Lech Ski Holidays

Why Ski In Lech?

Ritzy and glitzy Lech is a long-time favourite of Europe’s wealthy, particularly visitors from Germany, but holidaying here need not break the bank. The resort is part of the vast Arlberg ski area, which now links by lift to St Anton to form Austria’s largest ski region. In total, the area offers 304 km of groomed pistes between 1,075m and 2,650m, with Lech itself boasting 180 km of perfectly prepared runs.

The skiing in and around Lech caters to all abilities. Beginners can enjoy the gentle nursery slopes above the village, while intermediates will find flattering progression runs that inspire confidence. Advanced skiers and snowboarders are drawn to the extensive off-piste terrain, where the powder lasts longer than in nearby St Anton. For most, the sheer size of the Arlberg means more skiing than you could cover in a week.

Lech shares its local area with Zürs, and together they are considered Austria’s most fashionable ski resorts. The picturesque village, set along a river, retains its farming heritage at the centre, while above it lies car-free Oberlech, 250m higher, with its luxury 4* and 5* hotels, some linked by underground walkways. A late-running cable car until 1:00 am makes it easy to enjoy the nightlife in the main resort.

Lech sits at 1,450m and has an excellent snow record. Many of the upmarket hotels are ski-in/ski-out, but cheaper options do exist, including several chalet-style hotels offering fully catered packages to the British market. We also feature tour operator–run chalet hotels and a wide choice of ski chalets.

Most Ski Line clients opt for the 4* and 5* hotels, known for their personal service, and we work with the very best of them. Despite Lech’s luxury image, there is accommodation to suit most budgets.

Reaching Lech is straightforward, with several airports within two to three hours, including Innsbruck, Zurich, and Memmingen (served by Ryanair from Stansted) for a lower-cost option.

Lech also limits slope access to around 14,000 skiers, ensuring far less crowded pistes than on the St Anton side. Combined with fast, modern lifts, this means queues are rarely an issue.

The Skiing In Lech

Beginners Skiing In Lech

Lech is a perfect choice for beginners, the main nursery slopes are located at Oberlech but there is also a small dedicated area in Lech. Once you find your ski legs there are plenty of gentle slopes to progress too.

Intermediates Skiing In Lech

Lech and Oberlech offer masses of great skiing on perfectly groomed slopes. The circuit to Zurs and back is wonderful for any intermediate skier or snowboarder. There is one run back to Lech that although is marketed as a blue, is steep, and timid skiers may find it a little daunting.

Advanced Skiing In Lech

With only one very short black run listed on the piste map you might think this isn’t a great place for advanced skiers, but it’s the off piste skiing that’s the main draw for experts. By comparison with St Anton the snow off piste lasts longer as fewer skiers ski upon it. We’d recommend booking a guide to get the most out the off piste skiing in Lech.

Après Ski In Lech

Lech as with all Austrian ski resorts has fantastic après ski with the bars by the lifts in town getting very crowded and lively as the lifts close. Later on in the evening Lech and Oberlech both offer a good selection of bars and clubs, some playing live music.  After 7:30 pm the local free buses stop and are replaced by the James taxis which are low cost and run until 3:00 am.

Activities Off The Slopes In Lech

Many of Lechs visitors have no interest in sports or other off slope activities preferring instead to promenade in their fur coats around the many shops and bars! There are about 40km of walking paths and the one along the river to Zug is highly recommended. In the evening, sledging down from Oberlech on floodlit slopes in great fun, particularly for children.

Is it snowing in Lech?