Whether you’ve got clients booking their summer Europe vacay or that dreamy snow-laden winter trip, the Arlberg is an idyllic itinerary addition. The stars of Austria’s gorgeous Alps, the Arlberg has five picturesque villages to suit every kind of traveller. We reveal why the Arlberg is a must-do on any Europe itinerary – no matter the season!
If there was a “Best in Alps” competition, the judges would score the Arlberg highly. Gorgeous scenery: check! Friendly locals: check! Diverse attractions: check! Epic outdoor activities: check! Fine dining: check!
So, which of the Arlberg’s five charming villages – St Anton, Lech, Zürs, St Christoph, and Stuben – would best suit your clients? Read on to find out!
For the nom-nom gourmand: Lech
You’ve got clients that eat their way around the world, right? The ones that remember the best boulangerie in Paris or gelato in Rome over monuments seen. Then gourmet-heaven Lech is a must-do! Per capita, Lech boasts the world’s highest density of gourmet restaurants!
That’s not to say Lech is the only place to score an utterly fabulous meal. There are more than 30 Gault Millau award-winning restaurants across the Arlberg. However, it is Lech that reigns supreme on the tastebuds front.
Our ideal evening in Lech would include sunset viewing at the stunning Skyspace-Lech installation, followed by one of Lech’s top-rated chef’s culinary masterpieces.
For the snow bunny: Zürs
For your puffy-jacket-wearing, permanent-panda-eyes clients, Zürs is the perfect base. As the region’s most prominent ski hideaway, it delivers epic powder and terrain, coupled with its fabulously swanky vibes!
Known as the “cradle of alpine skiing”, the Arlberg is Austria’s largest interlinked ski area. Whether staying in Zürs or another Arlberg village, your clients only need one lift pass to access 300 kilometres of marked ski runs and a whopping 87 ski lifts!
There are also 40 kilometres of cross-country skiing, ice-skating rinks, toboggan runs, and curling rinks. Plus, fun après ski options, of course. Winter wonderland is an understatement!
The fun continues in summer, btw. the Arlberg region has 350 kilometres of alpine hiking trails, plus biking, golfing, and even mountain yoga!
For the go-go-goer: St Anton
With clients that love a jam-packed itinerary, St Anton is a dream. If St Anton was a Spice Girl, it would be Sporty Spice!
One of St Anton’s key attractions is Valluga, the Arlberg’s highest mountain summit. Hike to the summit or take the gondola. Either way, the rewards of Tirol’s most spectacular view await. Valluga’s terrain in winter is an experienced ski and snowboarder’s playground. (Ever wondered about the history of skiing? Learn about it at St Anton’s informative Skimuseum!)
The Verwall Valley is brilliant for spring and summer hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Aussie travellers go crazy for the lush alpine forests and meadows, gorgeous emerald lakes, craggy rock faces, and refreshing mountain streams.
For the culture buff: St Christoph
For the traveller that loves blending history, culture, outdoor pursuits, and eye-boggling scenery, St Christoph’s is a top spot.
Dating to 1793, St Christoph has a fascinating history, including as the birthplace of the global brotherhood of St Christoph and Ski-Club Arlberg.
St Christoph visitors enjoy soaking up the historic atmosphere and spending time at the world’s highest art centre, the Arlberg1800 Resort.
For the fam: Stuben
Stuben is a brilliant destination for family travel because it offers a perfect blend for a trip with the kids: education, activities, and igniting curiosity.
Stuben’s quaint wooden chalets offer that quintessential Alpine ski town experience. The three ski schools here ensure you can get everyone up on a board or skis quickly, and the 4-kilometres of toboggan runs are a hoot.
While visiting the Arlberg, take the fam to the mythical (and car-free) Verwalltal Valley. It’s a fabulous place to discover the myths and legends of the region in an interactive, playful way. The lake, children’s playground, and easy walks make for a great day out.
Need to know
Book your clients for three consecutive nights or longer at a participating Arlberg lodge to nab three complimentary days of skiing and riding at the Arlberg ski resorts! Discover more here.
For more information on the Arlberg region, check out this handy destination guide.
Psst. Did you see we said (almost) year-round in the header? That’s because some of the hotels close for a couple of weeks after the ski season ends and before hiking season begins. We can imagine why a little breather after ALL those epic winter activities would be needed!
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