than buying a full Ski Arlberg pass straight away, it’s worth starting with the 30-point ticket.
The beginner pass, priced at around €42 for adults and €30 for children (2025/26, provisional). This pass works on a points-per-lift basis.
Each small lift deducts just a few points. Flühen and Hinterwies each take 2 points, while the Oberlech cable car costs 5 points (with a maximum of two rides per day).
This is an ideal option for day one. It lets you ski just as much as you’re ready for, without paying for terrain you won’t use yet.
Day 2–3: Easy Blue Runs to Build Confidence
Once you’re ready to leave the nursery zone, the progression is surprisingly smooth.
On day two, you can begin by lapping the blue runs off Petersboden. These are wide, unintimidating, and great for practising turns and building rhythm.
When ready, you can ski the Weibermahd blue run. This run offers a longer, scenic cruise that many confident beginners love.
Both of these areas are reachable from Oberlech. They’re connected easily without needing to ski steep terrain.
A good tip: if it’s late in the day or your legs are starting to tire, don’t feel pressure to ski all the way back to Lech village. The final pitches into the valley can be firmer, busier, or steeper than you’d like.
Instead, download the Oberlech cable car. It’s quick, included in your pass, and a smart way to end on a high note, not tough, tricky terrain.
Getting confident on skis is all about timing, pacing, and knowing when to pause.
Lessons and Meet-Ups (So You’re Not Learning Alone)
Whether you’re an adult beginner or organising lessons for your family, joining a lesson group makes a big difference.
In Lech, beginner group ski lessons typically start on Sundays or Mondays, with the main meeting point at Schlegelkopf. It’s a great way to meet other first-timers and progress together over the week.
If you’re staying in Oberlech and want more flexibility, private lessons can be arranged to start there.
Private lessons are great if you want a more personalised session or to focus on specific skills. You can see more about these lessons on our page on beginner ski lessons in Lech.

Where to Eat, Chat and Warm Up
When you’re ready for a break, Lech has plenty of relaxed, beginner-friendly places to eat and regroup.
A top pick is the Rüfikopf Panoramarestaurant. You can reach it via cable car, no skiing is required. The views are fantastic, the vibe is calm, and you can download just as easily after lunch. On Fridays, they host fondue evenings, which make for a fun, sociable end to the ski day.
For something more casual, try Schneggarei—right by the piste in Lech village. It’s known for great pizza, a cosy bar, and a friendly, international crowd. Perfect if you want to chat to fellow skiers, warm up, and feel part of the scene, even if you’re not doing the hard stuff yet.
What Not to Do (Yet)
There are a few pitfalls to avoid for beginners.
Firstly, don’t be tempted to follow experienced skiers onto steep or narrow connector runs, such as Madloch. These are best left for later, when you’re comfortable with red runs.
It’s also a good idea to skip the final home run into Lech late in the day, especially when the snow gets icy or crowded.
Just download via the Oberlech lift instead, or hop on the free ski bus to keep things relaxed.
Equally, avoid trying to “teach yourself” the first few days.
Lessons make a huge difference in getting the basics right. They’ll save you from forming habits that are hard to unlearn later.
Start small, repeat the easy runs, and don’t rush to cover ground.
Quick Answers
Is Lech or St Anton better for beginners? Lech is generally better suited to first-timers. It’s quieter, has more accessible nursery slopes, and the progression to blue runs is smoother. St. Anton is great – but more advanced terrain dominates early on.
Where exactly are the nursery lifts? In Lech village: Flühen, Schwarzwand and Berghof. In Oberlech: Übungslift Oberlech—all beginner-focused and low-gradient. See official maps on skiarlberg.at.
How do I get around without skiing home? Use the free ski bus (included in your pass) or take the Oberlech or Rüfikopf cable cars. Both options are beginner-friendly and save your legs at the end of the day.
Final Thoughts
Lech is a fantastic choice for beginners. It’s excellent if you want your first ski days to feel calm, scenic, and well supported.
Lech’s nursery zones, beginner lift passes, and lovely, gentle runs to move onto. It’s a resort which helps you love learning to ski.
With a few early tips (like where to eat, how to use the lift system, and which runs to avoid for now), you can make your first three ski days not just manageable but fun.
If you’re ready to get started, book your beginner lessons in Lech, or get in touch with us. We can help you plan your first ski trip. We’d love to help.