Review of Lech, Austria

Resort Overview for Lech:

Lech was one of the earliest Alpine ski villages, with the first appearance of Telemarking skiers on 'Nordic Planks' here in the 1890s, 15 years before the Alpine variant of skiing, most commonly used today, was invented. In the century since then Lech has quietly established itself as one of the world's greatest ski resorts, having several of the crowned heads of Europe in its list of repeat clientele. Yet the village has done it without shouting from the roof tops and today it attracts the great and the good to its more than 35 four and five star hotels (that's more than twice as many as there are in St Moritz) without very many people knowing about it.

Aside from its synonymity with great skiing - the resort has spawned four Olympic gold medalists, most recently Patrick Ortlieb (also 1996 World Champion). The legendary Hannes Schneider attended the first ski training course here in 1906 (Austria's first ski school).

Although a cosmopolitan resort today, Lech has also managed to maintain its character, still being owned by the original families from the last century and before and still centred on the old square towered church with its onion dome. They have ensured that the water in the mountain streams remains pure enough to drink, although you don't need to as "mineral water comes out of the taps".

Apart from the main village itself the Lech community takes in Zug, Stubenbach and ultra-exclusive Zürs, as well as the car-free satellite village at Oberlech (1660m), reached by cable car from the village and an excellent example of doorstep skiing: your accommodation can be reached through tunnels from the top cable car station rather than having to stagger fully loaded over the snow as is the case at some other traffic free centres.

The Skiing in Lech:

The Arlberg Ski Area is famous around the world as a destination for serious skiers, and Lech is a key part of it. One of the few ski regions in the world to measure its unprepared trails as well as those mechanically groomed, the Arlberg claims 180km (113 miles) of ungroomed powder slopes on top of the 260km (161 miles) of prepared trails. This breathtaking expanse is currently not quite lift-linked with St Anton, venue for the 2001 Alpine world Championships, Stuben and St Christoph taking up one half and Lech and Zürs the other. A free ski bus for lift pass holders links the two, and a single pass covers all 84 lifts across both areas. Lift passes are available to overnight guests at a reduced rate (The 'Arlberg Special' ) and the number of skiers on for Lech and Zürs is strictly limited so that when capacity is reached, no more day tickets are sold.

The first decision of the morning is whether to warm up on the Mohnenfluh and test the Steinmähder, Hasensprung, Rotschrofen and Weibermahd slopes or to head straight off on to the tough pistes on the Rüfikopf. Beginners at least have the simple choice of the gentle nursery slopes near to the hotels.

Experts have a vast selection of off piste trails with guided touring, off piste and heli-skiing also available. The Arlberg Card, a high-tech ski pass which fits in your pocket, gives the holder automatic access through all turnstiles at the Arlberg's cable car and lift stations. The Arlberg Ski Club, established in 1901 and today one of the world's most famous and most successful, has weekly meetings throughout the season. New members are accepted so long as they have visited Arlberg for at least three years and are recommended for membership by a Club member.

Après Ski in Lech:

Once the ski slopes close Lech's main street turns in to one long après ski bar, with pavement cafes running in to one another in places and Jagatee (tea spiked with rum) the traditional early evening drink. The Tannbergerhof is a popular evening and night spot where the post-skiing tea dance gives way to a late night discothèque, one of four in the village.

A unique fun evening can be had right here on a Thursday night at the highest Casino in the Alps, when a ride up in a 'suspended bar' in a cable car, with champagne takes you to the casino. Here you play to win gift vouchers for use in Lech's shops and restaurants. The proceeds (...if you lose) go to support handicapped skiing programs.

Skier & Snowboarder Reviews of Lech:

Have you visited Lech? Let others know your opinion on the resort. Submit your review of Lech below:

Display name: Home country: E-mail address: (we will not publish this) Review: Enter security code:

Accommodation in Lech:

Search through our database to rent private ski chalets direct from the owners in Lech. Contact owners directly to make a booking. Rent ski chalet Lech, Austria