Ski St Anton

A large ski area with some interesting Apres-ski...

To most people the very name conjures images of a party central resort, in fact it's internationally renowned for having a very hedonistic approach to Apres ski!

But don't let that put you off... that particular reputation is eclipsed by the phenomenal skiing to be had there from the variety of easy slopes by the highly regarded ski schools to a vast area of accessible terrain for the more advanced among you. After a short transfer (100km) from Innsbruk airport you arrive at St Anton starting at the base of the Arlberg Pass then winding it’s way down a narrow valley.

Although not a typically 'chocolate box' resort of ski chalets, the pedestrianised centre gives it a real cosmopolitan buzz. Your lift pass gives you access to all of the ski area Arlberg, including Zurs, Stuben, St Christoph am Arlberg and Lech with a free shuttle bus operating between them, with St Anton being part of the sub area, Lech-Zurs.

The height of the resort is 1300m while the highest lift, the Valluga, can take you all the way up to 2811m - giving you guaranteed snow. For the brave, or just down-right crazy, once you get to the top, you can drop off the back for a hair-raising and at times almost vertical descent down. This should only be with a guide and if you are a seriously advanced skier.

Most of Lech-Zurs is covered by chairlifts (19 in all), 5 gondalas and although there are also 19 tow lifts these are mainly to connect adjoining runs and are entirely avoidable.
It's very easy to hop on a bus over to Lech, or Zurs. Lech is full of lovely wide cruising blue runs with a lot of Prada and Chanel clad ladies elegantly snaking their way down. Actually Lech used to be the chosen destination of the royal family and you can see why.

Back in St Anton, the Rendl lift takes you over to the sunny side with gentle red runs and a great beginner ski or snowboard park. The main attraction there is definitely the ski speed check, although in high season it can get a little crowded.

You have a total of 456km to play on, including 105km easy, 141km medium, 30km difficult and 180km ski routes. In addition you should be able to find 180km of off-piste, just ensure you avoid the protected forests -check your piste map.

At about 1pm the Apres ski starts, although it has been known to start as early as 10am!
On piste Krazy Karungah and The Mooserwirt are a good place to start - these are home to the infamous verandah jumps, usually after the participants have sampled the hospitality.

Once back down, hopefully in one piece there is a wide range of very lively bars, Bar Cuba’s cocktails are well worth sampling, also Scotty’s and Piccadilly’s  both have a great  atmosphere. Prices aren’t cheap, but roughly what you’d expect to pay in a higher end resort.If you prefer to avoid the drunken revellers, there are plenty of other options, St Anton is a large resort and you will find there is something for everyone.