Destination
Skiing in St. Anton: steep runs, powder and Ski Arlberg
Steep slopes, deep powder and àprès-ski that runs late into the evening: St. Anton in Ski Arlberg is for skiers who want a challenge. Here are the runs, the places to eat and the hotels in the village.
Guro Holmene
St. Anton am Arlberg is a village in Tyrol, Austria, known for steep and demanding terrain. Skiers come here from all over the world for more than groomed runs.
‘You will find steep slopes, deep powder and plenty of off-piste’, says Yannick, press officer at the Tourismusverband St. Anton am Arlberg.
‘Many say that if you can ski St. Anton, you can ski anywhere in the world’, he adds.
In short: a ski holiday in St. Anton
St. Anton is part of Ski Arlberg, with more than 300 kilometres of marked runs and 200 kilometres of freeride terrain, according to the tourist office. The season runs from November to April. It suits confident skiers best, but also has slopes and lifts for children and beginners.
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Our first choice: Schwarzer Adler, the traditional hotel in the middle of the village. See rooms at Schwarzer Adler
Pow pow
On the way down the snow-covered mountainsides in St. Anton, the powder ride feels like a fantastic dance with nature.
1. Ski Arlberg: one pass, six villages
St. Anton is part of Ski Arlberg, one of the largest linked ski areas in the Alps. It also takes in Lech, Zürs, Stuben, Warth and Schröcken, and the Flexenbahn and Auenfeldjet lifts link the villages.
It is the Arlberg range that makes St. Anton so popular with skiers who want a challenge.
2. St. Anton for families
The resort is not only for experts. It has gondolas and chairlifts, plus magic carpets for children and beginners.
‘Ski Arlberg has more than 300 kilometres of marked runs, 200 kilometres of freeride terrain and 85 lifts’, says Yannick.
The Alps with children
St Anton is at least as suitable for families with children as it is for those looking for speed and excitement.
3. A long season in St. Anton
The season usually runs from November to April. Christmas and New Year are peak season, and prices are higher. In early December the snow can still be thin.
Through January more of the area opens. February is often busy with school holidays, while March brings longer days and more sun.
après-ski
The après-ski experience in Austria is known for its high party factor, hospitality and hopefully sun on the place's many terraces.
4. Where Yannick recommends you eat
The village is as famous for its àprès-ski and food as for its slopes. We asked Yannick for his tips.
Hospiz Alm
The hut in St. Christoph sits right by the piste, with sun and views. It is known for long lunches and a large wine cellar.
Sennhütte
Sennhütte sits on run number 50 down from Galzig, according to Tirol Werbung. There is live music, and the Kaiserschmarrn is the house classic.
MooserWirt
MooserWirt, right on the run down to St. Anton, is the best-known àprès-ski spot in the village. Arrive early if you want a table.
Arlberg Thaja
You will find this hut in St. Christoph on run 64, with a large sun terrace. The menu is Tyrolean, with dishes such as Gröstl and Spätzle.
Verwallstube
Verwallstube on the Galzig is one of the highest Gault&Millau-rated restaurants in Europe, according to Tirol Werbung. Book a table for lunch.
Spa or nature
If you want a break from skiing, St Anton has several luxurious spa experiences.
5. How to get to St. Anton
The nearest major airport is Innsbruck, about 100 kilometres away. From there you take a train, bus or taxi. Consider a night in the city, see skiing in Innsbruck.
Zurich is about 200 kilometres away, and Munich about 250. A hire car gives you the most freedom, but make sure it has winter tyres.
The ski resort
300 kilometers of marked slopes, 200 kilometers of free-riding terrain and 87 lifts!
Where to stay in St. Anton
Stay in the middle of the village and you can walk to both the lifts and the àprès-ski. The centre stays lively until late, so if you sleep lightly, ask for a room at the back.
Schwarzer Adler: a traditional hotel in the centre
The traditional hotel in the middle of the village has its own spa and pool, and a short walk to the Galzigbahn. Guests rate it 9.6 out of 10.
Book your stay: See rooms at Schwarzer Adler
Sporthotel St. Anton: in the heart of the village
The hotel in the centre has a spa and pool, and breakfast is included in the price. Guests rate it 9.2 out of 10.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sporthotel St. Anton
Anthony’s Life & Style Hotel: spa and style
A modern hotel with a spa and breakfast included, for anyone who wants calm after a day on the slopes. It also scores 9.2 out of 10 on Hotels.com.
Book your stay: See rooms at Anthony’s Life & Style Hotel
VAYA St. Anton: modern and more affordable
A newer hotel with a spa and modern rooms, and a more affordable alternative to the classic hotels in the centre, rated 8.8 out of 10 by guests.
Book your stay: See rooms at VAYA St. Anton
Is St. Anton right for you?
St. Anton suits confident skiers who want steep runs and off-piste, and who enjoy lively àprès-ski. If you want a quieter, more exclusive base in the same ski area, Lech is the better choice.
If you are a beginner and want plenty of gentle slopes right outside the door, Austria has easier resorts, such as Kitzbühel.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions about skiing in St. Anton
Why is St. Anton popular with skiers?
St. Anton am Arlberg in Tyrol is famous for extensive and challenging terrain with steep slopes, deep powder runs and plenty of off-piste options. It is said that if you can ski St. Anton, you can ski anywhere.
What is Ski Arlberg?
Ski Arlberg is one of the largest connected ski areas in the world, covering St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, Stuben, Warth and Schröcken. The Flexenbahn and Auenfeldjet lifts link the resorts, so one pass covers the whole area.
Is St. Anton good for families?
Yes. Although St. Anton is known for demanding skiing, the lift system also has slopes and lifts suited to families and less experienced skiers, so everyone in the group can find something that suits them.
Where should I stay in St Anton?
Stay in the centre of St Anton for easy access to the lifts and the après-ski. Schwarzer Adler is one of the oldest hotels in the village.
Have a nice trip to St. Anton
Picolo Editorial
Hotels
Where to stay in St Anton
Two hotels we would choose for a ski holiday in St Anton.
