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Stuben off-piste
Regarded as one of the most snow sure villages anywhere in Alps, Stuben is a winter playground, but compared to St Anton, Zűrs off piste options for those just starting to venture off "between the pistes" are limited because there are only two pistes to speak of on the entire mountain. However having ridden the Albonaggrat Bahn you have some possibilities close to the piste, but they should not be attempted without a guide as the terrain is undulating and requires expert knowledge to evaluate mixed snow conditions and avalanche risk.
Off the back descents in Stuben
As well as excellent on-piste skiing on north facing slopes holding good snow, Stuben is perfect on a powder day and ideal for competent skiers or riders in search of off-piste adventure with a guide - classic 'off the back' descents include The Albona North Face, Langen Forest and Milchboden
Albona North Face
The Albona north face is one of the great classics of the Arlberg offering over 1,200m vertical of thigh-burning skiing down to the charming village of Stuben and a well deserved lunch in the Berghaus Stuben. It’s popular on a fresh powder day but its sheer scale offers many lines so it’s a day or two before it becomes tracked out. Only parts of this area are controlled for avalanches so good local knowledge is needed for safe travel. The access point is directly behind the Albona restaurant.
Langen
Another favourite, thanks to the amount of powder snow it attracts each winter, is Langen forest. The descent is a non-stop rollercoaster ride, plunging through bottomless powder; the feeling of free-falling through a silent world amongst snow-laden trees is an addictive experience. The route begins from the top of the Albonagrat Bahn; heading west past the restaurant, follow the ridge to access the slopes facing west. Take care: the upper slopes tend to accumulate large amounts of slab snow after a storm. Traversing hard left to access the slopes below the Kaltenberg Hut will lead to wonderful undulating slopes that finish at the base of the open valley close to the buried Alm where only the roof will be visible. Follow your guide closely, especially in the forest where the wrong line could lead to dangerous terrain traps and avalanche hazard. The return journey to St. Anton is by train from Langam am Arlberg – a knowledge of the timetable and good group management are two extra skills your guide will need here for a perfect day’s skiing.
Milchboden
For many Piste to Powder guests who are off-piste first timers or others who simply want to relax with an end of day descent through high alpine scenery, Milchboden is a favourite. This route ends up in Ferwall and is easily accessed from the base of the Albonagrat Bahn in Stuben. The entry point is a large convex hill which holds dangerous snow and must be avoided after strong wind but the descent itself is perfect for gaining confidence and working on off-piste technique in an area that’s not as steep as others in the area. After skiing the gentle open slopes, you descend into the forest zone, leaving the world behind as you duck between snow laden branches in this winter wonderland.
Ski touring in Stuben
Maroikopf is another of Stuben’s treasures. The summit is gained either by a 30-minute boot or a 20-minute skin, and either way it’s a short amount of effort for the breathtaking rewards that will have you returning again and again
From the summit of the Maroikopf you are faced with a staggering choice of descents. To the west you will ski towards Langen through a playground of rolling hills, gullies and forest, this area holds great powder many days after a snowfall. Alternatively you can ski the east side to Ferwall, which offers great skiing all winter with powder until the end of February and perfect spring snow in March and April. The Ferwall side requires good route finding skills as the terrain is steeper and more challenging and under fresh snow conditions so it is important that you or your guide know how to evaluate snow conditions and potential avalanche risks.
Snow boarders will not enjoy the push out along the forest road which is roughly two kilometres long eventually finishing up at the ‘time stood still’ Ferwall Resthaus, where you can enjoy a well earned rest and a drink or two while waiting for a taxi to take you back to St.Anton.
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Avalanche gear
Away from the marked runs, you depend on your friends and your equipment should anything go wrong.
Make sure you have the best gear, available from Facewest.
Make sure you have the best gear, available from Facewest.
Avalanche guide
Some passages in this section are extracted from Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper, Director of the Utah Avalanche Center.
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