Few resorts are as legendary as St. Anton am Arlberg—a true Mecca for skiers and one of the world’s very first ski resorts, welcoming its first tourists as early as 1885. The entire area is steeped in skiing history, and every year, thousands of enthusiasts create unforgettable memories on St. Anton’s many slopes.
The area has only improved over the years; a few years ago, it was linked with the Lech and Zürs areas, creating Austria’s largest interconnected ski region. It boasts over 300 km of groomed runs and an incredible 200 km of off-piste terrain. With 88 lifts and skiing reaching altitudes of over 2,800 meters above sea level, St. Anton never disappoints.
The terrain is distributed so that approximately 40% of the slopes are red, 40% are blue, and around 20% are black—an optimal mix for most skill levels. However, it is worth noting that St. Anton features some challenging slopes and sections; we recommend being a reasonably experienced skier to get the most out of your trip. If you are skiing for the very first time, we offer other resorts better suited for a first-time experience.
It is impossible to talk about St. Anton am Arlberg without mentioning the off-piste skiing. After all, it is what the resort is best known for in skiing circles—and for good reason. The area boasts no less than 200 km of potentially untouched terrain—just imagine that! Much of this is accessible directly from the lifts, but for the true powder hound, there is a vast array of options if you are willing to hike a little. Thanks to its location, St. Anton is one of the Austrian resorts that typically receives the most snow, resulting in a long season; you can enjoy excellent skiing here well into April. Snow usually arrives in late November, and thanks to regular snowfall, conditions on both the groomed runs and off-piste areas remain great throughout most of the winter. However, keep in mind that if you want the best runs, we highly recommend aiming for the first lift of the morning—those first untouched turns are always the best of the day.
The Village
A picturesque pedestrian street runs through the town center, lined with shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars. Even the most discerning gourmet will find something to their taste here. If you need to upgrade your gear, you’ve come to the right place; the ski shops in St. Anton are among the best-stocked in the Alps, and there is hardly a single item you can’t find here.
Lion Alpin’s accommodations are centrally located in the village, putting everything within walking distance. Should you wish to venture outside the resort for a day, there is a train station with multiple daily departures.
Après-ski in St. Anton
If you enjoy ending your ski day with some lively dancing in ski boots and a sing-along, you won’t be disappointed. St. Anton boasts some of the country’s best après-ski spots, with Mooserwirt leading the way. Every day at 3:00 PM, DJ Gerald kicks things off with Europe’s "The Final Countdown," and within minutes, the terrace is packed with enthusiastic skiers ready to dance. Beer, Aperol, and the occasional Jägerbomb flow freely here. If you prefer a more relaxed après-ski experience, there are plenty of other options in the village; our own Rosanna Lounge, for instance, has quickly become a favorite thanks to its cozy atmosphere and excellent drinks.
Photo: Niclas Karlsson, Glacier Media
