Arlberg by Lech Zürs Tourismus

www.arlberg.net St. Anton am Arlberg

T + 43.(0) 54 46.22 69-0

St. Christoph am Arlberg

T + 43.(0) 54 46.22 69-0

Stuben am Arlberg

T + 43.(0) 55 82.39 90

Zürs am Arlberg

T + 43.(0) 55 83. 22 45

Lech am Arlberg

T + 43.(0) 55 83. 21 61-0

Germany

Publishing details: Publisher: Arlberg Marketing GmbH Design: Bohatsch und Partner, Wien Editorial: Olaf Sailer, Echo Verlag Tirol Druck: Hecht Druck Hard

Czechia

France Munich

Vienna

230 km

Slovakia

600 km

Friedrichshafen, 130 km Altenrhein, 100 km

Zurich

Innsbruck, 110 km

200 km

Switzerland

Italy Milan

330 km

Slovenia

Hungary

Photos: Arlberger Bergbahnen ag, Arlberg Hospiz Hotel/ Hospiz Alm, Wolfgang Ehn, Felder, Wilfried Graf, Flo Jäger, Alex Kaiser, Thomas Klimmer, Klösterle-StubenTourismus GmbH, Lech Zürs Tourismus GmbH, Josef Mallaun, Juliane Mathis, Peter Mathis, Bernd Ritschel, Georg Schnell, James Schrieble, Tourismusverband St. Anton am Arlberg, Michael Walch, Hans Wiesenhofer

The cradle of Alpine skiing

Last but not least, the Arlberg region delights in an exceptional concentration of four- and five-star hotels and award-winning restaurants. Despite the rich diversity of the five communities which comprise the Arlberg region, the thing which they all have in common is an uncompromising commitment to exclusivity, which makes the cradle of Alpine skiing a legend even in our times.

More than 20 varieties of orchid –— 10 different types of gentian –— Fossils up to 200 million years old –— 1,000 dolines (special geological feature)

It is a legend in itself, a byword for passion, the crowning pinnacle of winter sports! The Arlberg region – the cradle of Alpine skiing and the home of choice for all those who have succumbed to the fascination of the Alpine winter. When, in late autumn, the first snow showers sweep across the high pass between Austria’s most westerly federal provinces, a longing seizes hold of people all around the world. Visit the Arlberg once, and its magic spell over you will never again be broken. It lies in the unique character of this landscape, enhanced by every facet of the pleasures of the winter season. It lies in the warm hospitality of the locals, who have preserved their identity and traditions. And it lies in the wonderful experiences of something chic, tasteful, and of the highest quality which are gifted by a holiday in the Arlberg.

For nowhere else will you find such an exquisite and well-matched pairing of unspoilt trueness to self with a lived openness to the world, of idyllic modesty with pulsating living, sporting adventure, and luxurious comforts. Here, nature has accomplished great things, and winter sports have found their true destiny. Once you have stood in the crystal-clear air of a winter morning on one of the commanding heights of the Arlberg, you will never again want to miss out on this majestic experience. In the north the steep peaks and fine-edged ridges of the Limestone Alps, in the south the ice-covered giant mountains formed from prehistoric rock, with the mountain ranges being linked together into a single, breathtaking backdrop. There is hardly any other landscape in the Alps which is simultaneously so richly varied, so challenging, and so inviting. From the plunging thrill of the steep slope to gently-sloping upland pastures, and

from dizzying mountain climbs on vie ferrate to Alpine meadows ideal for walking, the Arlberg attracts true perfectionists of their chosen (winter or summer) sport alongside nature-lovers seeking relaxation. Names like Valluga, R端fikopf, and Albona stand for the ultimate experience and evoke enthusiasm, even passion, amongst those familiar with the Arlberg region. It is no surprise that the Arlberg has been the destination of choice for more discerning winter visitors from every country for over a century. From Scandinavia to New Zealand and from Japan to Canada, the Arlberg enjoys the reputation of being one of the Alpine regions with the best guarantee of snow, and one of the most richly-varied ski areas in the world. For centuries, it was a region of mountain passes considered

difficult to reach and feared for its snow-storms and threat of avalanches; the opening of the Arlbergbahn railway in 1884 (a triumph of nineteenth-century engineering) and the impressive panoramic roads over the Arlberg Pass and Flexenpass facilitated access to a veritable Eldorado.

