Programmheft Rotary Ski Week 2026

14th European Rotary Ski Week WINTER

2025/26

Lech Zürs am Arlberg 24.01. – 31.01.2026

LECHZUERS.COM

Foreword Once a year, Rotarians from all over the world gather for the ISFR Ski Week Europe.

This year, we are fortunate to be guests in one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world: the Arlberg awaits us with its fantastic slopes, outstanding cuisine and warm hospitality.

In addition to skiing, we can look forward to an equally attractive and varied supporting programme. A special highlight will be the evening when the Jazz Fellowship will give a charity concert – a musical experience in the spirit of Rotary fellowship.

During this week, we share our favourite hobby with friends. It doesn't matter how well someone skis – what matters is the joy of sharing the experience. At the same time, we cultivate our friendships.

And, of course, this year we are also thinking of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. With the support of the ‘Return on Youth’ project, we are helping young people to overcome crises.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Rotary Clubs in Vorarlberg – RC Vorarlberg, RC Bludenz, RC Bregenz, RC Dornbirn, RC Bregenzerwald, RC Feldkirch and RAC Vorarlberg – as well as the Tourist Office for their excellent organisation and warm hospitality.

Let's look forward to seven wonderful days in Lech together.

I R E N E WA G N E R President ISFR Chapter Europe

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The Arlberg - Cradle of alpine skiing From the cradle of skiing to the largest ski area in Austria – the Arlberg looks back on an extraordinary ski history shaped by curiosity, courage, and a pioneering spirit.

Its story began in 1884, when the opening of the Arlberg railway tunnel made this once-remote high-alpine region easily accessible for the first time. Only a year later, the first adventurous skiers carved their tracks into the snow: a Norwegian engineer brought the early predecessors of today’s skis to the Arlberg, laying the foundations for a development that would profoundly transform the region.

Nearly a decade passed before the western side of the Arlberg saw its first ski tracks. In 1894, Pastor Müller ventured out between Warth and Lech, leaving historically significant turns in the winter landscape.

A milestone followed in 1901, when six friends gathered at the Hotel Hospiz in St. Christoph to found the “Ski Club Arlberg”.

Today it is one of the oldest and most respected ski clubs in the Alps. Only three years later, on June 5th, 1904, the first documented ski race took place, held in unprepared terrain and without lifts, yet already marked by the enthusiasm that has shaped the sport ever since.

With the first ski course in 1905, led by Viktor Sohm, systematic instruction began in the region. Initially intended for locals, it expanded to guests from the early 1920s onwards, contributing significantly to the growing popularity of alpine skiing.

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A central figure in this evolution was Johann “Hannes” Schneider, born in Stuben in 1890. He became one of the great pioneers of alpine skiing. His famous “Arlberg Technique” was a breakthrough, making skiing methodically teachable and forming the foundation of modern ski instruction worldwide.

But it was not only the sport that progressed, as the technical infrastructure evolved just as rapidly. Among the many technological developments, Austria’s first drag lift was built in 1937. In 1983, another milestone followed when Michael Manhart, the grandson of ski pioneer Sepp Bildstein, developed the "Arlberg Jet", a powerful snow generator that was later used at the Olympic Winter Games. Heated chairlifts were introduced in 2004 and set new standards in comfort and technology. The next major step came in 2016 with the interconnection of the individual ski areas, which transformed the Arlberg into Austria’s largest contiguous ski region. Today it ranks among the five largest ski areas in the world.

The Arlberg thus uniquely unites past and present: the traces of its pioneers remain alive, while the region offers winter sports at the highest modern standard. It is a place where tradition and innovation have long moved in harmony.

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Programme Saturday, January 24th, 2026 • Guided tour of the Huber Hus (Lech Museum) 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Huber Hus • Registration & Welcome Evening 6:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Hotel Gasthof Post

Sunday, January 25th, 2026 • Skiers’ meeting point 9:30 a.m. | Meeting point: Rüfiplatz Lech • Cross country skiing 10:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Meeting point: Strolz Ski Rental Filomena • Huber Hus (Lech Museum) 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Huber Hus • Almhof Schneider & Werkraum Zug (art gallery) 3:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Hotel Almhof Schneider

Monday, January 26th, 2026 • Skiers’ meeting point 9:30 a.m. | Meeting point: Rüfiplatz Lech • Guided tour of the Kästle Mountain Museum 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Rüfikopf, Kästle Museum • Skyspace Tour (DE) 5:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Skyspace Lech

