The Ski Resort
St Anton is quite rightly a real mecca for extreme skiers and would certainly be in any Chalet Ski European top 5 luxury ski resorts. On the piste its a fabulous ski area for intermediate and advanced skiers, off-piste it simply world class. The Valluga a particular favourite after a big dump of snow and even without fresh powder, it has to be one of the best mogul runs you will ski.
Despite its world famous skiing, St Anton is probably even more famous for its apres-ski that starts on the way down before you even get off the slopes. Whilst some ski resorts carry on into the small hours of the morning, St Anton takes it a step further and at best stops for an hour just to set up breakfast!
Worth Knowing
Situated in the Arlberg region, St Anton has one of the best snow records in the Alps. Whilst its resort height is not in the 3,000m ski resort category, it is one of the highest peaks in this region.
On the way home, do not forget to call in at the Mooserwirt for probably the most famous apres-ski bar on the mountain!
The Rodel Hutte used to be the place to apres-ski on the slopes down but but nowadays its reputation is for fine food and a great lunch stop or for the more adventurous, the place to go on the staff night off.
St Anton is part of the Arlberg ski area and you can also ski Lech and Zurs using the local bus service. Lech is regularly skied by Royals including the British Royal family.
Off Piste Skiing
Some of the best in the world. The Valluga is one of the most popular with a great drop in to Zurs, but not for the faint hearted.
The Rendl is a level or two below and unless you are in to extreme skiing, probably the better option. Being amongst trees, Rendl is also great on a white out day.
The Galzig is another area that is a favourite for first tracks after a dump whilst the Valluga is made safe (avalanche risk clearance), but you will not I am afraid be the only one on the lift.
Last but not least is the moguls on the Schindler. The start is particular steep, and deceptive in comparison to a distant view! Nevertheless, once through the first sections the options are limitless and varied in terms of technicality - you just might need a good masseur at the bottom!
Ski School
Primarily there are 2 ski schools in St Anton, the Ski School Arlberg and the Ski School St Anton. Both offer group, private and day long lessons for all ages and ability levels with professional bilingual instructors. Mountain guides, freestyle and off piste powder lessons are also available.
Other ski schools are the St Anton Classic and Ski and Snowboard School Alpine Faszination.
Pros
Fantastic Skiing
Outstanding off-piste
Legendary apres-ski
Great mountain restaurants
Cons
Not for the faint hearted
Hangovers each morning
Not ideal for beginners
Ski Resort Map
Ski Piste Map
Getting Around the Ski Resort
St Anton, Lech and Zurs are well linked by the ski bus system. Most ski chalets in St Anton are within 10 or 15 minutes walk from the town centre, and 5 to 10 minutes walk maximum from the lifts. Vehicles are therefore rarely necessary.
Activities Outdoor
Being St Anton, I guess the Mooserwirt is nearly an activity, a great apres-ski bar on the slopes just above St Anton!
But its not just a party resort with ice skating, tobogganing, sleigh rides, curling, ten pin bowling to name just a few of the options away from the drinking!