Hi Snowheads
We're a "late starter" couple, excited to be going to St Anton on 14 December, having skiied for three weeks previously (Rauris, Zell am Zee, Hintertux) so consider ourselves early intermediates.
Hoping to start with nice easy blues working towards middling reds.
Looks like Nassarein, St Christoph, Rendl and Lech might be good to get our ski legs.
Assuming lifts are open by then, does that sound like a good plan?
Any other suggestions, especially for not-too-challenging reds, would be most welcome.
Thanks!
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
We went to St Anton a couple of years ago and got a lot of new snow. My intermediate mates on skis found the area pretty challenging. I had a whale of a time on my snowboard.
Everybody really enjoyed the day we spent at Lech, it's definitely more easy going.
My memory of the trip is pretty hazy as we fully enjoyed St Anton's other famous attributes.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@Skibuggers, Not sure you have made an ideal choice, in my opinion St Anton / Arlberg is the best ski area in the eastern alps but it will still be early season and so some places might not be open. It does seems as if snow is on the way in the next few days so that should help with conditions. Rendl doesnt usually open until the weekend before Christmas so might be closed when you are there otherwise it would be worth a visit. The long red back to the village is the best run in poor weather - there is a short steepish pitch just above the hut near the end but it really is not that difficult in decent snow. Kapall has some nice runs, usually good snow on the runs down to the drag lift, probably best keep off the black if you are concerned about "steep" (it isnt that bad) though the sections shared with the red run are fine. The various blues & reds down from Gampen should all be fine they can get mogully and chopped up in spring conditions doubt that will be an issue here. Galzig has a wide easy blue usually popular with the ski school. The blues to St Christoph & Arlenmädher are straight forward. The long blue from the Ulmer hut down to Alpe Rauz can be great though can get busy and moguled in peak season. The runs at Stuben are good though the reds do deserve that grading.
I know not everyone agrees but would suggest you get the 08:40 bus from the train station to Zürs, it will get you there just after 9 (bus is a Postbus so costs a few Euros). No hope of doing that getting the lifts and skiing. Choose a sunny day and the runs under the Zürserseebahn & Seekopfbahn usually provide perfect piste skiing in the morning sun a joy first thing. I am less enamoured with the runs on the east side of the road but a number of blues and reds there. There is one run you should try, Zürsertäli accessed from the top of the Muggengratbahn. It is a great red run with beautiful views and a little restaurant - Flexenhäusl, hidden away at the end (usually need to book). After a short track under some cliffs there is a short steep pitch which you might find a bit challenging but the snow is usually good and the rest of the run straight forward, worth pushing yourself to take the plunge.
To get to Lech you will need to take a shuttle bus from Zürs (lift back to St Anton) as the linking ski route will not be open, usually every 10 minutes and doesnt take long. Lots of blues and easy reds, possible to also get over to Warth again with plenty of easy skiing but watch the time as only linked by skis / lifts. Road is around 3 hours and a very expensive taxi! Depending on the time it might be better to get the bus back to St Anton, it takes around 30 minutes or so to get from Zürs to the Ulmer hut from where you can ski back to St Anton but at this time of year it starts getting dark around 15:30 and when tired the run back can feel pretty long. Have a cocktail in Lech and get the bus!
@Skibuggers, some good information already given. You will indeed probably soon discover that in the central St.Anton-skiarea, it's gonna be hard to avoid challenging parts, even quite a few blue pistes have their bottlenecks. Rendl is much smoother, but you would be lucky if it's open in your week.
No need to worry though, after experiencing that, you will indeed find that Ski Arlberg also offers some of the most beautiful easy skiing in the whole world in the Lech-Oberlech-Warth area.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
A video of someone skiing Zürsertäli http://youtube.com/v/ahL8Nb5vz14 he has various other runs from the Arlberg area so you can look to see which might suit you.
Brilliant, thanks everyone for the very helpful advice. Don't think we're quite ready for the red run in the video above
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
You really must do the Zusertali run. It is one of the best in the area. The steep pitch at the beginning is wide and if you can side slip, then swallow your pride and do this for the first 100m until it flattens out a bit. The rest of it is a beautiful blue run. It is simply a stunning "middle of nowhere" run with astonishing views.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Sfellows wrote:
You really must do the Zusertali run. It is one of the best in the area. The steep pitch at the beginning is wide and if you can side slip, then swallow your pride and do this for the first 100m until it flattens out a bit. The rest of it is a beautiful blue run. It is simply a stunning "middle of nowhere" run with astonishing views.
