This Austrian alpine village transforms into a vibrant ski resort in winter, with 305 km of slopes. In summer, hikers and bikers explore mountain trails. Local bars buzz after dark.
St. Anton am Arlberg, a village in Austria's Tyrol region, is also a popular ski resort. In winter, you can ski or snowboard on over 300 km of slopes. During summer, you can hike mountain trails or go mountain biking. After a day on the slopes, you might join other visitors at bars like Mooserwirt or Krazy Kanguruh. The village has kept many of its old buildings, and you can try regional dishes in local restaurants.
Skiing and Snowboarding
St. Anton am Arlberg is part of Ski Arlberg, Austria's largest connected ski area. You have access to 305 km of marked slopes and 200 km of off-piste routes. The area suits different skill levels: 43% of runs are for beginners, 41% for intermediate skiers, and 16% for advanced skiers. If you like jumps and tricks, head to Stanton Park with its kickers, rails, and boxes. The ski season usually starts in early December and ends in late April. The area's high altitude helps maintain good snow conditions.
Summer Activities in the Alps
In summer, St. Anton becomes a base for hiking and mountain biking. You can choose from over 300 km of marked hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to difficult alpine routes. The Galzigbahn cable car runs in summer, taking you to high-altitude trails with wide views. For mountain biking, try the popular route to Konstanzer Hut via Lake Verwallsee. You can rent regular or electric bikes, and find charging stations throughout the area.
After-Ski Activities and Nightlife
St. Anton is known for its active after-ski scene. Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh are popular bars next to the slopes, often filling up quickly when the ski lifts close. People often dance on tables at these venues. In the village center, you'll find different types of bars and clubs. Some are cozy pubs, others are modern nightclubs. Remember that parties often start early in the afternoon and can continue late into the night.
Getting to St. Anton
You can reach St. Anton easily by train, plane, or car. The village has a train station with direct connections to cities like Innsbruck and Zurich. If you're flying, the closest airports are Innsbruck (95 km away), Friedrichshafen (130 km), and Zurich (196 km). You can take regular shuttle services from these airports to St. Anton. If you're driving, you'll find St. Anton just off the A14 motorway. Once you're in the village, you can walk to most places. A free bus service connects different parts of the resort.
Accommodation Options
St. Anton has many places to stay, fitting different budgets. You can choose from hotels with spas, guesthouses, apartments you can cook in, and chalets. Many hotels are run by families. If you want high-end facilities, consider the Tannenhof Hotel or Mooser Hotel. For less expensive options, look at pensions in nearby villages like Pettneu or Flirsch. It's a good idea to book early, especially if you're coming during the busy winter season.
Food and Local Dishes
In St. Anton, you can eat both traditional Tyrolean food and international dishes. On the slopes, mountain huts serve filling lunches and local specialties. At Verwallstube, located 2,085 meters high, you can have a gourmet meal with a view. In the village, you'll find casual and upscale restaurants. Try local dishes like Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) or Tiroler Gröstl (a hearty fried dish). For a special meal, book a table at Arlberg1800 in nearby St. Christoph, which is both a restaurant and a concert hall.
