C Niedere ski resort with Lake Constance (c) Michael Meusburger / Bezau cable car
Behold, Lake Constance! Aren’t these waters surrounded by peaks a thing of beauty? In the heart of Vorarlberg's ski resorts, some spectacular views open up at certain points. But where exactly are these places and how do you get there? If you want to gaze out over the entire region, the following is a selection of the state's most beautiful vantage points.
The Bödele is situated on a mountain massif between the towns of Dornbirn and Schwarzenberg in the Bregenzerwald region. Here, skiers can enjoy panoramic views over the gently rolling landscape of the Lower Bregenzerwald. From the Lanklift mountain station, you can even see Lake Constance in the distance, either shimmering blue or grey in winter.
From Bezau a gondola whisks passengers up to the Niedere. From the long mountain ridge, skiers and hikers can enjoy wonderful panoramic views all the way across Lake Constance and the Bregenzerwald to neighbouring regions.
Situated at the heart of Ski Arlberg, Austria’s largest connected ski area, this internationally renowned ski resort boasts top-quality accommodation, dining, slopes and views of the snow-white peaks. Which spots are particularly scenic? The sun terrace at the Balmalp Alpine hut, the “Der Wolf” ski hut, the viewing platform on the Rüfikopf mountain and along the “Zürser Täli” ski run, which is lined by the rocky faces of the Hasenfluh and Muggenrat mountains.
Three mountain ranges encircle Montafon: the Silvretta, the Rätikon and the Verwall mountains. Here, there are several places where skiers can enjoy captivating views of these imposing peaks, e.g. along the “HochjochTotale” ski run and from the steep Sennigrat backcountry ski run near Schruns. Those keen to take a break can head to the VINNOVA wine bar at over 2,000 metres elevation to enjoy culinary delights and magnificent views.
The Silvretta-Bielerhöhe at around 2,000 metres elevation may be accessed by a more adventurous route, namely by cable car and tunnel bus. There is a surface lift for skiers here. This quiet area offers some of the best views of Vorarlberg’s highest mountain (i.e. the 3,312-metre Piz Buin) and is also popular with ski tourers.
Surrounded by mountains: skiers here are afforded far-reaching views of Vorarlberg’s mountain world, the neighbouring state of Tyrol and the Swiss Alps from atop the Sonnenkopf at an altitude of around 2,000 metres. This family-friendly ski resort is situated near the Arlberg region between Klostertal and Montafon.
Skiers at the cross-border Kleinwalsertal-Oberstdorf ski resort ascend to breathtaking heights by cable car. The slope map even indicates special vantage points. Particularly impressive viewpoints include the Kanzelwand panorama restaurant at the mountain station and the viewing platform at the Walmendingerhornbahn cable car mountain station.
Those who enjoy carving down the slopes surrounding the striking Damüls Mittagsspitze mountain in the Damüls-Mellau ski resort often like to pause and enjoy the beautiful, seemingly endless views. Particularly impressive vantage points open up in the high-altitude ski resort section of Damüls, for example when ascending the 2,051-metre-high “Ragazer Blanken.” From here you are practically at eye level with the snow-covered peaks of the Austrian and Swiss Alps.
From the 2,000-metre summit of the Diedamskopf, the views are truly commanding. A cable car will transport you comfortably to the top. From the mountain station with its panorama restaurant, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the vantage point and on a clear day you can see as far as Lake Constance and over the mountains of Vorarlberg and neighbouring Switzerland.