Haha, thanks. Maybe later in the week then Hoping the first bit's not as scary as it looks!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Normally averse to the buses, we found the bus journey from St Anton to Zurs/Lech short and buses ten-a-penny. Lots of flattering runs there for you guys.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Hmm... Rendl is probably ok and a bit of Kappl but getting over to Alpe Rauz for Lech involves a nasty overly busy run and I'd advise avoiding Galzig because of the return runs.
Bus round sounds the best option if not prepared to dice with the hordes.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Dave of the Marmottes wrote:
Hmm... Rendl is probably ok and a bit of Kappl but getting over to Alpe Rauz for Lech involves a nasty overly busy run and I'd advise avoiding Galzig because of the return runs.
Bus round sounds the best option if not prepared to dice with the hordes.
Thanks, will take a look at the Alpe Rauz run. Hoped it would be pretty quiet 15-20 Dec?
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
With so many good options in Tyrol, why go to the most challenging and expensive one if you can't enjoy all its runs and need to carefully choose each turn in order to avoid a more demanding red?
Just to say 'Been there Done that'?
Better choose Ischgl et al for instance and come to the Arlberg when you are better equipped to ski from place to place and carelessly enjoy its amazing domain.
So many moguls on the home runs (except blue 55 when it's open), so many sudden closures of small lifts like Osthang forcing one to descend a mogulled ski route...
You will survive them of course but you'd rather wish to enjoy them all, me thinks...
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
drporat wrote:
With so many good options in Tyrol, why go to the most challenging and expensive one if you can't enjoy all its runs and need to carefully choose each turn in order to avoid a more demanding red?
Just to say 'Been there Done that'?
Better choose Ischgl et al for instance and come to the Arlberg when you are better equipped to ski from place to place and carelessly enjoy its amazing domain.
So many moguls on the home runs (except blue 55 when it's open), so many sudden closures of small lifts like Osthang forcing one to descend a mogulled ski route...
You will survive them of course but you'd rather wish to enjoy them all, me thinks...
Thanks, I'll definitely have a look at Ishgl for next time. To be honest, we got a really cheap last minute deal in St Anton and saw it was snowing so that clinched it. Defs not ideal for our level but Im sure well have fun and are hoping to improve with a bit of challenge.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
@Skibuggers, from what you've written, St.Anton is not for you. It is a mecca for accomplished skiers and for posers, both of which you don't want any part of. Lech is perfect for you.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@Dave of the Marmottes, @drporat, the place will be very quiet in preChristmas weeks the hordes dont arrive until New Year. Dont have the inside info but Rendl doesnt usually open until the Saturday before Christmas ie 21st but they might be lucky and it opens on the 14th (I doubt it as before the 21st is officially low season with cheaper lift passes). The run down to Alpe Rauz is very good if it is quiet but agree that in peak weeks is best avoided after 10:30 unless you are a fan of endless moguls.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Scooter in Seattle wrote:
@Skibuggers, from what you've written, St.Anton is not for you. It is a mecca for accomplished skiers and for posers, both of which you don't want any part of. Lech is perfect for you.
If anywhere is full of posers it's Lech! But they're easy to avoid if you're skiing...
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Of all the reds in the Arlberg, Zursertalli is the one my daughter had a fit at the top and took much persuasion to get into. It would be my top one to avoid. There are blue options all round Gampen/Kapall so you’ll be fine there. Up Galzig, the piste map is terrible but there is a regulation blue route to Tanzboden and on down to Alpe Rauz. Albona gondola will take you to a very quiet couple of reds and a nice restaurant. The other way, it’s probably better to take 3 lifts in a row (Flexen, Tritt 1, Ubung) then ski whichever runs you like around Zurs. If you want to ski to Lech, take Madloch, there’s nothing too hard about it and it’s blue runs from the top of Zug into Lech.
There’s even blues all round Warth if you have time to get there. Make sure you are at least in Lech by lift closure. It’s an extremely long way round from Warth (many hours in a taxi) vs 30 mins on the bus from Lech back.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
And definitely take the Valluga cable cars up on a sunny day. Worth it for the view.
Of all the reds in the Arlberg, Zursertalli is the one my daughter had a fit at the top and took much persuasion to get into. It would be my top one to avoid. There are blue options all round Gampen/Kapall so you’ll be fine there. Up Galzig, the piste map is terrible but there is a regulation blue route to Tanzboden and on down to Alpe Rauz. Albona gondola will take you to a very quiet couple of reds and a nice restaurant. The other way, it’s probably better to take 3 lifts in a row (Flexen, Tritt 1, Ubung) then ski whichever runs you like around Zurs. If you want to ski to Lech, take Madloch, there’s nothing too hard about it and it’s blue runs from the top of Zug into Lech.
