St Anton am Arlberg Ski Area

Skiing in St Anton am Arlberg

The St Anton ski area is truly world-class, which puts it head and shoulders above most other Austrian ski resorts. The superb lift system connects St Anton to skiing at Stuben, Zürs, Lech, and Warth. 

St Anton Ski Area Overview

St. Anton and the mighty Ski Arlberg region are among the world’s best ski areas for challenging on- and off-piste skiing and snowboarding. In total, there are over 300km of groomed runs, ungroomed ski routes, and vast amounts of off-piste,  including the ski areas at Stuben, Lech-Zürs, and Warth, all connected by a state-of-the-art system of 85 lifts.

Also nearby is a small family-friendly ski area at Sonnenkopf, which is included in the Arlberg Ski Pass. The St Anton ski area alone has approximately 130km of groomed runs and ungroomed ski routes on Gampen, Kapall, Galzig, Schindlergrat and Valluga to the north of the village, and Rendl to the south, as well as challenging off-piste.

• Blue runs 35
• Red runs 21
• Black Runs 6
• Ski Routes 19

Nine of 19 ski routes are rated “difficult”, and 10 ski routes are rated “no level of difficulty available”, which could mean more difficult depending on snow conditions.

View Current Status of St Anton Lifts & Pistes Online >

Gampen and Kapall

Gampen (1850m) is easily accessible by chairlift from St Anton (or by gondola from Nasserein) and offers a variety of runs (blue, red and black), including runs from Gampen below the tree line, so it provides good skiing when visibility is poor. From mid-mountain at Gampen, you can either take the lift to Kapall (2330m) or ski to the Zammermoos chairlift to get to Galzig.

Although there are a few black runs and extreme ski routes for experts, much of the skiing on Gampen and Kapall is on relatively gentle blue and red runs. Hence, it’s a good choice for beginners and less confident intermediates—also an easy practice area for beginners near the Gampen restaurant.

Galzig and St Christoph

Galzig (2,185m) is a gateway to much of the best skiing and can be reached directly from St Anton via the impressive Galzigbahn gondola.

There are plenty of blue runs, including the east-facing Osthang blue (63), then take the Osthang chairlift to the top of Galzig and check out more blue runs down to Tanzboden. Not to be missed: the enjoyably long blue run to St Christoph to check out the Hospiz Alm restaurant, then ride the chairlift back to Galzig.

Ski from Galzig to the Schindlergratbahn gondola or Arlenmahder chairlift to get high enough to ski to Alpe Rauz – the gateway toZürs and the Albonagrat at Stuben. But there’s plenty of good skiing for all abilities on Galzig, both on- and off-piste.

The long black run (52) from Galzig to the Zammermoos lift is nicely groomed first thing in the morning, but can be challenging in the afternoon due to heavy traffic, making it bumpier. For confident intermediates and advanced skiers only.

Schindler Spitze

Northwest of Galzig, the new Schindlergratbahn gondola (formerly an iconic triple chair) whisks you up to Schindler Spitze (2,660m). Experts wanting to ski off-piste on Schindler’s south-facing slopes can exit the gondola at the first of two exit points and double back.

The main attraction, however, is a delightful red run to the Ulmer Hütte, followed by a similarly long blue run all the way to Alpe Rauz. There is also an ‘all blue’ alternative route from Galzig to Alpe Rauz via runs 59 and 76 and then the Arlenmahder chair to Ulmer Hütte.

Alpe Rauz now has new lifts to Albona (above Stuben), and to Zürs, as well as the Valfagehr chairlift back to the Ulme Hütte. The route under the Valfagehr chair (from Alpe Rauz to Ulmer Hütte) is also for experts only and should not be attempted in poor visibility.

More challenging options for advanced skiers include the Schindlerkar and Mattunjoch ski routes, as well as the steep, narrow chutes (fenced off) for experts only.

Valluga

The gondola station on Galzig is also the departure point for the Valluga I cable car to the Valluga View panoramic restaurant at 2,650m. From the Vallugagrat (2,650m), ski the short red run to the Valluga T-bar to access the skiing on Schindler. Alternatively, take the small 5-person Valluga II cable car (without skis) to access the observation platform on the summit of the Valluga (2,811m). The Valluga summit is also the departure point for the famous Valluga Nord off-piste descent to Zürs.

Rendl

Rendl, on the south side of the village, is accessible via the Rendlbahn gondola, located next to the bus station and about a 5-minute walk from the Galzigbahn. Rendl is a vast, open ski area with suitable slopes for both beginners and intermediates, but mostly west-facing, so it can be icy first thing in the morning.

