There are ski areas, and then there is Ski Arlberg – a legendary region that links some of the most iconic names in the Alps into one unforgettable network. The resorts of Lech, Zürs, St Christoph, St Anton, Stuben, Warth, and Schröcken together form Austria’s largest connected ski area, with more than 300 kilometres of pistes and some of the finest off-piste terrain in Europe.
For adventurous skiers, the beauty of this area lies in the journey itself. You can start your day in one village and, with a little planning, make your way across valleys and ridgelines to finish in a completely different world by sunset. The most famous route of all is the White Ring, but for a truly immersive experience, nothing beats the full Lech to St Anton circuit.
- Lech to St Anton Circuit
- Optional Detours and Return Routes
- Why the Lech to St Anton Circuit Is So Special
- Tips for Planning Your Ski Arlberg Circuit
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
The Lech am Arlberg to St Anton Circuit
Starting in Lech
Begin your day in Lech am Arlberg, the resort long associated with refined style and understated luxury. Early mornings here are serene, with the sun touching the peaks and the slopes still quiet. Take the Rüfikopfbahn cable car up from the centre of Lech to the top of the Rüfikopf mountain, where panoramic views stretch over Zürs and beyond.
From here, you can glide down to Zürs, a neighbouring resort known for its snow reliability and sophisticated charm. The slopes here are wide and beautifully groomed – perfect for warm-up runs before tackling the longer descents ahead.
Crossing from Zürs to Stuben
The key connection on this journey is the Flexenbahn, a remarkable piece of engineering that links Zürs with Stuben/Rauz. Before it opened in 2016, travelling between these two halves of the Arlberg meant a bus ride. Now it’s a seamless ski connection, and it is the reason the Lech–Zürs area finally joined hands with St Anton.
At the top of the Flexenbahn, take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views across the Klostertal Valley before descending into Stuben, one of the most charming and traditional villages in the region. Stuben has retained its Alpine soul – wooden chalets, quiet streets, and a friendly, old-world atmosphere that feels far removed from the glitz of Lech or the energy of St Anton.
This is a good place for a mid-morning break. The Albona area above Stuben offers exceptional skiing and access to some famous freeride terrain, though it is equally enjoyable for intermediates who prefer groomed pistes and long, scenic runs.
Into the Heart of St Anton
From Stuben, the runs converge towards Rauz, where lifts whisk you over to the mighty slopes of St Christoph and St Anton am Arlberg. You’ll feel the change immediately – the terrain gets steeper, the atmosphere more dynamic, and the mountains seem to close in as you drop into the heart of Austria’s most famous ski town.
St Christoph makes a lovely lunch stop. The tiny hamlet sits at 1,800 metres and is home to the historic Hospiz Alm, a mountain restaurant as renowned for its wine cellar as for its Tyrolean specialities. A leisurely lunch here sets you up perfectly for the final stage of your day.
After lunch, continue towards St Anton, following the pistes that lead down through the Galzig and Gampen areas. These runs are some of the best-groomed in the Alps, offering a mix of sweeping cruisers and steeper challenges. St Anton itself needs little introduction – it’s the beating heart of the Arlberg, famous for its après-ski as much as for its challenging slopes.
Optional Detours and Return Routes
If you have the legs, you can add detours on the way. From Zürs, head briefly towards Trittkopf for high-altitude views. From St Anton, continue to the Rendl area across the valley for a quieter afternoon session with excellent snow conditions.
To get back to Lech, most skiers take the Ski Arlberg shuttle bus that connects St Anton and Lech throughout the day. The journey takes around 30 minutes and allows you to rest while admiring the winter landscape from a different perspective. Alternatively, you can plan an overnight stay in St Anton and return on skis the following morning for a two-day adventure.
Why the Lech to St Anton Circuit Is So Special
What makes this circuit so extraordinary is the way it reveals the full personality of the Arlberg. In a single day, you can experience elegant Lech, exclusive Zürs, traditional Stuben, tranquil St Christoph, and energetic St Anton. Each village has its own rhythm and its own loyal following, yet they all share the same snow-sure conditions, efficient lift system, and passion for skiing.
The transitions between them are what give the Arlberg its magic. You can ski through silent forests, cross high Alpine ridges, and glide into lively town centres without ever taking off your skis. It’s a journey that combines physical challenge with cultural variety, and it leaves you with a genuine sense of discovery.
Tips for Planning Your Ski Arlberg Circuit
- Start early: To complete the full route comfortably, aim to take your first lift around 8:45 a.m.
- Check the weather: Wind or snowfall can close connecting lifts like the Flexenbahn or Rüfikopfbahn.
- Use the Ski Arlberg app: It provides live lift updates, route suggestions, and estimated timings.