There’s even blues all round Warth if you have time to get there. Make sure you are at least in Lech by lift closure. It’s an extremely long way round from Warth (many hours in a taxi) vs 30 mins on the bus from Lech back.
Thanks so much, that's really helpful.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Skibuggers wrote:
what...snow wrote:
Of all the reds in the Arlberg, Zursertalli is the one my daughter had a fit at the top and took much persuasion to get into. It would be my top one to avoid. There are blue options all round Gampen/Kapall so you’ll be fine there. Up Galzig, the piste map is terrible but there is a regulation blue route to Tanzboden and on down to Alpe Rauz. Albona gondola will take you to a very quiet couple of reds and a nice restaurant. The other way, it’s probably better to take 3 lifts in a row (Flexen, Tritt 1, Ubung) then ski whichever runs you like around Zurs. If you want to ski to Lech, take Madloch, there’s nothing too hard about it and it’s blue runs from the top of Zug into Lech.
There’s even blues all round Warth if you have time to get there. Make sure you are at least in Lech by lift closure. It’s an extremely long way round from Warth (many hours in a taxi) vs 30 mins on the bus from Lech back.
Thanks so much, that's really helpful.
Highly doubt Madloch will be open by that week, so bus is your only way to get to Lech. Can ski back ok. But based on your skiing ability, it would take so much time, you wouldn't have much Lech, and certainly not Warth, time before having to head back. As others have said, just take the bus back and forth for Lech days.
Of all the reds in the Arlberg, Zursertalli is the one my daughter had a fit at the top and took much persuasion to get into. It would be my top one to avoid. There are blue options all round Gampen/Kapall so you’ll be fine there. Up Galzig, the piste map is terrible but there is a regulation blue route to Tanzboden and on down to Alpe Rauz. Albona gondola will take you to a very quiet couple of reds and a nice restaurant. The other way, it’s probably better to take 3 lifts in a row (Flexen, Tritt 1, Ubung) then ski whichever runs you like around Zurs. If you want to ski to Lech, take Madloch, there’s nothing too hard about it and it’s blue runs from the top of Zug into Lech.
There’s even blues all round Warth if you have time to get there. Make sure you are at least in Lech by lift closure. It’s an extremely long way round from Warth (many hours in a taxi) vs 30 mins on the bus from Lech back.
The chances of Madloch being open prior to Christmas is small and it is somewhat more difficult than Täli (though these things are often very subjective and snow condition dependent) there are the two pitches just above Zug steeper than the one at the top of Täli and usually with a good deal worse snow. Täli also has snow cannons to fill in any poor snow cover. That said I can see how the top section of Täli can feel somewhat intimidating with the cliffs behind and a bigger drop, the Madloch ones are often rather icy and lumpy which is technically more difficult.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
We did have the longer days of spring but I made it to Der Wolf for lunch (Petersboden lift) then an afternoon in Warth then back to Lech with an 11 and 12 year old. The 11 year old even had time to get in a strop because we skied a few blues in Warth. Lots of lifts interspersed with a few long runs though and you don’t want to take any diversions so bus is a perfectly reasonable option. It’s not just 3 lifts in a row on the way, it’s 3 in a row coming back from Zurs too! Once you get your head round it, it’s actually a bonus that you can take a short bus ride and then ski in a completely different area, then decide if you have time to ski home or get the bus.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Skibuggers wrote:
Hi Snowheads
We're a "late starter" couple, excited to be going to St Anton on 14 December, having skiied for three weeks previously (Rauris, Zell am Zee, Hintertux) so consider ourselves early intermediates.
Hoping to start with nice easy blues working towards middling reds.
Looks like Nassarein, St Christoph, Rendl and Lech might be good to get our ski legs.
Assuming lifts are open by then, does that sound like a good plan?
Any other suggestions, especially for not-too-challenging reds, would be most welcome.
Thanks!
I may see you there. I'm taking a school group for the week, with the first day skiing on the Sunday. Hopefully will not be too busy and they seem to be opening up a fair bit of the available piste already
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Many thanks everyone for your very helpful advice and suggestions. I hope to report back!
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Finger crossed you should have an awesome time in St Anton. It's a beautiful town with some epic skiing (and epic apres of course).