Rendl also offers challenges for advanced skiers, including a black run from the top of the Gampberg lift,  an ungroomed area at the top of the Riffel II lift (‘good skiers only’), and off-piste chutes and gullies below the Riffel 1 chair. When finished exploring Rendl’s slopes, enjoy a drink at the popular ‘Rendl Beach’, then ski the long red run back to St Anton.

More extensive off-piste options for experts include Rendl north face, skiing over the back of Riffelscharte (2,645m) into Hinterer Rendle or using touring equipment to skin up to Rosfallscharte (2,732m), then skiing the Malfontal to Pettneu, where you will need to call for a taxi to return to St Anton.

Stuben

The Albonagrat (2,400m) above Stuben offers excellent on-piste skiing and boarding, as well as challenging off-piste terrain. The Albona is north-facing, so it often holds some of the best snow in the region. It’s also the starting point for the Langen and Milchboden off-piste itineraries. Nowadays, you can reach the Albona’s slopes directly via the Albonabahn II lift from Alpe Rauz without skiing all of the way to Stuben. However, Stuben is a charming little village and an excellent spot for lunch.

View Current Status of St Anton Lifts & Pistes Online >

Lech-Zürs

The nearby ski resorts of Lech-Zürs, now linked to St Anton via the Flexenbahn lift, offer great skiing for beginners and intermediates. Also, ungroomed trails and plenty of challenging off-piste for advanced skiers, and for a lucky few, there’s heli-skiing on Mehlsack (2,652m). Intermediates can enjoy skiing the White Ring circuit fromZürss to Lech for lunch at Oberlech, then ski back from Lech toZürss. Although the Flexenbahn lift is fast and efficient, less confident skiers or slower skiers may prefer to take the bus from St Anton to maximise their time in Zűrs and Lech.

Warth am Arlberg

The pretty village of Warth in Bregenzerwald is lift-connected to Lech. In good weather, it’s a popular day trip from St Anton beyond Lech, so you need to ski fast (or take the bus) to spend more than a couple of hours there. Warth has skiing to suit all standards, with plenty of blues for beginners, as well as some interesting blacks and off-piste routes for more advanced skiers. It claims to be the snowiest village in Western Europe (although Stuben is another contender for this title), where north-facing slopes hold fresh powder when there is none left in St Anton.

Sonnenkopf

The small, family-friendly ski area at Sonnenkopf, near Klosterle, is 20km from St Anton. It’s covered by the Arlberg ski pass and connected to St Anton by bus. Sonnenkopf has around half a dozen easy blue runs and a similar number of red runs, including a lovely, tree-lined beginner trail, a relatively steep black run, ungroomed ski routes and excellent off-piste terrain. The Vermalen run from Glattingrat to the Sonnenkopfbahn lift station in the valley is an 8km long 1,300 vertical meter descent. If travelling by car, the “Wald am Arlberg” exit on the Arlberg-Schnellstraße S16 brings you to the lift station for Sonnenkopf.

View Current Status of Ski Arlberg Lifts & Pistes Online >

Beginner Skiing in St Anton am Arlberg

While the Arlberg ski area has plenty of blue runs, the skiing in St Anton is best for intermediate and advanced skiers. Beginners will find a higher proportion of easier blue runs atZürss, Lech and Sonnenkopf.

That said, widening some runs and improving the lift system in St Anton and throughout the Arlberg have made it easier for confident beginners. Also, if you learn to ski in St. Anton, you should be comfortable skiing in any other resort.

The best slopes for novices are the nursery slopes at Nasserein, where first-time skiers can gain confidence before progressing to beginner slopes on Gampen, then higher for more blue runs on Kapall. On Galzig, the wide slope served by the Osthang chairlift is an excellent practice slope favoured by ski schools.

Also, the long blue run from Galzig to St. Christoph is a classic, and while the middle section may seem a little intimidating, it can be tackled reasonably easily with an instructor. Once at the bottom, be sure to visit the world-renowned Hospiz Alm restaurant for gastronomic delights, a sunny terrace, and a world-renowned wine cellar. Children will enjoy the slide down to the toilets.

On Rendl, beginners should be comfortable skiing on relatively easy blue slopes near the main restaurant and lift station at Rendl Beach. However, the runs higher up at Rendl and the long descent from Rendl Beach back to St Anton can be challenging for beginners, especially when snow conditions are icy – so be prepared to take the Rendlbahn lift down as well as up.

