There are some ski runs that are truly legendary, and the runs of the Arlberg top the list.
This mega Austrian ski area, made up of five ski resorts, has over 500km of both groomed and ungroomed runs to choose from – so you know there’s a few in there that should be on every skier and snowboarder’s bucket list.
Here’s our guide to the best of the best, with something for everyone, from the most adrenaline-fuelled freeriders and snow lovers to families looking for lengthy cruisers with unforgettable views.
Best of all, they can all be accessed through just the one lift pass, which gives you access across the entire Arlberg.
The Run of Fame
This is the ski circuit to beat them all – an 85-km route across the Arlberg, Flexen and Hochtannberg mountain pass, covering 18,000 metres of altitude. It’s called the ‘Run of Fame’ as it’s dedicated to all the ski pioneers, sports and movie stars who have made their way down the snowy slopes and left their tracks in the snow of the Arlberg.
If you’re feeling mega ambitious, you might be able to tick this one off in just a day. Or you can take your time and conquer it over a few days, kicking your feet up in the dedicated Run of Fame lounges along the way.
St. Anton to St. Christoph
Ready to cruise? The route from St. Anton to St. Christoph is a classic, with well-maintained pistes that cater to a range of skill levels, and a mix of groomers and off-piste sections to make everyone in the family happy.
When you’re done, the charming village of St. Christoph is a great place to take a break and enjoy some local cuisine. That’s the best thing about the Arlberg – the area happens to have Austria’s highest density of award-winning restaurants relative to its population, with many of the restaurants only accessible by skis. The cuisine (cheese spätzles, wiener schnitzels and apple strudel, anyone?) is prepared with regional products and local wines, so you can really enjoy your meal before getting back out on the slopes.
Langer Zug, Lech
You’ll need your wits about you for this 4.7km run. Why? Because the steepest section boasts an 80 gradient pitch, one of the steepest groomed runs in the world. So prepare for shaky knees and serious boasting rights once you’ve got down in one piece.
Der Weiße Ring (The White Ring)
Warm up those ski legs again – they’re going to need it to cover the 22km of terrain of this circuit, which takes skiers through Lech, Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech.
While not technically just one run, it’s well-known as ‘The White Ring’ for combining several different runs and lifts to cover many highlights of the region in an effective way. You’ll experience all the diversity of the Arlberg’s terrain with plenty of gorgeous sights along the way, starting at the Rüfikopf mountain gondola and ending at the Kriegeralpe Alpine Hut.
This lap is so well-known, there’s even an annual race for who can ski the 22km fastest – keep an eye out for it if you’re visiting in January.
Valluga North Face, St. Anton
Hannes Schneider founded Austria’s first ski school in St. Anton all the way back in 1921, and ever since, ski instructors and guides have been taking skiers and boarders through the region to discover the thrills to be had.
This is a run so advanced, you’re going to need one of those instructors or guides. It’s full of off-piste thrills for advanced and expert skiers, and the untouched powder and dramatic scenery make it an unforgettable adventure.
