10 reasons to ski and snowboard in St Anton

It’s part of Austria’s largest linked ski area
While the 130km of local St Anton slopes are more than enough to keep even the most experienced skiers and boarders happy, the area is now linked by four brand new gondolas to the rest of the incredible Ski Arlberg area.

That gives you a whopping 305km of pristine interconnected ski runs and 200km of marked off-piste across Warth-Schröcken, Lech, Zürs, Stuben and St. Christoph to explore during your holiday – and all in one of the snowiest regions of Austria!

The lifts are excellent
With so much mileage to cover on the slopes, the ski capital of Austria needs a great lift network. Luckily its 88 ultra-modern gondolas and lifts provide just that.

The lifts are fast, and so are the queues thanks to the high-tech Arlberg-Card which opens lift entrances automatically for you. No more fumbling in your gloves to find your lift pass then!

It’s an intermediate’s paradise
St Anton might not be your first choice of resort if you’re an absolute beginner but once you’ve got the basics down, it’s an absolute dream. Build your confidence and skills as you explore an almost endless choice of wide blue and red runs – without ever needing to hop on a ski bus.

You’ll also find fun snow parks, racing circuits, carving areas and plenty of challenging runs and off-piste areas to sink your teeth into as your experience grows.

And a top resort for expert skiers and snowboarders
Few ski resorts achieve the kind of legendary status St Anton has with the world’s top skiers and boarders. A real must-ski destination for the experts out there, you’ll love the challenging black runs, avalanche controlled off-piste and epic snow parks nestled amongst this spectacular mountain scenery.

To ski some of our favourite advanced runs head up to the slopes of Valluga and Schindlergrat, the highest slopes in St Anton. We recommend hiring a qualified ski guide to show you the best descents, especially if you’re heading off-piste.

Not to mention freeriding fans
St Anton is a mecca for powder fiends. And with such a fantastic snow record and some of the best off-piste in Europe – if not the world – it’s no wonder. What’s really great is the fact that intermediates can get a taste of off-piste skiing and boarding on the area’s 200km of marked but unpisted ski routes. They give you all the fun and challenge of fresh powder, without the same risk of avalanche or dangerous obstacles.

We always recommend heading out with an expert guide for the best freeriding experience possible. In fact, if you want to tackle some of St Anton’s cult off-piste descents, such as the Valluga North Face, you will only be permitted access with a guide.

And cross-country skiers too
The excellence of St Anton’s ski routes also extends to its peaceful cross-country trails. Both classic and skating-style cross-country skiers can enjoy a wonderful array of snowsure routes that wind their way through the forests and rivers of the Verwalltal Valley.

For a night to remember, try heading to the Pettneu trail for some night-skiing every Monday and Friday. The snowladen trees take on a rather magical glow in the moonlight.

The snow parks are fantastic
If you love hanging out working on your jumps and tricks, you’ll love the freestyle facilities in St Anton. The Stanton snow park at Rendl has an awesome 320m-long slope featuring a half-pipe, two quarter-pipes and a pro jump, along with a whole heap of smaller jumps, rails, kickers and boxes.

The Ski Arlberg area is home to another snow park on the Schlegelkopf summit at Lech, as well as some fantastic funslopes with obstacles to entertain kids of all ages. There’s also the super cute family Hoppel ski trail at Gampen, led by Hoppel the ski hare.

And don’t get us started on the après-ski
It’s not just the slopes where you’ll get your kicks in St Anton. This bustling resort is almost as famous for its fun-loving après-ski as it is for its powder. The vibrant town centre is packed with bars and clubs ready to show you a warm welcome.

You’ll find two of St Anton’s best-loved après-ski bars right on the slopes. Whether you head to Mooserwirt of the Krazy Kangaruh, you’re guaranteed a great start to your evening – dancing on tables is actively encouraged.

There’s loads to do away from the slopes 
Whether you fancy an action-packed experience or some well-deserved pampering, St Anton has a boredom-busting choice of activities besides skiing and snowboarding on offer. Head to the Arlberg-Well leisure centre with its indoor and outdoor pool, waterfalls, saunas, steam rooms and slides and feel those aches and pains ease away.

Mix up your snowy activities with some tobogganing, snowshoeing or sleigh rides. Ice skate on the frozen lake or visit the St Anton Museum to discover more of the town’s place in ski history.

Or you can simply admire the views
This beautiful part of the Tyrolean Alps is home to vistas that will genuinely take your breath away. Even if you’re a non-skier, a trip up Valluga Mountain is an unmissable experience.

From here you can drink in spectacular mountain panoramas stretching all the way to Italy in the south, Germany in the north and Switzerland and Lichtenstein in the west. Why not enjoy lunch in the restaurant there and really take your time savouring those views?