As the guys say, if you're finding the skiing in Anton itself a little limited or tricky, a day trip to the super-wide blue runs of Lech is well worth it. I often visit Anton with an intermediate friend who insists we do this.. and after I've finished grumbling about going, I must admit the are usually some of the best skiing days . If you have the patience, stay on the bus right into Lech, rather than a quick exit at Zurs.
Not sure if your deal includes transfers or your hiring a car, or indeed where your accomodation is. Some of the more bargain places might be a little be out of town in Nasserein or St Jakob. In which case the Lech bus could feel a bit out of reach. For me, I would drive to Lech if I could.. but if you don't have a car, then a great (and possibly quicker) option could be to ski to St Christoph and get the Lech bus from there.
Already jealous. Enjoy
(And get a ski refresher lesson if you can - best investment ever in your skiing fun.. and could help you get around the trickier runs in Anton)
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Thank you.
I’ve been to SA a few times. Love it all, but the mogul blacks later in the afternoon.
We are on a coach, but basically go where our instructors say.
If I follow our too group around, we’ll do some miles, so hopefully get to Leah and Zürs.
I’m lucky to be there a day before the school kids, so will get a good day in on Saturday.
Staying in Landeck, so 25 minute ride to SA each morning.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Landeck is just as good to ski in Ischgl if you feel like trying it. (Plus a couple of small resorts in between if they have enough snow).
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Hi all. Just a quick update. We had a great holiday in St Anton. I understand why people say it's not suitable for beginners, but as 4th week skiers we found plenty of blues to keep us entertained.
We particularly enjoyed the 26, 27, 31 from Gampen to St Anton/Nassarein skiing through the forest, the 100 down to the Flexenbahn, the 200 at Lech and the 180/185 from Rufikopf to Zurs. Piste 63 is a lovely easy blue from Galzig, great for a first day warm up and getting ski legs.
Loved Lech and Oberlech. We stuck to blues as they were a good level for us, often with some challenging bits. Actually bailed on a short blue 50 at Zurs as it was steep, narrow and busy, bad combo.
Weather was mostly good 14-21 Dec, a couple of blizzardy days with poor visibility. Beware of the 59 linking to 56 which became very narrow due to banked snow and many people (including me!) dropped off the edge due to poor visibility and piste marker being several feet outside the piste!
But plenty of snow and the rest of the week weather was perfect. Nice and quiet, so felt like a good time to visit for anyone easily intimidated.
Very pleased we didn't go to St Anton as beginners but 100% would recommend for our level.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
PS) Rendl gondola opened on Wednesday 18 Dec, so a week before Christmas. Nice blue pistes up top but chair lifts are ancient.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@Skibuggers, glad you had a good time. St Anton does have a good beginners area (next to the Gampen restaurant) it is the moving on from the bunny slopes that is the issue especially when it is crowded (see reports from today of badly behaved skiers causing accidents). Avoid the peak weeks and the Arlberg will reward those, at pretty much any level, who are prepared to push themselves a bit. If you go back you will have to try Täli .
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Skibuggers wrote:
Hi all. Just a quick update. We had a great holiday in St Anton. I understand why people say it's not suitable for beginners, but as 4th week skiers we found plenty of blues to keep us entertained.
We particularly enjoyed the 26, 27, 31 from Gampen to St Anton/Nassarein skiing through the forest, the 100 down to the Flexenbahn, the 200 at Lech and the 180/185 from Rufikopf to Zurs. Piste 63 is a lovely easy blue from Galzig, great for a first day warm up and getting ski legs.
Loved Lech and Oberlech. We stuck to blues as they were a good level for us, often with some challenging bits. Actually bailed on a short blue 50 at Zurs as it was steep, narrow and busy, bad combo.
Weather was mostly good 14-21 Dec, a couple of blizzardy days with poor visibility. Beware of the 59 linking to 56 which became very narrow due to banked snow and many people (including me!) dropped off the edge due to poor visibility and piste marker being several feet outside the piste!
But plenty of snow and the rest of the week weather was perfect. Nice and quiet, so felt like a good time to visit for anyone easily intimidated.
Very pleased we didn't go to St Anton as beginners but 100% would recommend for our level.
Sounds great.
Did you get the bus to/from Lech and Zurs?
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Yes, got the Postbus to Lech (changing at Zurs as not many direct buses) and skiied back to Zurs via Rufikopf, then bussed back from there. Day ticket was €9.80.
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
Hoping the first bit's not as scary as it looks!
. If you have the patience, stay on the bus right into Lech, rather than a quick exit at Zurs.
