Lech

Part of the Arlberg ski area, which includes neighboring St Anton, its reliability for both skiing and snow is superb. Notwithstanding a moderate altitude of 1,450 m, the resort gets some of its French rivals about twice as much water. With swanky hotels, glamorous luxury chalets and glitzy designer boutiques and stores, the elegant, car-free town center is packed to the max.

The 2016/17 winter saw the launch of four new lifts linking Lech to St Anton and Zurs so the ski area is competitive. On these slopes crowds and queues are a rarity with Lech being the front runner in Europe to limit the number of day passes issued at peak holiday times to 40,000 a day. There is enough for all here; gentler blue runs around Oberlech on the sunshine side of the range, or the more difficult slopes of the 2.377 m Zuger Hochlicht are for more experienced skiers. In addition, there is a highly rated terrain park which further strengthens the diversity of the slopes.

There’s also a possibility for heli-skiing for the ultra-ambitious, an opportunity exclusive to Lech-Zurs because it’s the only destination in Austria that provides this.

Lech encapsulates design, beauty and elegance with its beautiful architecture. For decades, the conventional city remained the destination of choice for European royalty and one can understand why. This traditional town has retained its unique charm; the warm environment of Lech is unmistakable given the luxury on offer, particularly with the individual touch of the family run hotels. Come December, the Christmas markets hosted in Lech ‘s Church Square transform the city into more of a winter fairytale; there could not be a more fitting way to get into the spirit of Christmas.

Après-ski in Lech is more refined than neighboring St Anton; great wine menus and relaxed music are the order of the day here-the perfect indulgence after a long day of skiing. The one-of-a-kind exhibition, Amazing Gondolas, falls down on Lech every December. Cable cars are miniature theatres, and the top station includes light displays and animations on the white peaks. This unique thing is an incredible, not to be skipped encounter. However, the highlight of the winter season is undoubtedly ‘The White Ring,’ the world’s longest ski race. With up to 1,000 participants in this race, Lech is often booked at this time as a hive of activity, hotels and luxury chalets.