Lech-Zürs has excellent skiing for beginners and early-stage intermediates, and more adventurous beginners wanting to explore far and wide will especially appreciate a day trip to Lech. The pretty village of Lech offers seemingly endless beginner-friendly blue pistes and many excellent mountain restaurants. While you can ski from St Anton viaZürss to Lech via mostly blue runs, taking the local bus service will be quicker and allow you more time in Zürs and Lech.

The peaceful, family-friendly Sonnenkopf ski area, near Klosterle, is fun for beginners and families with young children. It’s just a short bus ride from St Anton, and included in the Arlberg ski pass.

Ski Schools & Ski Lessons in St Anton

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Intermediate Skiing in St Anton am Arlberg

The St Anton ski area offers superb skiing for intermediate skiers and boarders. With over 300km of groomed runs and around 200km of off-piste, St Anton and the Arlberg is the ski capital of Austria.

Several St. Anton red and black runs feature high on the list of top itineraries for intermediates:

The busy Kandahar black run (52) from Galzig will test your thigh muscles and short turns, and from Kapall, a long testing black piste  (42 then 34) winds its way down the World Cup downhill run to the village (there are also easier red and blue routes).

The long classic red run from Schindler to Ulmer Hütte, then a blue run to Rauz, will stretch the leg muscles of even the fittest skiers, and the Valluga (2,650m) is the starting point for the 10.2km longest run via the Ulmer Hütte to St. Anton.

Usually quieter than the busier slopes to the north of  St Anton, Rendl offers a long red run from the top of the Gampberg lift to St Anton. It’s fun to ski non-stop, or you can stop off for a drink at Rendl Beach on a sunny day.

Nearby at Stuben, the north-facing pistes on the Albona typically hold the best snow. Also, a couple of fun red runs on sunnier south-facing slopes, and the unspoiled village of Stuben is an excellent spot for lunch.

There’s lots more excellent intermediate skiing at Lech-Zürs, including skiing fromZürss via Zug to slopeside restaurants at Oberlech for lunch. Ski down to Lech and ride the cable car up the other side to complete the White Ring circuit by skiing back to Zürs.

Warth, on the far side of the Lech, offers more good skiing, including the Korbersee (restaurant and hotel), an idyllic spot for a peaceful lunch. Ski back via Lech and Zürs to St Anton, stopping off at one or more of several famous St Anton après-ski bars that line the final stages of the route.

Advanced & Expert Skiing in St Anton am Arlberg

St Anton is heaven for advanced and expert skiers with plenty of varied steep slopes, moguls, ski routes, and endless off-piste to test even the best.

St Anton offers you plenty of opportunities to improve your off-piste technique between the pistes without engaging in the big adventures further afield. However, even between the pistes, you are entering avalanche terrain, so knowledge of avalanche risk and mountain safety is essential.

It’s worth remembering that the majority of skier-related avalanche fatalities happen a short distance from the pistes, and you can check the daily avalanche forecast and risk levels using the link below.

Check Daily Avalanche Forecast Online >

Galzig also offers interesting slopes for advanced skiers. For example, the north-facing Backseite (which drops into Steissbachtal, aka Happy Valley) is perfect for developing off-piste technique on steep terrain. Also, the red ski route (51) from Galzig to St Anton is a reincarnation of black Ostang, and the moguled section cut between the trees is usually challenging.

Schindler offers some of St Anton’s most accessible off-piste, including open bowls, steep chutes and narrow gullies—also, an enjoyable red run to Ulmer Hűtte. Favourite itineraries include the Schindlerkar (86/87) and Mattun (90) ungroomed ski routes, both open bowls with several steep variants and often plenty of moguls.

Also, some inspiring off-piste on south-facing slopes beneath the gondola, which can be reached from the top or by skiing and traversing west around the shoulder of Schindler. The steep west-facing chutes (protected by a high fence) on the left as you exit the top gondola station are for experts only or for your dreams!

Ride the Valluga cable car from Galzig (2,165m) to Vallugagrat (2,650m), then the Valluga II (4-person) cable car to the viewing platform on top of the Valluga (2,811m) for stunning views or to ski off-piste down the notorious Valluga north face. The initial slopes seem to drop away into the abyss; falls must be avoided as you wind your way left down between cliffs and rocks to the Pazieljoch saddle before skiing glorious open powder fields all the way to Zürs. From the Pazieljoch onwards, the gradient is relatively gentle, but the initial exposed descent from the Valluga summit, where falling can be dangerous, is not for the faint-hearted.