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Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 • Skiers’ meeting point 9:30 a.m. | Meeting point: Rüfiplatz Lech • VIP skiing with Patrick Ortlieb 9:30 a.m. | Meeting point: Rüfiplatz • Snowshoe hike 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Dorfhus • Skyspace Tour (EN) 5:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Skyspace Lech • Dinner & Benefit Jazz Concert 6:30 p.m. | Meeting point: Scotch Club / Hotel Kristberg

Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 • Early-bird skiing “Langer Zug” 7:30 a.m. | Meeting point: Rüfiplatz • Skiers’ meeting point 9:30 a.m. | Meeting point: Rüfiplatz Lech • Tour Anger Garage & Oberlech Tunnel System 2:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Dorfhus • Rotary Get-together: Harp concert with Martina Stock 4:30 p.m. | Meeting point: Hotel Gasthof Post • Torchlight walk and fondue evening at Rud-Alpe 6:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Rüfiplatz or Oberlech lift (valley) Rude-Alpe can be reached after a short walk uphill or by taking the Oberlech lift (ski pass required), from where a flat walk begins.

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Thursday, January 29th, 2026 • Early-bird skiing Zürser Täli 7:45 a.m. | Meeting point: Seekopf valley station, Zürs • Skiers’ meeting point 9:30 a.m. | Meeting point: Rüfiplatz Lech • Behind-the-scenes tour Trittkopfbahn 2:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Trittkopf valley station, Zürs • Rotary Night Ski Race 4:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Flexenarena, Zürs

Friday, January 30th, 2026 • Skiers’ meeting point 9:30 a.m. | Meeting point: Rüfiplatz Lech • Almhof Schneider & Werkraum Zug (art gallery) 3:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Hotel Almhof Schneider • Gala Evening & Award Ceremony 7:00 p.m. | Meeting point: Lechwelten

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Golfing pleasure at the highest level GOLFCLUB LECH

GOLF-ARLBERG.AT

Description of programme points Skyspace-Lech:

The Skyspace Lech is an underground light installation by artist James Turrell. It merges nature, architecture, and light into a unique sensory experience. Through the opening in the ceiling, the sky itself becomes part of the artwork. Especially at dawn and dusk, the changing light sequences create a particularly striking atmosphere.

Getting there

Huber Hus:

The Huber Hus is a 17th-century farmhouse and now a museum that offers insights into former life and work in the Arlberg region with its historical architecture and original furniture and everyday objects.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the special exhibition “Blende auf! Der Arlberg in der Fotografie” (Open the shutters! The Arlberg in photography) shows photographs on the development of photography in the Alpine region and in tourism, complemented by a creative photo lab for children and families.

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VIP skiing with Patrick Ortlieb:

Patrick Ortlieb, based in Lech, is one of Austria’s most successful alpine ski racers. The Vorarlberg native became Olympic downhill champion in 1992 and went on to claim the downhill world title in 1996. Known for his powerful, uncompromising skiing style, he remains one of the most iconic figures in the world of alpine ski racing.

Kästle mountain museum:

Since 1924, Kästle has shaped the history of skiing: beginning with the original “Arlberg Ski” made from ash wood, which soon evolved into a legendary brand. The Kästle Mountain Museum at the Rüfikopf 2 summit station tells this remarkable story, showcasing milestones in ski craftsmanship, technical innovations, and sporting achievements. Visitors can explore highlights from past decades and learn about the athletes who helped define the brand. The museum offers a vivid insight into a company that, despite its long tradition, feels more dynamic and contemporary than ever.

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Almhof Schneider & Werkraum Zug:

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Anger garage & tunnel system Oberlech:

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The Anger underground car park serves as the modern gateway to Oberlech, offering guests convenient parking right in the center of Lech.

From there, the cable car brings visitors into the car-free village, where one of the Alps’ most innovative infrastructures awaits: the Oberlech tunnel system. This underground network connects all hotels and buildings and uses electric transport vehicles to move luggage and goods quietly, emission-free, and protected from the weather. This system is what allows Oberlech to remain completely car-free in winter, ensuring maximum guest comfort and an exceptionally sustainable approach to alpine mobility.

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Hotel Bergkristall

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Hotel Burgwald

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Pension Apollonia

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Hotel Goldener Berg

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Sporthotel Murmeli

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Pension Berger

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Burg-Vital-Chalet

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Personalhaus Burg-Chalet

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Wohnanlage Bündt

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Personalhaus BurgVital Griggeler

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Haus Michaelis Peter

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Skikindergarten Burg-Vital

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Haus Michaelis Michael

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Berg-Chalet Thian

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RANDRASTER 40 m

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Garage Team-Hotel Goldener Berg

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Unterirdisch angebundene Objekte

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Zugängliche Bereiche OWG Feuerwehr Private Bereiche (unterirdisch)

Privathaus Walch Brandschutzplan Objekt:

Maßstab:

Oberlecher Wege- und Garagengesellschaft m.b.H.

