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Resort Guide

Suitability	Resort height: 1450m
Families:		[Yes]
Glacier:		[No]
Beginners:		[4]
Intermediates:		[5]
Advanced:		[5]
Snowboarding:		[4]

Lech is one of the world's oldest and most sophisticated ski resorts, located in the famous Arlberg region of Western Austria which it shares with St. Anton and Zurs, close to the Swiss border. The resort 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. Despite being hundreds of miles from the nearest sea and 1450m (nearly 5000 feet) above sea level the resort has established its own yacht club.

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".

There are more than 35 four and five star hotels (that's more than twice as many as there are in St. Moritz). Being synonymous with great skiing the resort has spawned four Olympic gold medalists, most recently Patrick Ortlieb (also 1996 World Champion). The legendary Hannes Schneider – a key figure in the evolution of skiing nearly a century ago - attended Austria's first ski training course here in 1906.

The Arlberg region has some of the world's most exciting, and extensive skiing and snowboarding. Altogether there are more than 80 lifts and 260km (161 miles) of prepared ski runs all on the one lift ticket – and a lot more unprepared free riding terrain. However the area is divided in to two halves – the Lech side and the St. Anton side – which are not officially linked by lift or ski trail – only good skiers can make the connection with the help of a local guide.

Beginners

Despite its reputation as a great destination for expert skiers, Lech's ski slopes have ample attractions for all ability levels with the main area around Oberlech above the village boasting wide open slopes for beginners and intermediates.

For first timers there are gentle nursery slopes near to the hotels which are normally snow sure all season thanks to the altitude. The century-old ski school provides expert tuition.

Intermediates

A massive region for intermediate level skiers providing one of the world's best ski areas. The Schlegelkopf and Schlosskopf lifts take you up in to the heart of the terrain or across the village the Rufikopf lifts you in to the Zurs sector. 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.

Advanced

One of the 'must ski' regions for advanced skiers, 180km (113 miles) of the Arlberg's extensive ski area are in fact off-piste trails, because this is one of the few ski regions in the world to measure its unprepared trails as well as those mechanically groomed.

For advanced skiers who can ski this terrain 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. Heliskiing is another option.

Snowboarding

One of the world's best freeriding destinations, Lech also has an excellent Boarderland terrain park which incorporates a boardercross course, 360, big air park, half pipe, quarter pipe, fun boxes, slides, pro-jump, jump and an inverted jump.

Other Activities and Facilities

There's plenty to do in Lech besides skiing and boarding. Laid back options include cinema and theatre, sleigh rides or a spot of curling on the rink. There are three galleries to visit, a library and two hotel swimming pools open to the public (the Försterhaus and the Montana).

Massages, saunas and solariums are available in several hotels, and for the more adventurous there are helicopter flights and the local paragliding school offers tandem jumps with an instructor.

A 1.2km (three quarters of a mile) long illuminated toboggan run is open from 9.30am to 10pm daily.

Given the credentials of much of Lech's clientele, it is not surprising that there are shops catering for those with schillings to spend. At Huber's you can browse the jewellery of Cartier, Rolex, Hermes and Gucci. Sporthouse Strolz stocks all the famous names whilst Waldhard is the best choice for fine Italian clothing.

Après Ski and Dining Out

Once the ski slopes close Lech's main street turns in to one long après ski bar, with pavement cafés 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 in Lech is on 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 programs for handicapped skiers.

Lech offers meals for all tastes on a scale from 'Brettljause' (a small snack) to high calibre cuisine at one of the resort's fifty or so eateries, seven of them gastronomically rated restaurants. There are too many good places to name all, but the 300 year old Hus Nr 8 is one deserving a mention. Located in the resort's centre it serves Austrian delicacies and fondues.

The Hotels Brunnenhof and Post both offer exclusive gastronomy and Austrian cuisine. The Kristiana Hotel is a rare treat for vegetarian visitors as well as those wishing to partake of traditional Austrian cuisine.

Families

There's no nursery provision for the very youngest children but those aged three and a half and older can join the Mini Club located by the village church which offers full day care for children out of nappies. Snow and play is on the menu.

Children a year older can join ski school which offers two hours of lessons in the morning and afternoon with lunchtime cover available on request. Children aged up to seven can buy a very low priced 'Snowman ticket' to use the lifts during their stay, for a few Euros.

Accommodation in Lech

• Alexandra - 4 star, catered
• Alexandra - 4 star, catered
• Gotthard - 4 star, half board
• Hotel Elisabeth - 4 star, half board
• Omesberg - 4 star, half board
• Pfeferkorn - 4 star, half board
• Sonneck - 4 star, catered
• Sonneck - 4 star, catered

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