Using the nearby airports at Innsbruck, Zurich, Friedrichshafen, and Munich or the motorways feeding into the region from the east and west, today it requires very little time to reach the ultimate source of Alpine winter sports. On over 280 kilometres of the best-prepared slopes, the visitor enjoys a carefree skiing experience which is unparalleled in its variety and offers something special at every level of difficulty. From the youngest family member to the highly-experienced multi-discipline skier, the region guarantees unforgettable winter thrills for all.

In the Arlberg region, you can wedel in the historic tracks of the ski pioneers, whilst at the same time trusting to the high-tech infrastructure of the mountain railways, with their own longstanding traditions. When it comes to the development of Alpine skiing or opening up access to the higher regions of the Alps, the locals of the Arlberg region have always proven themselves to be pioneers. As early as the end of the nineteenth century, the courageous citizens of the Arlberg were gripped by the fever of a new kind of adventure, known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;snowshoe running.â&#x20AC;?

There have been many personalities throughout the later history who have helped in getting people onto their skis and establishing winter sports; here we pay tribute to just one of them, the legendary Hannes Schneider. Born in Stuben, he worked as the first ski instructor in St. Anton from 1907 on and revolutionized the technique for skiing with his “Arlberg School,” taking the name of his home region all around the world. Since then, generations of his colleagues have upheld his “white art.”

World-renowned ski schools –— More than 1,000 snow sports instructors –— 7 m average annual snowfall –— 65 % mechanically snow-covered pistes –— 64 piste machines for perfect preparation

Anyone working as one of hundreds of best-trained ski instructors in the Arlberg region can feel suitably honored, because there is practically nowhere else on earth where skiing perfection is held in such high esteem.

It is not by chance that the “Ski Club Arlberg,“ founded as long ago as 1901 and numbering World Champions and Olympic gold medallists amongst its members, is amongst the most well-known internationally. The fact that Zürs was home to Austria’s first drag-lift and St. Anton’s Galzigbahn was the first cable car in operation which was designed to be run in winter is similar testimony to the power to innovate “made on the Arlberg,“ as is the new Funitel Gondola with its giant wheel, a world first.

Today, over 80 mountain railways and lifts carry visitors to the deep snows covering the high areas of a mountain paradise at altitudes between 1,300 and 2,800 meters, offering everything from captivating slopes of deep snow on the sides of the mighty peaks to gentle inclines right on your doorstep. Gliding utterly weightlessly through the widely-renowned powder snow of the Arlberg is the definitive embodiment of winter pleasures, and in addition to the “kings of wedeling” it has long attracted the world’s elite snowboarders and freeriders.

Over 80 mountain railways and lifts –— Funitel Gondola with giant wheel –— Chair-lifts with heated seats –— Contact-free lift access with the Arlberg Card

Anyone seeing the elegant tracks on the countless deep snow and firn slopes or cutting the tracks for themselves cannot help but be captivated by this white splendor. The Arlberg is the pinnacle of winter sports – a diadem of nature, bedecked with snow crystals, in which five localities are set like jewels, each exhibiting their own charm and their own wholly special character.

stanton Park –— More than 20 varied park elements (Jumps, Boxes, Rails, Jibs) –— For all riding levels: Beginner Line, Medium Line, Pro Line, QParcour

180 km deep snow and off-piste runs –— 280 km pistes –— 67 km cross-country ski runs –— Numerous winter walking routes –— Illuminated toboggan runs –— Fun parks

Snowpark Lech –— 16 obstacles –— Jumps, Rails & Funboxes –— Easy Park, Medium Line, Pro Line

St. Anton, home to the first Alpine Skiing World Championship of the new millennium and venue for the renowned “Kandahar Race,” has always been a magical place for winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. With an extensively wide range of attractions, from the wellness center of arlberg-well.com to its inviting pedestrianized shopping area to its pulsating night life, St. Anton has a dynamic feel to it.

This comes combined with an incredible experience of nature, ranging from the 2,811-meter-high Valluga (the “Queen of the Arlberg”) in the north to the suntrap of Rendl in the south and leaving no desire unsatisfied. Satisfaction is similarly guaranteed from the area’s hotels and restaurants.