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ZN: Mu

AN: 17232 DN: 04120 BSP 00 Uebersichtsplan/Angriffsweg Feuerwehr

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Übersichtsplan/ Angriffsweg Feuerwehr PV: Ma

Brandschutz und Sicherheitstechnisches Zentrum - Zehentweg 3 - 6837 WEILER - TEL. 05523 / 53730 - FAX 05523 / 537305 - www.ihw.at

The Almhof is currently hosting the exhibition “Provenance,” which brings extremely rare exhibits by Austrian ceramicist Lucie Rie, furniture from the Chandigarh series by Le Corbusier and Paul Jeanneret, and a work by Frank Auerbach into the natural context of living.The Werkraum Zug in the village of Zug near Lech is a contemporary art space founded

by Katia Schneider and Gerold Schneider. As part of the exhibition mentioned above, Corbusier's “Executive Desk,” the only one of its kind in the world, can be found here.

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Early-bird skiing ‘Langer Zug’

The Early Start on the Langer Zug in Zürs offers an exclusive experience for those who want the mountain all to themselves. Before lift operations begin, you set off with the first rays of sunlight onto one of Austria’s steepest groomed ski slopes — the top section reaches an incredible 80 % gradient (≈ ~78°), making it one of the steepest prepared runs worldwide.

The freshly prepared piste, with a vertical drop of around 900 m over its 4.7 km length, provides perfect conditions for dynamic, uninterrupted turns in complete tranquillity. The experience concludes with a Veuve Clicquot breakfast at the Schlegelkopf Restaurant, adding a touch of luxury to an unforgettable morning.

Early-bird skiing ‘Zürser Täli’

The Early Start Zürser Täli is an exclusive earlymorning skiing experience in Zürs at Ski Arlberg.

Participants meet at the Seekopfbahn base station to set off with the first sunlight onto one of the region’s most scenic descents. The run begins at the Muggengrat at 2,440 m and covers around 4,250 m in distance and 720–723 m of elevation down into the Zürser Täli. The wide, open piste is perfect for smooth, enjoyable turns and the group is guided by an experienced local. After the descent, participants are treated to a hearty breakfast at the Seekopf mountain restaurant.

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Charity project „Return on Youth“ – Guiding young people through crises Young people are currently under immense pressure (crises, climate change, social media, violence). Protection, guidance and community are missing. For many, it is only about survival.

We want to help young people find hope, develop self-confidence and discover perspectives in order to cope with crises. The Open Youth Work Vorarlberg supports them. The expert team is responsible for preventive programs, projects on leisure and social encounters, and the only youth emergency shelter in Vorarlberg, the “Anker”.

All 6 Rotary Clubs and Rotaract in Vorarlberg support this work together.

The donations make it possible to: • extent opening hours at youth centers • more qualified staff • better equipment (clothing and hygiene packages für the emergency shelter, tools and laptops for work projects) This ensures that young people in Vorarlberg can be effectively supported in coping with crises – before problems become entrenched.

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Experience summer in Lech Impact Lech • 25. – 28. June 2026 • “Im Zeitalter der Daten” - “In the age of data” Impact Lech 2026 brings together leading experts to discuss the growing impact of data and artificial intelligence on society, addressing both new opportunities and key challenges such as data quality, privacy, ethics, digital skills, and cybersecurity.

These events will primarily be held in german.

Arlberg Classic Car Rally • 02. – 04. July 2026 Each summer, the Arlberg Classic Car Rally turns Lech into a hub for classic-car enthusiasts, showcasing historic vehicles on spectacular alpine routes in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Lech Classic Festival • 02. – 09. August 2026 The Lech Classic Festival 2026 features seven days of concerts with renowned soloists, the Lech Festival Orchestra, and the Lech Festival Choir in the Lechwelten, combining outstanding classical music with the unique alpine setting.

Philosophicum • 22. – 27. September 2026 • „Betreutes Denken – Die neue Lust an der Unmündigkeit“ “Assisted Thinking – The New Pleasure of Immaturity” The Philosophicum Lech is an international, interdisciplinary symposium that brings together experts and the public to explore and discuss major philosophical, cultural, and social issues of our time.

These events will primarily be held in german.

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A summer full of colour SUMMER 2026

Lech Zürs am Arlberg 18.06. - 04.10.2026

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