Known as the powder snow capital of the Arlberg, Stuben offers excellent skiing, including countless off-piste possibilities on the Albona north face off-piste – one of the longest lift accessible off-piste descents in the Alps. However, be warned: there is a band of rocks that circles almost the entire north face, and whilst there are plenty of ways through, some are much steeper and narrower than others, so take care, or better still, take a guide. Also, be wary of skiing into Stuben itself by any route other than the marked pistes and trails, as there are steep precipices and rocky gullies.

Longer off-piste routes (both accessed from the top of Albonagrat) include the moderately complex Geisleger on the north face, which often holds great powder and is suitable for short turns; the more challenging Maroikopf-Langen route, which involves booting up 20-30 minutes to Maroikopf followed by 6 km(and 1,300 m vertical) off-piste, taking in the “Krachel” snow bowl and the narrow “Wasserfall” gully past blue ice-columns, eventually ending up at Langen railway station to catch the train (or a taxi) back to St. Anton.

Rendl offers a more relaxed approach. The most easily accessed challenges for advanced skiers are the black run and ungroomed trails from the top of the Gampberg lift which connect to the long red run home,  th’ ‘good skiers on’y’ ungroomed area at the top of the Riffel II lift, the extreme route between the Salzboden drag and the Maass chair (which also has off-piste to the side), and the off-piste chutes and gullies beneath the Riffel 1 chair which you can assess whilst riding up on this lift.

The most challenging terrain, however, is hidden well away from the lifts, so take a local mountain guide and, conditions permitting, check out the deep powder in Hinter Rendl, Malfontal and Rossfall. Favourites include the moderately challenging Rendlscharte-Malfontal, which is accessed by dropping off the back of Rendl into Hinter Rendl; after skiing towards Rendlscharte, shoulder your skis for a 30-minute climb before enjoying 10 km (6 miles) of fantastic backcountry skiing and 1,350 m vertical through the Malfon valley to Pettneu, returning to St. Anton by taxi.

There are plenty of ski routes in Lech-Zürs, including about half a dozen rated extreme. Also, some interesting black pistes in Warth (number 283 is allegedly the steepest groomed piste in the Arlberg) and good off-piste, particularly around the Jageralp Express.

Nowadays, easier access to Lech-Zürs (and Warth) offers St Anton skiers a wider variety of snow conditions than before, and a different skier demographic means fresh snowfall in Lech-Zürs often stays untracked for longer than in St Anton. Also, the meadows of Lech require less snow cover than the rocky slopes around St Anton.

Thanks to the Flexenbahn lift at Alpe Rauz, you can easily ski from St Anton to Lech-Zürs (without having to ski the Valluga north face off-piste). If you want to maximise your time in Lech-Zürs, take the bus.

St Anton and the Ski Arlberg ski area offer some of the best off-piste skiing in the Alps. Lots of lift-accessible terrain for freeriding, and hidden valleys for deep-snow skiing far from the ski lifts. For more information, see our guide to Skiing Off-Piste in St Anton >

Boarding & Freestyle in St Anton am Arlberg

St Anton’s varied and challenging terrain is a magnet for experienced boarders, attracted by the extensive off-piste opportunities despite long walk-outs from some routes.

Boarders and freestylers can check out the terrain park on the old Masslift stretch at Rendl, which includes a 40m x 17m half-pipe, 8-10 barriers, a pro-jump, two quarter-pipes, a washboard, a tabletop, a slide and a long jump. The half-pipe is maintained three or four times a week. Rendl is suitable for beginner and intermediate boarders, with wide, open slopes and plenty of groomed runs.

The inevitable flat sections of StAnton’s’s connecting valleys, Steissbachtal being a prime example, are not obvious snowboard territory, but plenty of riders keep coming back. They are mostly experienced and drawn to St Anton’s endless off-piste opportunities, despite the long walk-outs from some of the best routes. Beyond St Anton, there is plenty more excellent boarding nearby at Stuben and Lech-Zürs, both on and off-piste.

Mountain Restaurants in St Anton am Arlberg

The St Anton ski area offers an excellent selection of mountain restaurants, and the culinary standards are exceptional. They range from appealing self-service restaurants to a la carte fine dining, several of which are also legendary for après-ski.