The “White Thrill” –— 500 starters –— 9 km track –— Starting groups: Alpine Ski, Snowboard, Telemark, Short Ski

arlberg-well.com –— Covered and open-air swimming pools –— Fitness center –— Massage –— Solarium –— Ice-skating and curling

A cosmopolitan village with Tyrolean charm and a meeting-point for winter sports enthusiasts of all ages and nations, St. Anton delights in its particular flair. From the cool freerider on a flying visit to the family who have come for a relaxing holiday, to lovers of fine gastronomy and the luxuries which only a fivestar hotel can offer, here everyone

can find their own personal “Stanton,” as the town is often referred to both by regular visitors and anglophile residents. The wide range of offers in terms of dining and accommodation is matched by the variety of skiing pleasures to be had in this impressive mountain world. Names like Galzig and Kapall, along with Valluga, which presides over them all, enjoy a worldwide reputation, and the area offers everything a skier’s or

snowboarder’s heart could desire, from gentle slopes to challenging mogul runs to freeriding. Numerous other sports facilities, an ultra-modern wellness center in the heart of town, as well as various sports and cultural events testify to the dynamic and cosmopolitan character of St. Anton. It is not least its colorful night life that ranks among the greatly appreciated facets of this pulsating, but equally romantic town at the foot of the Arlberg.

St. Anton am Arlberg Museum

1,304 – 2,811 m –— 2,700 residents –— 10,000 visitor beds –— Oldest and biggest ski school in Austria

The best in fine dining is on offer in the widely-known destination of St. Christoph. Here, where some 600 years ago a compassionate shepherd laid the foundation for tourists to discover the Arlberg region by establishing a shelter for weather-battered travelers, ancient traditions combine with the nobility of a modern winter sports resort. The fact that the village is home to a training center

for top skiers underlines the opportunities for enjoying the sport in the surrounding area. With its snow often piled up to roof level, St. Christoph (situated in the immediate vicinity of the top of the Arlberg pass) seems like somewhere from a winter fairy-tale.

In 1386, Heinrich Findelkind founded the Brotherhood of St. Christoph to collect money for the construction of a shelter on the Arlberg pass which was to offer refuge to travelers that had run into difficulties. Numbering more than 19,000 members, this “association of Christian charity” is the biggest purely charitable organization in the world today. 1,800 – 2,811 m –— 30 residents –— 600 visitor beds

Lying just below the highest point of the Arlberg pass at 1,800 meters, St. Christoph is known to be a veritable snowtrap. Ringed on all sides by deeply snow-covered slopes, in the village itself the snow can often be piled up to roof height. In the fourteenth century, the shepherd Heinrich Findelkind founded a hospice to offer shelter from the vagaries of the weather to travelers crossing the Arlberg region. To finance this project, he founded the Brotherhood of St. Christoph, which today has many illustrious members.

The hospice has meanwhile developed into one of the finest inns in the Alpine region, enjoying an outstanding reputation domestically and internationally for its award-winning kitchen and excellent wine cellar. The conversion of the old Wegmacherhaus (literally: “routemaker’s house”) into a ski center – in the 1920s – marked the start of ski instructor training in Austria, something which has had a home in the village ever since. And it is not just the graduates of the Federal Ski Academy who delight in using their skiing abilities in the magnificent and exclusive setting of St. Christoph.

Pure romanticism, such as is to be found in Stuben, the idyllic village on the western side of the Arlberg region. Stuben is a popular destination for families and for winter sports enthusiasts looking for that extra-special something. Its local mountain, the Albona, offers one of the most stunning north-facing slopes in the Alps and guaranteed snow into the late spring. As in the entire Arlberg region, countless alternative routes (both on- and off-piste) invite the enthusiast to enjoy extended cross-country skiing

and exhilarating downhill runs. Concluding your run with a last turn right in front of your door can be taken quite literally in Stuben. From here, you have an impressive view toward the galleries of the Flexenstrasse as it snakes its way along the walls of rock; forking off from the Arlbergpassstrasse at Alpe Rauz, it leads towards two further pearls of the Arlberg.

Starting from a simple heated refuge built well over 200 years ago, Stuben is a definite credit to its name (Stube = room). The village, situated at the western foot of the Arlberg, has retained its village character and radiates homeliness. It is especially popular with families and lovers of virgin deep snow slopes. In Stuben, which is nestled right on the slope, it is quite common to extend your downhill run right to your own front door.

1,409 – 2,400 m –— 110 residents –— 700 visitor beds –— Several ski schools –— Annual snowfall approx. 9 meters

Less worldly and more homely, its night life too is characterized by a hearty hospitality. Dining options range from the pizzeria to the award-winning restaurant, and when it comes to accommodation there is again something to suit every taste.

