St. Anton am Arlberg “Cradle of Alpine skiing” is a snowy paradise of the highest calibre. A modern holiday resort that has retained its traditional appeal.

Introduction

Despite its standing as an internationally famous, cosmopolitan ski-resort, St Anton lacks the charm, visual appeal and air of friendly informality that one might expect to find in this alpine Public Transport. The resort has its enticements, though – namely the slopes on both sides and its long ski-season (owing to the proximity of the mountains, which also reduces the amount of sunshine it enjoys). Thanks to the Arlberg tunnel and a bypass (which set it comfortably away from, yet still within easy reach of, Austria's main E-to-W transport arteries), St Anton remains a fairly simple, quiet village, measuring only 1¼ mls NE to SW, and with only 1 main street; most of the action is confined to its pedestrianised area. The outlying districts of St Christoph and St Jakob form part of the wider community.

Public Transport

Free ski-shuttle bus to the main lift station (Galzig) from St Jakob, Nasserein, Mooserkreuz and around the village. Buses from the centre to St Christoph, Zurs and Lech. The railway runs E and W, with services to Innsbruck, Bregenz and Zurich.

Public Transport

Public Transport: In the extreme W of Austria, on the W edge of the Tyrol where it meets the province of Vorarlberg. 65 mls W of Innsbruck and its airport. 156 mls SW of Munich (Germany) and its airport. 125 mls E of Zurich (Switzerland) and its airport.

Position: Situated at the foot of the Arlberg Pass, at the top end of the narrow, steep-sided, 15-ml Stanzer Valley.

• Dialling Code: 5446
• Postcode: 6580
• Website: www.stantonamarlberg.com

Serving Airports

• Innsbruck (INN)
  • Flight time from the UK: 1 hr. 50 mins
• Zurich (ZRH)
  • Flight time from the UK: 1 hr. 30 mins

Market/Suitability

Middle to upmarket skiers of all ages. Adventurous skiers appreciate the vast network of challenging pistes and off-piste opportunities, but enthusiastic beginners are also well catered for. Those seeking lively apres-ski will not be too disappointed. More mature clientele in summer.

Skiing

Ski Lift/Ski School: Total of 83 lifts in the Arlberg ski-area covered by the "Ski Arlberg" lift pass; 41 lifts service St Anton and its environs, comprising 6 cable cars, 13 chair-lifts and 22 drag-lifts. Special passes for beginners, under 6s and over 80s. 2 ski-schools offer courses in skiing, snowboarding, guiding, touring and cross-country skiing; mainly English-language instruction. Kindergarten operates Sun to Fri for children over 2½ yrs. Special children's ski-school.

Altitude/Snow Quality: Village: 4,250 ft. Highest lifts: 9,100 ft. Long season from early Dec to late April with slopes facing all directions; snow-making facilities are available if needed. 118 mls of piste in the St Anton ski-area with easy access to the vast Arlberg ski-area covering St Anton, St Christoph, Stuben, Lech, Zurs and Sonnenkopf in Klostertal and boasting 275 mls of descents. Vast variety of runs, from easy to intermediate; advanced skiers have challenging moguls, steep black runs and good off-piste powder skiing; the longest run covers 6½ mls.

Shopping

Many ski-rental and sports-equipment shops with ski-storage facilities, mostly on the main street. Centrally located boutiques, souvenir shops and some supermarkets.

Entertainment

Daytime: a range of winter activities, including cross-country skiing, 2½-ml natural toboggan run from Rodelhutte, winter walking (9½ mls of cleared paths), sleigh rides, open-air ice-skating and curling rink; sports/spa centre with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and gym; 3 indoor tennis courts; squash court; bowling alley in Nasserein; history of skiing museum. In summer, mountain hiking, biking and climbing; golf; river-rafting and canyoning.

Nightlife: many discos, bars and pubs in the centre; Tyrolean evenings; regular live music at some hotels; floodlit skiing and tobogganing.

Eating Out

A wide variety, from pizzerias to haute cuisine; generally reasonably priced. Reservations necessary for big groups.

Accommodation

All budgets. From pensions and apartments to 5-star hotels. Many of the better establishments have their own leisure facilities.

Local Excursions

Half day: Liechtenstein; duty-free shopping at Samnaun (Switzerland). Full day: Bregenz and Lindau; Innsbruck sightseeing; St Moritz and Pontresina (Switzerland); Oberammergau (Germany).

Interested?

For more information on this ski resort, call us today on (028) 3832 3618, arrange a callback or email us.

Alternatively, if you would prefer we are very happy to see you in person at our new Travel Lounge, Lurgan. Visitors are advised to make an appointment with one of our specialist consultants.

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