The on-mountain dining experience in St Anton has fast been catching up with the resort’s legendary reputation for après-ski. In addition to investing in new lifts, the lift company has successfully transformed the culinary experience at all lift stations across the St Anton ski area.

In addition to privately owned and famous favourites, such as the Hospiz Alm in St Christoph, the lift stations at Gampen, Galzig, Valluga and Rendl offer appealing restaurants and bars. Ranging from self-service to a la carte and gourmet restaurants (up to three toques and 15 points by Gault Millau), a variety of good cuisine as well as traditional Tirolean favourite dishes, and some just for snacks and light refreshments.

While the ski map highlights restaurants at the top of the ski lifts, there are many more mountain restaurants to choose from, most of which are privately owned and offer a more personal experience.

Here’s our pick of some of the best mountain restaurants in St Anton…

Hospiz Alm

St Anton’s best mountain restaurant (and one of the more expensive) is the legendary Hospiz Alm in St Christoph, which is famous for its big-bottle wine cellar. No visit to St Anton would be complete without a visit to the Hospiz Alm at least once for lunch (or dinner). The food here is excellent, and the wine list is outstanding. The view from the sun terrace is among the best in the Arlberg. Immaculately dressed in “tracht” (traditional Austrian costume), the Hospiz Alm’s friendly waiters and waitresses provide excellent service. If you show enough interest in the wine list, they may even arrange for one of the sommeliers to give you a guided tour of the wine cellar. Tel: +43 5446 261 . Website >

Mooserwirt

Better known for après-skiki than for its restaurant and allegedly serving more beer than any other bar in Austria, the Mooserwirt is busy at lunch times and packed to bursting point from mid-afternoon until after dark. Food portions are often unnecessarily generous, but no doubt help to support the prices at this goldmine mountain restaurant and bar, which recently added a luxury ski-in, ski-out hotel next door. To get to the Mooserwirt, ski the blue run (1) from the Zammermoosbahn chairlift to St Anton, continuing past Sennhűtte and Heustadl, and you will find it on the right-hand side of the piste next to Griabli. Arrive early to have any chance of getting a seat on the sun terrace. Tel: +43 5446 358 . Website >

Sennhütte

Sennhütte is a typical Tirolean hut offering wholesome food and an excellent atmosphere, both inside and on the large sun terrace. From mid-afternoon onwards, it’s especially popular with a fun-loving German-speaking crowd, and the atmosphere is memorable whether you understand German or not, especially if you enjoy traditional Austriaaprès-skiki and large glasses of beer. To get there, ski the blue run (1) from the Samermoosbahn chairlift to St. Anton, and look out for Sennhütte below the right side of the piste (before Arl One) – the restaurant is barely visible from the piste. Arrive early to secure a good table. Tel: +43 5446 204. Website >

Ulmer Hütte

The Ulmer Hütte is prominent on the left-hand side of the red piste (14) running from Schindlergrat towards Rauz and Stuben. It’s a delightful spot with great views and a popular place for a drink on a sunny day. While the outside bar with tables and benches is an obvious pit stop, the Ulmer Hűtte restaurant is also worth considering and a welcome refuge when it’s snowing. Tel: +43 5446 3020. Website >

Verwallstube

Located in the lift station building on Galzig, the Verwallstube gourmet restaurant serves excellent food with wines to match and has a sun terrace where you can enjoy a glass of wine or champagne. It’s expensive, but very good and also open for dinner reservations on Friday evening. Tel: +043 5446 235 . Website >

Griabli

The Griabli restaurant and bar is located next to the Mooserwirt on the main piste leading back to St Anton, about 500m before the Galzigbahn gondola station. Griabli offers excellent food and service at lunchtime and is popular for apres ski. The traditional welcoming interior features a log fire in the main restaurant area and a great sound system for live music durinaprès-skiki, which is vibrant from 4 pm until 7:30 pm daily. The restaurant is well-regarded and open for dinner from 7:30 pm. For those sunny days, there’s also a small terrace overlooking the Mooserwirt. Tel:  +43 5446 367 . Website >

Rodel Hütte

The popular, but not easy to find, Rodel Hütte is located skier’s left before the top of the Fangbahn as you ski from Gampen to Nasserein. A traditional Tirolean restaurant with a large sun terrace, the Rodel Hütte serves good food in a rustic alpine atmosphere and generous portions. The cosy interior of the old hut, with its log fire, is especially charming.

Click on the link to explore all restaurants in St Anton am Arlberg and select “mountain hut/ mountain restaurants” in the drop-down filter.