Today Zürs on the Arlberg, which was still an inconspicuous small Alpine village around a hundred years ago, is the home of choice to visitors of international standing. In this renowned ski resort, top-quality hotel accommodation and mountain slopes running directly down into the village guarantee an incomparable holiday experience. Here, once again, the Arlberg seduces visitors with its fields of deep snow glittering in the sunlight, perfectly prepared pistes,

and a stunning mountain backdrop, inviting them to an extensive exploration of the art of skiing. Highly-qualified and experienced snowsports instructors and ski guides provide assistance to Zürs’s guests. The Arlberg is the only skiing region in Austria that offers exclusive heliskiing.

New Year sound fireworks in Zürs

1,720 – 2,450 m –— 150 residents –— 1,400 visitor beds –— Natural ice skating rink –— Bars and nightclubs

The promise of a top-quality winter holiday in Zürs is given not only by its superior hotels, but also by its ski area, which for the most part lies above the tree-line. The white slopes extend upwards from 1,700 meters, gleaming seductively in

the sun. Anyone looking for powder snow has discovered his Eldorado here. The international luxury ski resort looks back on a long tradition; it was in Zürs where Austria’s first T-bar lift was built in 1937. Skiing enthusiasts can enjoy downhill runs on prepared pistes or in deep snow right down to the hotel door.

An isolated Alpine village only one hundred years ago, Zürs has developed into a small, yet fashionable center for Alpine ski sports. It delights in some illustrious regular visitors, including royalty, who come seeking a refuge in which to enjoy the pure pleasures of winter. In addition to its fine dining, the village’s stylish bars mean that there is no shortage of night life.

Heliskiing, the exclusive winter pleasure

The best standards and superior quality are applicable in every regard when it comes to the various characteristics of the region. This holds especially true for Lech, which lies only a few kilometers away from Zürs. In this supremely beautiful high valley, it is mainly regular visitors who for generations have made this the destination for realizing their winter dreams.

Whether in the exclusive Lech itself, on the exposed sun terrace of Oberlech, or in dreamy Zug, here there is a jewel of the Alpine landscape to suit every holidaymaker’s taste.

“The White Ring” – the 22-kilometer-long ski race –— Bregenz Festival in the Snow –— Winter Golf Week –— Lech Mountain Trophy –— Wine & Firn Weeks –— Oberlech Spring Festival –— Media Summit

Lying beyond the Flexenpass in a picturesque valley, Lech is outstanding for the high quality and comprehensive diversity of what it has to offer. Above the lively village there is car-free Oberlech, which is a magnificent sun terrace. Zug and Stubenbach, which are part of Lech, offer idyllic charm and a sense of romance.

1,450 – 2,450 m –— 1,600 residents –— 6,800 visitor beds –— 800 snow sports instructors –— 4 Olympic champions

The wide-ranging ski area with Rüfikopf rising on one side of the valley and Kriegerhorn on the other leaves nothing to be desired. From family downhill runs to magnificent powder snow, there are countless options on offer. Sports enthusiasts looking for extra delights can enjoy the toboggan run and the crosscountry ski runs and winter walking routes, which criss-cross the partlyforested valley floor. The village offers welcoming hospitality and a wonderful natural backdrop which holds countless surprises in store during the summer months too, from geological features of interest to the abundant Alpine flora and fauna: Lech fully lives up to its own slogan of “more space. more time.”

In 1901, one of the oldest skiing clubs in the world was founded in the old hospice in St. Christoph. As it has turned out, the “SkiClub Arlberg” is also one of the most wellknown and most successful. Five years after, Hannes Schneider from Stuben won an sca race by some considerable margin, at the age of just sixteen. In 1907, he was employed as a ski instructor by the pioneering tourism promoter Carl Schuler in St. Anton. In the period following the First World War, he developed a new skiing technique which spread around the world and was known as the “Arlberg school.” In 1922, the Wegmacherhaus (literally: “route-maker’s house”) in St. Christoph was converted to serve as a ski center, and it became the focal point for Austrian ski instructor training – a status which it still enjoys today. In the other villages, too, ski pioneers (like Schneider’s brother) ensured the spread of the increasingly popular winter sport, first in Stuben and then in Zürs. It was still during the 1920s that skiing schools were established in the various districts of the Arlberg region. The legendary ski films shot by Dr. Arnold Fanck meant that this new winter sport achieved even greater popularity. The Arlberg further acquired its international reputation through the “Kandahar Race,” initiated in 1928 by Sir Arnold Lunn and Schneider on the Galzig mountain. During the 1930s, the sca produced World Champions in Rudi Matt and Pepi Jennewein. Internationally renowned star skiers such as Gertrud Gabl, Karl Schranz, Patrick Ortlieb, and Mario Matt have followed. Lech on its own can proudly boast four Olympic gold medallists. With numerous events, such as “The White Thrill” in St. Anton or “The White Ring” in Lech and Zürs, the skiing tradition in the Arlberg region is being maintained. The staging of the 2001 Alpine Skiing World Championships in St. Anton was once again an acknowledgement of the importance of the cradle of Alpine skiing on the Arlberg.

