Skiing5 min
Ski Pass & Ski Area
From bed to slopes. 305km of skiing at your doorstep.
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Discover the Arlberg
Lech Guide
Your insider's guide to the most beautiful corner of the Austrian Alps
The Guide
The Guide to Lech am Arlberg
This guide is our travel guide to Lech am Arlberg, written by hosts who live here. It explains the ski area and the lift pass, walks through 23 huts, tells the story of the place from the Walser settlers to the first ski school in the world, and follows summer from hiking trail to river.
The guide grows as a magazine: every article belongs to one of our worlds, and every world has its own entrance page. If you prefer to browse, all articles appear below as tiles, filtered by season.
The Worlds
WinterSki area, ski schools, White Ring and mountain dining.SummerHiking, biking, fly fishing and alpine flora from the Zugertal.CulinaryRestaurant, 72 hour dough, producers and huts.
Start Here
The CradleHow the Arlberg invented skiing.Hut Guide23 huts in Lech and Zürs, with location and kitchen.Getting HereThe way to Lech and Zug, by car, rail or transfer.WeatherCurrent conditions in Lech and Zug.
The guide begins where you stay: six suites in the hamlet of Zug.
Stay in ZugSkiing6 min
Ski Schools & Guides
Your personal gateway to the snow. 11 schools. 1,000+ instructors.
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Insight15 min
The Alpine Advantage
Why Europe leads global skiing. A data-driven analysis.
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Skiing10 min
The White Ring
A myth of rock, snow, and vision. 22km. 5,500m elevation.
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History12 min
The Cradle
1894. A priest. Two wooden planks. The Arlberg wasn't a playground.
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Dining6 min
Mountain Hut Gastronomy
From rustic Kaiserschmarrn to gourmet Alpine cuisine.
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"The mountains are calling and I must go."— John Muir
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Alpine Insights
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How large is the Ski Arlberg area?
Ski Arlberg is the largest interconnected ski area in Austria with 305 km of slopes. It connects the resorts of Lech, Zuers, St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Warth and Schroecken.
What is the White Ring?
The White Ring is a legendary ski circuit of 22 km with 5,500 meters of elevation, connecting Lech, Zuers and Warth. It is one of the most famous ski circuits in the Alps.
What summer activities are available in Lech?
In summer, Lech am Arlberg offers an extensive hiking trail network, mountain biking, alpine flora exploration (over 1,116 plant species), mountain hut gastronomy, golf and cultural events.
How do I get from BALMA to the ski slopes?
BALMA offers direct ski-in/ski-out access. The Zuger Bergbahn lift station is just a 2-minute walk from the hotel.
Where can I buy a ski pass?
Ski passes are available at the Zuger Bergbahn lift station a 2-minute walk away and online through the Ski Arlberg webshop. To arrange it in advance, call +43 5583 2757 or write to hello@balma.at.