- Know your level: While much of the circuit is intermediate, certain descents (especially near St Anton) can be steep.
- Enjoy the stops: Don’t rush – the charm lies in pausing for coffee in Zürs, lunch in St Christoph, and a celebratory drink in St Anton.
The Spirit of the Arlberg
The Lech to St Anton circuit is more than a day on skis – it’s an experience that captures the spirit of the Alps. It’s about freedom of movement, variety of scenery, and the feeling of connection between historic villages that have shaped the very idea of modern skiing.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier chasing mileage or a traveller seeking to understand why the Arlberg has such a mythical reputation, this journey delivers both adventure and elegance in equal measure. And when you finally unclip your skis at the end of the day, you’ll know that you’ve traced the heart of Austrian skiing from one legendary valley to another.
Where to Stay
Pension Muggengrat: Enjoy a comfortable stay in one of Pension Muggengrat’s apartments overlooking the glittering mountains. You can expect a boutique feel and friendly service from the landlady and her team. The location couldn’t be better for starting off on the ultimate ski challenge, with the bus stop serving the slopes right outside the pension’s front door.
Haus Schrofenstein: This family-run property offers comforting cosiness in abundance – just what you’ll crave after an exhilarating day on the slopes. With a sauna to ease those aching muscles, and a hearty breakfast each morning to set you up for your next adventure, Haus Schrofenstein is the perfect skier’s accommodation. Ski storage, boot dryers, complimentary WiFi, and spacious en-suite rooms are the icing on the cake!
Hotel Appartement Roggal: For that little bit of extra pampering, Hotel Appartement Roggal fits the bill. Guests can access a wellness centre that includes an indoor swimming pool, infra-red sauna, steam bath, and massage room. Regional dishes prepared with local, fresh ingredients are served for breakfast, and in the afternoon, complimentary snacks are available. A two-minute walk from the ski lifts and ski schools, you couldn’t ask for a better location.
How to Get There
Nestled in the Austrian Alps, Arlberg and its resorts can be reached from several airports in the surrounding area. For Lech am Arlberg, it’s best to book a Lech airport transfer from Innsbruck, which is served by several operators from the main UK airports. Flights take a couple hours, and there are multiple departures each day. The cheapest flights are available from January to March, happily coinciding with the ski season.
Overview
UK to INN Flight Time: 1 hour, 58 mins approx.
INN to Lech am Arlberg: 120 km
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 1hr 40mins
Types of Transfer
The airport transfer from Innsbruck to Lech is around 1 hour and 40 minutes, so you’ll want to make sure that you have made your arrangements for the trip in advance of landing at the airport. We offer a range of Arlberg transfer options to suit your budget and circumstances.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re an experienced skier planning to tackle this ultimate ski challenge then you might want to bring your own kit. Our private transfers from INN to Lech am Arlberg by minibus give you the space you need for bulky ski equipment. It’s also a popular and efficient service if you are travelling as a larger group of friends or family.
Taxi: We also operate a fleet of airport taxis from Innsbruck to Lech with helpful drivers who will be waiting for you when you land to deliver you to the door of your accommodation. The return trip to the airport can also be arranged in advance of your trip, eliminating all admin hassle and leaving you to enjoy your ski break in the knowledge that all the logistics are sorted.
Private Transfer: Like the airport transfer taxi, but enhanced by a ride in one of our high end vehicles. A professional driver will greet you in the terminal and our private transfer option is a door-to-door service that can be arranged to suit your pickup times.
Shuttle Bus: When you’re trying to keep an eye on the pennies, a reasonably priced airport transfer can help considerably. Book a seat on our shuttle buses that take you from Innsbruck Airport to Lech in a comfortable and reliable vehicle. Our buses are punctual and depart at regular, frequent intervals from the terminal. The route is designed to serve the centrally located accommodation of the Arlberg resorts.
Choosing the Right Transfer
When all our airport transfer services are recommended for their reliability, value for money and friendly service, how do you know which one is best for you? Generally, it comes down to the price you want to pay and the degree of bespoke arrangements you require.
Cost: Save some money on your Lech transfer by using our shuttle bus service from the airport to the resort. It will drop you at one of the designated stops in close proximity to your accommodation. Reliable, comfortable and serviced by clean and modern vehicles, it’s great value for money.
Convenience: When you are travelling on a tight schedule, have inconvenient flight times, or just need a bit of extra support at the start and finish of your break, our airport taxis, private transfers or minibus services will deliver you to the door of your accommodation. They’ll collect you when your flight lands and will be back to pick you up to meet your return flight, whatever the time of day or night.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is a market leader in airport transfers for skiers all over the continent of Europe and beyond. Recommended for our flexible transportation options, great communication and prompt service, we have your back when it comes to that final leg of your journey to the powder.