It is not just in its intoxicating winter finery, but also in summer that the Arlberg region proves itself a source of Alpine joie de vivre. Around the 1,802-meter-high pass which marks the watershed between the North Sea and the Black Sea, there is plenty on offer to satisfy the experienced climber and the keen walker. In the area to the north lies proud Valluga, with the wildly-rising peaks of the Lechtal mountain chain coming together with 2 vie ferrate –— 1 climbing training area –— 1 high-rope training area –— 13 Alpine shelters –— Numerous Alpine huts offering food and drink

the jagged ridges of the Erzbergspitze. The southern Verwall Alps are presided over by the stunning Patteriol and other glacier-covered 3,000-meter peaks. Geological treasures like the Steinernes Meer (“Sea of Stone”) or the Rote Wand (“Red Wall”) near Lech contribute to the attractiveness of the Alpine high mountain landscape. Experienced mountain-climbers can pit themselves

Sports and climbing center arl.rock with bouldering and climbing hall, skittle alley, tennis and squash halls –— sport.park.lech with climbing and bouldering areas, bowling alley, tennis hall, fitness are, and sauna

against steep chimneys, exposed edges, and sharp ridges. In addition to this, a network of 350 kilometers of signed routes runs through picturesque mountain forests and across verdant green Alpine pastures and mountain meadows teeming with flowers. Enthusiastic mountainbikers can similarly enjoy their sport to the max, and with every meter gained in height comes the prospect of an even more fabulous panorama.

670 km signed walking routes –— 265 km marked cycling routes –— 2 walking and mountain sports schools –— 2 open-air pools –— 1 indoor pool at arlberg-well.com –— 54 km Nordic Walking trails

The delights of an unspoiled and unrivalled natural landscape are reflected in the azure blue of the mountain lakes. The wealth of color of the Arlberg fauna is announced with the earliest of its spring messengers like the “Schneerose” or the “Alpenglöcklein.” Some things are rarities, but there is always plenty to discover.

It is also well worth looking out for the animals indigenous to the area: you might catch a glimpse of a proud golden eagle, a shy marmot, or ibexes as they swiftly leap between the rocks. Alongside scrambling up to airy heights, the area offers everything to encourage summer fitness and satisfy that lust for adventure: from the idyllically-situated forest swimming pool to the golf course sensitively integrated into the contours of the landscape, from paragliding to canyoning.

700 ibexes in the Arlberg region

Wellness has long since been part of the standard offer in the Arlberg region. The crystal-clear mountain air and the best spring water are enough to promote health and a feeling of well-being. And just as the area pays attention to maintaining its traditions, there is a similar focus on the highest ecological standards and on the principles of soft tourism.

2 golf academies (Driving Range, Putting Green) –— Golf courses with alpine charm –— Paragliding –— Tubing, canyoning, rafting, and kayaking

Romantic mountain lakes –— European watershed –— 5 species of fish –— Fly fishing in streams of flowing water

The cradle of Alpine skiing

More than 20 varieties of orchid –— 10 different types of gentian –— Fossils up to 200 million years old –— 1,000 dolines (special geological feature)

www.arlberg.net St. Anton am Arlberg

T + 43.(0) 54 46.22 69-0

St. Christoph am Arlberg

T + 43.(0) 54 46.22 69-0

Stuben am Arlberg

T + 43.(0) 55 82.39 90

Zürs am Arlberg

T + 43.(0) 55 83. 22 45

Lech am Arlberg

T + 43.(0) 55 83. 21 61-0

Germany

Publishing details: Publisher: Arlberg Marketing GmbH Design: Bohatsch und Partner, Wien Editorial: Olaf Sailer, Echo Verlag Tirol Druck: Hecht Druck Hard

Czechia

France Munich

Vienna

230 km

Slovakia

600 km

Friedrichshafen, 130 km Altenrhein, 100 km

Zurich

Innsbruck, 110 km

200 km

Switzerland

Italy Milan

330 km

Slovenia

Hungary