As the winter sports season gets underway, Austria’s Vorarlberg region offers something
for everyone
If the new year has ignited your sense of adventure, and the lure of snow is tempting you to book a well-deserved trip, then look no further than Vorarlberg for a destination that truly offers something for everyone. Set in Austria’s westernmost corner, bordering Switzerland, Germany and Liechtenstein, the stunning backdrop of Vorarlberg offers amazing ski resorts, charming villages and an unrivalled selection of gastronomic treats that will truly make it a holiday to remember.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro on skis, Vorarlberg caters for all abilities with both gentle and demanding runs. There are plenty of ski schools and guides to nurture your talents, too. And thanks to its location on the northern rim of the Alps – some two-thirds of the region is situated more than 1,000m above sea level, while many resorts reach an altitude of 2,400m – there’s always plenty of fresh, natural snow. Stunningly picturesque, many will attest that taking the cable car to the summit is every bit as enjoyable as the journey back down on skis.
However, what really makes Vorarlberg so appealing is its regional ski pass networks, free ski buses and short distances between each resort. So every day you can explore and experience something new, all the while surrounded by pretty villages dotted with traditional wooden architecture and state-of-the-art contemporary designs.
No matter if skiing isn’t your cup of tea, though – the region offers a host of alternative activities, including snowshoe rambling, cross-country skiing and winter hiking, to take in the spectacular scenery and breathe deep the invigorating, crisp air. There are plenty of tours available including magical torch-lit evening hikes in Lech Zürs, night-time tobogganing in the Montafon valley, a snowshoe hike with accompanying gourmet picnic in Kleinwalsertal, or you could discover the vibrant cultural life in the towns of Bregenz, Dornbirn, Hohenems, Feldkirch and Bludenz.
After so much action, it’s inevitable that there will be hungry tummies in need of refuelling and there’s any number of eateries to explore, all with a side helping of scenic views. For an authentic taste of winter sports life, head to Trittkopf BBQ Station in Zürs – a converted mountain station that still boasts the old red cable car pulleys and offers a delicious selection of barbecued meats. Frööd, in Brand, is a carbon neutral restaurant that effortlessly combines contemporary design with energy efficiency and prides itself on serving regionally-sourced ingredients, while the Baumgarten Panorama Restaurant, in Bezau, really is something quite special with views extending down to Lake Constance.
Whether swooshing through fresh powder or simply enjoying the après-ski, a trip to Vorarlberg is sure to capture your heart and will leave you feeling revived, recharged, and raring to return.
For more information, visit austria.info or vorarlberg.travel/en
