Vorarlberg is known for its diverse ski resorts and breathtaking Alpine landscape. Anyone who has ever spent a winter holiday in the Austrian state knows that relaxation, fun, pleasure and winter sports are very important here. SnowTrex knows 10 good reasons why a skiing holiday in Vorarlberg can be a highlight of the year.
1. Numerous pistes for all levels
Vorarlberg comprises 32 ski areas, around 1,000 kilometres of pistes and 307 ski lifts. No surprise that there is the right piste for everyone! Whether beginner, expert or freerider – Vorarlberg ski regions such as the Bregenzerwald, Kleinwalsertal, Brandndertal, Klostertal, Großes Walsertal, Lech, Zürs and Stuben am Arlberg or the Montafon. They offer a selection of pistes for all levels, guaranteeing skiing fun for every skier and snowboarder.
One ski and snowboard attraction, for example, can be found on the border with Tyrol, more precisely in the Montafon Brandnertal ski region, which straddles the federal states: the local “Run of Fame” is the largest ski circuit in the Alps with a full 85 kilometres of pistes. The runs lead from Warth to Lech Zürs am Arlberg and on to the Tyrolean ski resorts of St. Anton/Rendl and back to Vorarlberg. Winter sports enthusiasts can hop on wherever they like. This means that everyone can decide whether they want to split the route over several days, ski only part of the route or accept the challenge and complete a whopping 18,000 metres of altitude in one day. Fun on the piste is also pre-programmed here!
If you need one last push to be convinced of the Vorarlberg pistes, you should head to the Montafon. That’s where you’ll find the HochjochTotale, a 12 km long downhill run with around 1,740 metres of altitude to conquer – also known as the longest valley run in Vorarlberg!
2. Guaranteed snow? Of course!
Every winter lover dreams of snow-covered landscapes, snow-capped peaks and untouched powder snow. This requires one thing above all: enough snow! Vorarlberg has been at the forefront of this for years. It’s not just that the natural snowfall here is usually quite abundant – Damüls in the Bregenzerwald, for example, is considered by many to be the snowiest place in the world.
3. Families welcome
Numerous family-friendly accommodations, ski resorts and leisure activities make Vorarlberg the ideal holiday destination for families with children.
Accommodation such as the Birkenhof-Schimek holiday flat in Bürserberg, the Aparthotel Alpine Lodge Klösterle am Arlberg or the Hotel Krone in Au are just waiting for families who want to experience a relaxing time in the snow. On the piste, there are also discounts on children’s ski passes throughout the region as well as countless ski schools offering ski courses for all levels and ages.
And there are also plenty of off-piste activities in Vorarlberg to make your holiday unforgettable. Whether it’s ice skating and tobogganing or whether the children prefer to visit farms, discover nature with all their senses and explore special children’s programmes and exhibitions is up to each family. Examples include the toboggan safari in Brandnertal, the Golm adventure mountain in Montafon, the “vorarlberg museum” in Bregenz and the “inatura” adventure nature show in Dornbirn.
4. Accommodation right on the piste
Save time in the morning and still be the first on the slopes? There are numerous accommodation options in Vorarlberg that are right on the piste! Simply choose accommodation that is located directly in the ski area and organise your day flexibly. Take a little breather in between, enjoy lunch on one of the sun terraces or in the hotel or quickly put the children to bed for their afternoon nap – there are countless options for a ski-in/ski-out holiday in Vorarlberg.
5. Very good accessibility for holidaymakers
Vorarlberg is particularly easy to reach for holidaymakers from Germany, both by car, for example through the well-developed Pfänder Tunnel, and by train. Incidentally, owners of electric cars need not worry – Vorarlberg has a well-developed network of charging stations.
6. Well-connected winter hiking trails
“In winter you ski in the mountains and in summer you hike.” Vorarlberg proves that this preconception is not true. Hiking is also possible here in winter! All Vorarlberg regions have a well-developed network of signposted winter hiking trails that lead to wonderful vantage points and offer breathtaking panoramas.
Everything is already in place, so all you have to do is decide whether you prefer to hike alone or in a group, whether you want to use hiking boots or snowshoes and whether you would prefer to walk with dogs, llamas or alpacas. Such animal hikes are possible in the Montafon, Brandnertal, Bregenzerwald or Kleinwalsertal, for example.
7. Freeride & snowboard paradise
All freeriders and snowboarders looking for pistes with the perfect powder are in the best of hands in Vorarlberg. The snow-sure location means that many ski resorts in Lech Zürs am Arlberg, Brandnertal, Klostertal, Großes Walsertal, Kleinwalsertal, Montafon and Bregenzerwald generally have optimal snow conditions.
If the powder fun is not enough, snow and fun parks with many obstacles and varied freeride cross routes await. One example is the Crystal Family fun park in Kleinwalsertal.
8. Trails en masse
The range of winter sports on offer in Vorarlberg is huge. That’s why every cross-country skier’s heart leaps for joy as soon as they arrive in Vorarlberg.
There are varied cross-country ski trails in all regions, where winter sports enthusiasts can glide along at their leisure. The entire network of trails is explained in detail using interactive maps and well-founded descriptions so that classic skiers and skaters have no difficulty finding their way through the breathtaking landscapes.
Anyone who needs a special incentive to decide in favour of the cross-country skiing paradise of Vorarlberg can be convinced by various offers. These include the Nordic Sport Park Sulzberg and the Vital trails in Kleinwalsertal.
9. Vorarlberg cuisine
Kässpätzle, Riebel, Fädlesuppe, Käsdönnala, Hafaloab and Lumpasalot are just a few of the dishes that winter holidaymakers can look forward to after a long and tiring day in the snow in traditional and modern Vorarlberg huts, inns and restaurants.
Whether on the mountain or in the valley: Vorarlberg surprises food lovers in a pleasant way. Classics from regional cuisine and creatively refined dishes inspired by cuisines from all over the world are served to visitors in a pleasant atmosphere in the numerous inns, restaurants and ski huts. The hosts and chefs attach great importance to skilfully preparing regional and seasonal ingredients. There is a tradition of close co-operation with farmers, fishermen, dairymen and hunters. Some chefs grow their own herbs and vegetables or source specialities from small local manufacturers.
10. Adventure night in the snow igloo
Another Vorarlberg highlight can be found in St. Gallenkirch in the Montafon. For anyone who has ever wanted to experience winter up close and at night, there is a small igloo village on the Schwarzköpfle. The village offers the opportunity to spend a night in an igloo including a torch-lit hike, igloo sauna and meals at over 2,000 metres above the valley.
Fancy a skiing holiday in Vorarlberg?
FAQ about skiing in Vorarlberg
Why is Vorarlberg a top destination for skiers?
Vorarlberg attracts skiers from all over the world with its variety of ski resorts, impressive Alpine scenery and high snow guarantee.
Which ski resorts in Vorarlberg are particularly recommended?
Ski resorts such as the Arlberg or the Montafon offer a variety of pistes for every level and are known for their modern infrastructure and good accessibility.
Are there also offers in Vorarlberg for winter sports enthusiasts who don’t ski?
Yes, in Vorarlberg there is a wide range of activities away from the pistes, including winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and relaxing wellness offers.
When is the best time to go on a skiing holiday in Vorarlberg?
The main season is between December and March, but Vorarlberg also often offers excellent snow conditions in early winter and late winter with fewer visitors.
What cultural and culinary specialities can you experience in Vorarlberg?
Vorarlberg is known for its warm hospitality and offers numerous culinary specialities such as cheese fondue and Kaiserschmarrn as well as interesting cultural insights, e.g. through traditional events and festivals.
