Lech, Austria: The Very Best Ski Village in Europe

Surely you've heard the names. Courchevel, Gstaad, Lech and Chamonix. All sensational European destinations for skiing. All destinations for world-class skiers and winter sports elite. But, which village offers the best skiing experience on the European continent? Depends on what you're looking for. Some ski villages have great runs. Others have shorter waits for lifts and trams. Some are known for the deepest powder while others have great trails. Some European ski villages are better known for their "après-ski," or the sensational shopping, dining and clubbing that's available once you're off the slopes for the day. Some ski villages offer a wide variety of ski resort options. Others are far more exclusive, but world-class all the way. One thing is clear: all of these legendary European ski villages have quality snow, great village atmosphere, and selling points that keep skiers from around the globe coming back, time and time again.

Talk to skiers in the know and one European ski village shines brightest: Lech, Austria. True, this village doesn't have the 12-mile ski run that's made Chamonix a crowd favorite. Or, Courchevel's four-villages in one and awesome ski-jumping venue. Gstaad gets five stars just for the international jet set it attracts and its eco-friendly, car-free village. Still, Lech stands alone as an exclusive destination that's a favorite of both world class athletes and heads of state.

Why the star power? Very simple: Lech holds great appeal to skiers who expect great skiing, mountain views, and world-class amenities. Lech offers 110 kilometers of runs, 34 lifts, and short lines that only Lech can deliver. Why? Lech is a little different than some of these other European ski destinations. Only about 15,000 tickets are issued per day. This guarantees serious skiers and ski families alike short lift lines and priority skiing for local hotel guests.

The slopes around Lech are incredible and meticulously groomed. What's so special about Lech Alpine ski area? Book your flight. Reserve a room or suite at one of these fine Alpine ski hotels and lodges, and you'll soon find out why Lech is the very best European Alpine ski village around.

Hotel Arlberg
www.arlberghotel.at
A-6764 Lech am Arlberg Vorarlberg/Austria
Telephone +43 5583/2134-0
E-mail: info@arlberghotel.at
Prices: From $248 (Euros). Discounts and packages available.

Hotel Arlberg is a great property, with comfortable and spacious rooms, suites and apartments, nicely furnished with updated amenities. After a day on the slopes, relax in the outdoor whirlpool surrounded by gorgeous mountain views. Or, maybe you'd prefer to unwind in the indoor swimming pool, steam bath, solarium or Finnish sauna and complete with a massage? Après-ski, you might want to check out the hotel's fine dining, traditional eats or club. The Hotel Arlberg is situated in the middle of Lech, not far from the village centre. You'll agree: Hotel Arlberg is a great choice, and an elegant family-run hotel with spectacular mountain views and world-class skiing.

Hotel Kristiania
www.kristiania.at
Kristiania Lech Omesberg 331 6764
Lech am Arlberg Austria
Telephone +43 5583 25610
Prices: Golden ski escape, from $490 per night (Euro). Discounts and packages available.

Located in Lech, Hotel Kristiania is a great property, with a modern touch. Guest rooms are punctuated by original antiques and contemporary art and overlook either the village of Lech or have beautiful mountain views. Sensational international cuisine and fine dining. Families with children welcome. Check out Hotel Kristiania, steps away from a great ski destination and European ski village. 30 rooms of pure Austrian charm.

Romantik Hotel Krone
www.romantikhotelkrone-lech.at
Lech, Austria
email@romantikhotelkrone-lech.at
Telephone +43 (0) 5583/2551
Prices from $195 per night (Euros). Discounts and packages available.

Here's a hotel property with all the charm of a traditional alpine lodge, combined with the bells and whistles of a world class spa. This 18th-century alpine inn serves as a gateway to the famous Arlberg ski area, with its 260km of powder slopes and 88 lifts. Most of the large, comfortable rooms and spacious apartments have balconies and updated facilities. Off the slopes, check out Aqua Castle where you can swim, steam and sauna, and use the world class fitness facilities. Complex includes Krone Spa & Beauty Centre, where guests can schedule massages and rejuvenating skin care treatments. In the mood for fine dining? Romantik offers both International cuisine and local Tyrolean specialities in two of its on site restaurants. Who can resist the Romantik Hotel with the world famous Arlberg ski area at your doorstep? A great Lech ski village hotel.

Hotel Austria
www.hotelaustria.com/en
Familie Georg Strolz
A 6764 Lech am Arlberg
Telephone +43 5583 2382
Prices from $178 (Euros) per night. Discounts and packages available.

30 hotel rooms, 23 apartments and 1 chalet where guests in the apartments can also enjoy all amenities of a hotel. Beautifully equipped and decorated rooms, great cuisine. A nice hotel option in a winter wonderland. European ski destination.

Resources

Ski Europe
www.ski-europe.com

Skiing the Alps
www.skiingthealps.com/

Ski Holidays - Europe
www.europe-mountains.com

Sharples, Pat and Webb, Vanessa. Top 50 Ski and Snowboard Resorts in Europe 2008-2009.

Barr, Matt and Le Breton, Gabriella. Skiing Europe: Tread Your Own Path (Footprint Handbooks, 2009).

Porter, Darwin and Prince, Danforth. Frommer's Austria (Fromers, 2009).