Ski resorts
Lech am Arlberg: exclusive skiing and where to stay
A small village with great style, snow-sure mountains and Ski Arlberg on the doorstep. This is Lech, and the hotels that put you at the heart of one of the Alps’ most exclusive ski resorts.
Lech is not the place for loud parties, but for quiet luxury. The small village in Vorarlberg has long been a favourite of those who want snow-sure mountains, good food and hotels with character, and it sits in the middle of one of Austria’s largest ski areas.
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Part of Ski Arlberg
Lech is part of Ski Arlberg, one of the largest linked ski areas in Austria, together with Zürs and St. Anton. That means you can stay in the quiet village and still ski over to the après-ski in St. Anton.
The Weißer Ring: a classic circuit
The Weißer Ring is a classic ski circuit around Lech and Zürs, and one of the best-known ski tours in the Alps. It suits experienced skiers who want to see as much of the area as possible in a day.
Getting to Lech
The nearest airports are Innsbruck and Zürich. Trains run to Langen am Arlberg or St. Anton, from where you take a bus up to Lech.
A day in Lech
Lech wakes slowly. Snow lies heavy on the roofs, the river runs quietly through the village, and the first skiers head for the lifts with their coffee still warming them. There are no queues to speak of and no rush, just wide, perfectly groomed pistes and mountains stretching in every direction.
Many skiers tackle the Weißer Ring once during their week, while others stay around Lech and Zürs and enjoy the long descents. Whatever you choose, the day often ends on a terrace with the sun on your face and a glass in hand, before you ski down to the village in the blue light of dusk.
When is the best time to visit Lech?
Lech is known for plentiful snow, and the season usually runs from December to April. January and February often bring wintry conditions and powder days, while March offers more sunshine and longer days. Christmas week and half term are popular, and the best hotels fill up early.
Skiing with children in Lech
Lech is a calm and safe place for families, with ski schools and dedicated areas for children and beginners. The village is small and easy to navigate, and several hotels sit close to the slopes. That makes it easy to take breaks in the middle of the day and let the little ones rest.
Food and evenings in Lech
Lech is known for good food. Many hotels have their own excellent restaurants, and in the village you will find everything from traditional Austrian dishes to modern cuisine. Evenings are quiet and atmospheric, with dinner by the fire and a stroll along the river afterwards.
Quiet luxury
What makes Lech special is the balance. There is luxury here, but it is discreet. The hotels are often family-run, the service personal and the mood one of calm. It is a place for those who want the best without needing to show it.
Tips before you book
Choose a lift pass for the whole of Ski Arlberg if you want to ski to St. Anton and Zürs. Book your hotel early, as many of the best places have regular guests who return every year.
Where to stay in Lech
Lech is known for its family-run luxury hotels. Here are two we would love to check into.
Hotel Arlberg: ski-in/ski-out and spa
A luxury hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa, close to the Lech-Oberlech-Zürs ski area.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Arlberg
Gasthof Post: a village classic
A luxury hotel with a spa in the heart of Lech.
Book your stay: See rooms at Gasthof Post
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in St. Anton.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Lech
Where should I stay in Lech?
Hotel Arlberg offers ski-in/ski-out access and a spa, and Gasthof Post is a classic in the heart of the village. Both put Ski Arlberg right on your doorstep.
What is the Weißer Ring?
The Weißer Ring is a classic ski circuit around Lech and Zürs, and one of the best-known ski tours in the Alps. It suits experienced skiers.
How do you get to Lech?
Fly to Innsbruck or Zürich and take the train to Langen am Arlberg or St. Anton. From there, buses run up to Lech.
Lech or St. Anton?
Lech is quieter and more exclusive, while St. Anton is known for its après-ski. Both are part of Ski Arlberg, so you can ski between them.