Lech Zürs & Stuben am Arlberg

Skiing in winter, alpine flowers in summer
Love skiing or hiking in spectacular mountain scenery? Appreciate exceptional hospitality, comfortable accommodation and fine dining? Then Lech Zürs and Stuben am Arlberg are well worth discovering.

In winter, Austria’s largest interconnected ski area attracts skiers from around the world with superb slopes and deep-snow adventures. In summer, the surrounding mountains offer countless opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Throughout the year, a varied programme of cultural and sporting events adds to the experience. Food lovers are equally well catered for, with 17 restaurants recognised by Gault&Millau.

The birthplace of Alpine skiing
The story began with pioneers finding their feet on long wooden skis. In 1906, the first ski course for visitors was held here. Hannes Schneider, who was born in Stuben am Arlberg, went on to revolutionise ski instruction with his innovative teaching method, helping to establish the Arlberg’s reputation as the birthplace of Alpine skiing.

That pioneering spirit lives on today. The region has seen its fair share of innovations, from heated chairlifts to Skyspace-Lech, a year-round art installation by American light artist James Turrell that invites visitors to experience the sky in an entirely new way.

Today, Lech Zürs and Stuben am Arlberg lie at the heart of Austria’s largest interconnected ski area. Lech Zürs is also one of the nine prestigious destinations that make up Best of the Alps. Despite their international reputation, the villages have retained their intimate character, with an atmosphere that feels elegant yet wonderfully relaxed.

Alpine flowers and mountain lakes
Summer in Lech Zürs and Stuben am Arlberg is all about enjoying the mountains at your own pace. Alpine meadows are dotted with wildflowers, including around 20 species of orchids. Panoramic peaks open up sweeping views, while emerald-green mountain lakes offer inviting places to stop and take in the scenery.

At the foot of the striking Rote Wand mountain lies Lake Formarinsee, voted Austria’s most beautiful place in 2015. The Lechweg long-distance hiking trail begins in the Lechquellen mountains and follows the course of the River Lech through remarkable alpine landscapes.

For a more challenging hiking adventure, the Arlberg Trail connects all five Arlberg villages: Lech, Zürs, Stuben, St. Anton and St. Christoph. Opened in summer 2021, it offers a rewarding way to discover the region on foot.

Good to know: The Lech Card offers access to cable cars, bus services and a range of guided activities for adults and children at a fixed package price.

Stay well, dine exceptionally
From five-star hotels and welcoming guesthouses to cosy holiday apartments, Lech Zürs and Stuben am Arlberg offer accommodation to suit different tastes and preferences. Many hotels have been family-run for generations, combining personal hospitality with a strong sense of place and attention to detail. The culinary scene is equally impressive. In Lech Zürs, 17 restaurants have been awarded a total of 50 Gault&Millau toques, earning the destination its reputation as a “World Gourmet Village”.