Winter diversity in Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg is one of the birthplaces of alpine skiing. Since the early 20th century, the art of skiing has been cultivated and refined here. At the same time, the winter mountain landscape can be explored through ski touring, freeriding, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, and snowshoe hikes. Building culture, culture, and cuisine enrich a winter holiday between Lake Constance and Arlberg.

Winter holidays in Vorarlberg: the most important information at a glance

• Skiing: Ski resorts of varying sizes between Lake Constance and Arlberg, including Ski Arlberg, a cross-border ski area spanning Vorarlberg and Tyrol.
• Other winter activities: Winter hiking and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, ski touring and freeriding.
• Regions and views: Bregenzerwald, Montafon, Kleinwalsertal, Alpenregion Bludenz, Lech Zürs am Arlberg and Bodensee–Vorarlberg.
• Culture and architecture: Contemporary timber buildings, ski museums, as well as mountain stations and restaurants featuring striking architecture.
• Cuisine and hospitality: Restaurants, pubs, ski huts and in many cases family-run accommodation.
• Winter 2026/27: FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships in Montafon from 6 to 21 March 2027.
• Key message: Vorarlberg combines alpine winter activities with short distances between ski resorts, architectural heritage, culture and cuisine.

What ski areas does Vorarlberg offer in winter?

More than 110 years ago, the foundations of modern alpine skiing were laid in the Arlberg region. Today, Vorarlberg offers a variety of ski areas at different altitudes and sizes, ranging from intimate family-friendly ski areas to expansive ski resorts. Cross-regional ski passes open up additional possibilities. Many winter sports locations are accessible by train, shuttle buses and ski buses. The operating hours of the ski areas for 2026/27 depend, among other things, on snow and weather conditions. In many places, winter sports enthusiasts enjoy sweeping views. For example, from the mountain stations in Damüls-Mellau and the Diedamskopf in the Bregenzerwald the view extends all the way to Lake Constance. Mountain panoramas can also be enjoyed at Arlberg, in the Montafon, in the Kleinwalsertal, in the Brandnertal, and in the Klostertal. The Kleinwalsertal and Oberstdorf form a cross-border ski area between Austria and Germany. Ski Arlberg is Austria’s largest connected ski area and stretches between Vorarlberg and Tyrol. Vorarlberg’s ski areas offer runs of varying difficulty levels. In some places, groomed slopes can be combined with freeride options. For ski-in/ski-out, accommodations in Oberlech and Damüls, for example, are worth considering.

What else is there to do in Vorarlberg besides skiing?

Off the piste in Vorarlberg offers numerous opportunities: winter hikes on cleared or groomed trails, guided snowshoe tours, cross-country skiing, and sledging—some also in the evening. Cross-country skiing areas can be found among others in the Bregenzerwald and the Brandnertal. At around 2,000 metres altitude, the Silvretta Bielerhöhe in the Montafon has particularly high-altitude cross-country ski trails. Other activities range from llama hikes to husky sleigh rides. Schedules and availability depend on the provider and weather conditions.

What kind of building culture and culture can be experiences in wintertime?

Traditional wooden houses and contemporary architecture shape the townscape of Vorarlberg in many places. There are also remarkable buildings to discover in and around the winter resorts: examples include “Der Wolf” ski lodge and the Balmalpe in Lech 2ürs am Arlberg, the stations of the Mellaubahn in the Bregenzerwald, the Frööd restaurant in the Brandnertal or the Alpine Sports Centre in Schruns. The combination of craftsmanship, design and alpine landscape can be experienced in many places.

Skiing in the morning and in the afternoon culture? In Vorarlberg, winter sports resorts, museums, and exhibition venues are often located close to one another. For example, the FIS Ski Museum in Damüls offers insights into the history of skiing. Be sure to check the opening hours before your visit. In the Kleinwalsertal, a collection at the Walserhaus commemorates the history of skiing. In the Ski Arlberg ski area, the HALL OF FAME at the Bergstation of the Flexen- and Trittkopfbahn is dedicated to the personalities and stories of the Arlberg. Music and event are also part of winter. The Tanzcafé Arlberg Music Festival is planning a continuation in 2027; the detailed programme is not yet published. A special sporting highlight is taking place: From 6 to 21 March 2027, the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships in the Montafon.

What culinary experiences does Vorarlberg offer?

Exercise in the winter air stimulates the appetite. In Vorarlberg, restaurants, inns, and ski lodges invite visitors to a variety of culinary experiences. Numerous establishments are listed and awarded in the Gault&Millau and MICHELIN Guide. In Lech Zürs am Arlberg—as well as in other regions—guests will find a wide selection of places to stop for a bite. Some kitchens work with products from regional farms and food producers. The specific ingredients used vary by restaurant and season. In addition, there are dining spaces that showcase both traditional and contemporary Vorarlberg architecture.

What sets the hospitality in Vorarlberg apart?

In Vorarlberg, hotels, guesthouses, inns, and restaurants welcome their guests with a variety of personally tailored concepts. Many of these establishments are family-run. Hospitality, design, and regional specialties give these accommodations and dining locations their individual character.

Frequently asked questions about winter holidays in Vorarlberg

Where can I go skiing in Vorarlberg?

Among the ski regions are Lech Zürs am Arlberg, the Bregenzerwald, the Montafon, the Kleinwalsertal, the Brandnertal, and the Klostertal. Ski Arlberg connects ski areas in Vorarlberg and Tyrol.

What does Vorarlberg have to offer in winter besides skiing?

Other winter activities include winter hiking trails, guided snowshoe tours, cross-country ski trails, toboggan runs, museums, and culinary experiences. Some activities are subject to weather conditions and the provider.

What cultural activities are available in winter?

Examples specializing in winter culture and history include the FIS Skimuseum in Damüls, the history of skiing at the Walserhaus in Kleinwalsertal, and the HALI L. of FAME at Ski Arlberg. Opening hours should be checked in advance.

What special events are happening in winter 2026/27?

From 6 to 21 March 2027, the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle, and Freeski World Championships are taking place in Montafon. A continuation of the Tanzcafé Arlberg Music Festival 2027 has been announced; the detailed programme had not yet been published at the time of this writing.

Please check seasonal operating hours, opening dates and programmes with the respective organisers before travelling.

Press photo archive: www.vorarlberg.travel/en/activity/press-image-archive/