A traveler's guide to Lech
Sleep in Lech, ski the Arlberg, and decide on purpose whether the day ends in St. Anton. The circuit is the local classic for a reason.
Lech is the ski resort on the Arlberg that people choose when St. Anton feels too loud. Zürs is the other village on the same pass. The White Ring is a famous circuit through both. The skiing is the same snow as St. Anton, reached from a smaller, more expensive street.
When to go
January through March, with February the reliable and crowded month. The Arlberg snow usually arrives in time for a January week. The White Ring is more pleasant midweek. Storm days still close the high links between the villages.
On the hill
The White Ring ties Lech, Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech into a loop. Do it clockwise or however the current map recommends, and start early enough to finish in daylight. From Zürs the lifts run toward St. Anton. That is a highlight and a logistics problem: the way back is specific. Marked pistes here suit strong intermediates. The off-piste reputation of the Arlberg still applies the moment you leave them.
Village and passes
Lech is small. Oberlech is the car-free shelf above it, reached by a lift that also runs in the evening in season. Zürs is a shorter, quieter hotel street. The Arlberg pass is the correct ticket. Fur coats are a cliché; the prices are not. Book restaurants. Walk to dinner if you stayed in the center.
If you only remember this
- The White Ring is one good day. Start it in the morning.
- Skiing to St. Anton requires a plan for getting back.
- Oberlech is lovely and depends on a lift. Know the last ride.
- Buy the Arlberg pass even if you think you will stay in Lech.