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Austrian Arlberg
By Dee Dee McKinney
Photographs by Fred McKinney
The Arlberg, a state nestled high in the Austrian Alps, has been a mecca for
skiers since the mid-18th century. There are five main villages which make
up the Arlberg ski region: St. Anton, Lech, Zuers, St. Christof and Stuben.
Skiers looking for large “powder” fields will find the slopes--most of which
are above timberline--hard to beat anywhere! The groomed and manicured
slopes are immaculate.
But there’s more. While many skiers consider the Arlberg to be the ski
capital of Europe, the region offers ample opportunities to experience the
age-old charms of Austria. The five villages of various sizes pepper the
mountain valleys, offering comfortable accommodations in alpine Inns,
excellent food in the restaurants and so many other activities that even
dawn-to dusk skiers end up experiencing a compete ski vacation, not just an
endless ski tour.
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The villages are interconnected by ski lifts,
trails, cable cars and mountain roads that offer taxi or ski bus
access to each of the villages. Within 10 minutes, you can travel
from the 300 year old village of Stuben, with its fewer than a
hundred year-round residents and a handful of hotels and
restaurants, to the world renowned mega resort of St. Anton.
Just over this awesome mountain ridge from St. Anton is the quaint
and fashionable ski towns of Lech, Zürs and St. Christoph. Skiing
with a Austrian mountain guide from St Anton allows access to a 4
passenger gondola to the top of the world famed Valuga mountain
peak. From there, through steep descents, you can ski back to Zürs
and Lech and even continue to Stuben and St. Christoph.
Zürs and Lech are known for their 4 and 5 star hotels, which many
rich and famous seek out for their winter holidays. British,
Monaco and Dutch royalty are often spotted either skiing or
walking the narrow streets in these villages. Small restaurants
and bars are found next to sparkling hotels. People in a variety
of alpine dress mingle with those in fashionable skiwear. |
At noon, everyone takes a break. Some shops close for the lunch hour.
Visitors and locals alike bask in the surprising warm sunshine and lunch on
grilled meats, hearty soups, cheeses, bread and local Austrian wines. Then
for many it's back to the slopes until dusk. And that's when tourists
experience the real thrill of being in a Austrian ski village! Hearty food
is followed by beautiful alpine music and hours are spent sipping local
spirits around roaring fireplaces and meeting people from virtually all
parts of the world! Friendships are often developed within these settings
that can continue and last a lifetime.
At the end of the day, skiers and vacationers reflect on their ski day with
old and new friends and often do a final toast to being in their own
Austrian Ski Village!
The Arlberg region offers 2-stat hotels and guest zimmers for modest budget
minded skiers, to the elegance of famed 4 and 5 star hotels. Either way,
everyone skis the same wonderful slopes and powder, all experiencing
Austrian culture on a trip that makes lifetime memories!
For more information on Austria:
Austrian Tourist Office
http://www.austria.info/us
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*(click on thumbnail for larger image) |
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