Lech Ski Resort | Austria
About Lech, Austria
The route to Lech is an exhilarating introduction to this Alberg resort. The steep valleys and 9,000-foot peaks provide a dramatic entrance into this famous region of the Alps. Founded in the 14th Century, Lech, and neighboring Zurs, are considered by many as the birthplace of Alpine skiing.
As home to many former Olympians and professional winter sports athletes, Lech’s slopes bask in international fame. Because it sits in a box canyon abutted by Flexen Pass, Lech is more exclusive in comparison to St. Anton and enjoys shorter lift lines and less crowded slopes. Its remote locale attracts celebrities, like Tom Cruise and Dutch Queen Beatrix. And while Lech is a popular destination for the rich and famous—expect to see Porsches—the resort has managed to retain its medieval allure and quaint atmosphere. You’ll feel transported back in time while walking along the Lech River and the village streets, littered with traditional Bavarian architecture. This idyllic setting offers downhill runs from both sides of the valley right to the center of town, and with a myriad of outdoor cafes and late afternoon tea dances, so you can bet the people (and skier) watching in Lech is all-time.
On a Lech ski vacation you truly have it all: a lift ticket that accesses nearby Zurs, Zug, St. Anton, St. Christoph and Stuben, plus world famous ski schools, guided ski tours and heliskiing. In addition, there's a laundry list of things to do in Lech from paragliding, winter hiking and cross country skiing, to ice skating, Austrian-style curling, toboggan runs and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Stay
...in the quaint, Bavarian village of Lech.
Ski
...at a top elevation of 9,219 feet.
Travel
...by flying into Alterhein, Innsbruck or Friedrichshafen airports.
Enjoy
...the unparalleled sights of the Lechquellen Mountains.
Explore
...the medieval allure on the village streets and intricate designs of surrounding Bavarian architecture.
Taste
...20+ restaurants including multiple of 5-star caliber.
Treat
...yourself to a bird's eye view of the village on a paragliding tour over the mountains.
Experience
...the downhill runs into the village for après at outdoor cafes and to enjoy late afternoon tea dances.
Lech Ski Resort
The many tree-free, wide-open bowls provide great skiing for all levels, but it’s advanced to expert skiers who truly call Lech home. This ski area boasts world-class on and off-piste skiing, as well as one of the best snowfalls in the Alps. Lech skiing is best done with a guide, as there are many “ski routes,” which are avalanche controlled, but not groomed or patrolled. Hiring a guide is well-worth the extra money as the “ski routes” are the best places to find untracked powder and breathtaking views.
Powderhounds should head to the Steinmähder chair, just below Zuger Hochlicht. All the “routes” in this zone require short climbs to access bowls of with endless amounts of fresh snow. Intermediate to expert skiers can challenge themselves by attempting the“The White Ring,” which is a way of skiing from Lech to Zurs, and is celebrated annually via a race along the route. This race is the longest ski race in the world, spanning 13 miles over nearly 18,000 feet. However, the best way to do “The White Ring” or Der Weisse Ring, is to tour the many on-mountain restaurants and bars along the way, essentially tasting and drinking your way around.