December 10, 2022
THE SKI SEASON IS UNDERWAY IN LECH ZÜRS
Traditional yet innovative – and one of the best ski areas in the world. Not only is the Arlberg the cradle of Alpine skiing, it is also characterised by a first-class range of ultra-modern skiing infrastructure: 87 cable cars and lifts take skiers up the mountain before they can ski down more than 300 kilometres of ski runs. The winter season in Lech Zürs will kick off on Friday, December 2, 2022. This is made possible by wintry temperatures and snow that has already fallen, as well as snowmaking and piste teams that are currently working around the clock.
Lech Zürs is part of the Ski Arlberg ski area, which – with lifts and cable cars in St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Warth and Schröcken – offers more than 300 kilometres of ski runs and over 200 kilometres of powder runs. It is therefore the largest connected ski area in Austria and one of the five largest in the world. The winter season in Lech Zürs will kick off on Friday, December 2, 2022.
The Arlberg is considered the cradle of Alpine skiing: Austria’s first surface lift opened in Zürs in 1937. The Galzigbahn in St. Anton was the first cable car in Austria designed to run in winter. Nowadays, high-tech infrastructure ensures that winter sports enthusiasts get up the mountain quickly and comfortably. The lift companies of Lech, Oberlech and Zürs have invested over €2.3 million for various innovations in time for the 2022/23 winter season.
The Ski Arlberg app is a particular highlight. Once installed on a smartphone, it serves as a guide and covers the extensive ski area. It details the latest weather and snow reports, and provides up-to-date information about cable cars, lifts and ski runs, for example. With the help of the Ski Arlberg app’s navigation system, users can also plan their own routes to ensure a perfect day on the slopes by setting departure points, intermediate stops and the final destination. With its integrated tracking function, legendary ski circuits such as the “RUN of FAME”, “Der Weisse Ring” and the cult ski race “The White Thrill” can also be recorded (including measuring speeds) and you can automatically enter into competitions.
It is easy to buy a Ski Arlberg ski pass: it can be bought online via the webshop. Unique winter experiences in Austria’s largest ski area can also be bought as gift vouchers online at www.skiarlberg.at.
Those who prefer to be off-piste can also enjoy the winter in Lech Zürs as it is a true haven for freeriders. “Check Your Risk – practical safety training” focuses on off-piste safety. Throughout the winter season, key content is taught practically and free of charge by local experts across three training modules: “Preparation”, “Reducing risk” and “Behaviour in the event of an accident”. – important content is taught practically and free of charge by local experts. (www.checkyourrisk.ski).
Passionate cross-country skiers can do their rounds on 27 kilometres of trails in Lech Zürs. Whether at the ice rink in Lech or at the natural ice rink in Zürs, an Arlberg winter is also exceptionally beautiful when skating on the ice.
Lots going on in winter 2022/23
In December 2022, Advent will make its way to Lech Zürs. From Advent markets and a Christ Child parade to Advent singing and readings, the air will be full of excitement in the run-up to Christmas.
From December 7-18, 2022, the “Arlberg Weinberg event” will once again invite gourmets, winemakers and wine lovers to Lech Zürs. Thanks to its exquisite culinary delights, Lech Zürs was named a “World Gourmet Village” (the leading restaurants in Lech Zürs have been awarded a total of 54 Gault&Millau toques), so it was wise to also set new standards by establishing an outstanding wine culture. This all came to fruition with the “Arlberg Weinberg event”, first held in 2015. With over 25 events, everything revolves around outstanding wines and excellent food.
From December 8-11, networking will be under the spotlight in Lech. As part of the “Horizont Winter Summit”, representatives from marketing, advertising and the media will meet to discuss the latest industry news.
Finally, pure racing pleasure is the order of the day on January 21, 2023 at the legendary “Der Weisse Ring (“The White Ring”) race, where over 1,000 athletes will compete in a duel between professionals and amateurs. They must all master 22 kilometres and 5,500 meters of ascents and descents. The route includes the six ski runs that connect Lech, Zürs, Zug and Oberlech. Two days prior, on January 19, 2023, skis will be waxed for the “REMUS Team Challenge”, which will be held as a Super G in the Flexenarena in Zürs. As a special reward, the 20 fastest competitors in the REMUS race will be awarded a preferential starting place in the “White Ring” race.
If you want to race yourself on a computer or smartphone, you should get to grips with the Austrian Ski Game. In this game, ski enthusiasts race virtually to beat their personal best times or beat other skiers on three courses – including the White Ring in Lech Zürs.
Travel to Lech Zürs sustainably
With daily train connections from Zurich, Vienna and Munich to the stations in Langen and St. Anton am Arlberg, guests can travel to Lech Zürs from many places without having to rely on a car. Regular buses take holidaymakers and visitors from the train stations straight to their accommodation. Transfer services, such as those provided by “Arlberg Express” that offer shuttle services and private trips from surrounding airports in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, can also be booked flexibly.
To see the entire Lech Zürs Tourism site please click here
