The Arlberg Snow Report 2025/2026 (Dec 3th - April 19th) Lift Tix Prices Page 1

A snowHead

@Langerzug, The images on Alpin Forum suggest decent snow on Madloch, unlikely to be any ice (especially if in the morning) but the comment about "sharks" might be more relevant. Sadly the Lech variant is still (officially) closed.

A snowHead

Thanks Langerzug. Word of warning for tomorrow to anyone coming to Lech. Big race around the Weiße Ring - 1000 competitors. Lots of slopes getting netting up today. Guessing some slopes closed tomorrow

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

So a quick Madloch report. At the top there was a cold wind (not unusual) and nice snow. However there were also many people, the run was very crowded, in parts unpleasantly so. The nice snow did not last too long and gradually more and more sharks and bare patches appeared. It was often better to go off to the side to avoid both the crowds and find better (if lumpy) snow cover. From the point where the run divides into the Zug & Lech directions (Lech definitely closed) the run became mainly polished hard snow with a few piles of softer snow. Most people (including me) were taking the path option on the first of the steeper pitches, as above the snow was no better but easier skiing. I did the second pitch but noticed someone who had taken the path option was in a heap after they had hit one of the posts holding up the fence and was being tended to by the piste patrol. All in all rather disappointing, I certainly wont be making an effort to go back this trip, it needs more snow and less people! Not recommended for less than competent skiers, take the bus!

Yes it will be closed, along with a number of other pistes & lifts, tomorrow morning for the Weiss Ring race

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My mate done the Madloch run this afternoon. Said it was hell - boilerplate most of the way down. And he skis absolutely anything so must be really crap for him to say that

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

On the Weisse Ring day, the lifts and pistes involved stay closed until approx. 12.30. Should be a quiet day (on the Lech/Zürs side) on pistes in general, daytrippers will be absent.
They also build a clever crossing bridge to pass the racing track on Petersboden to reach Schlegelkopf from the Oberlech pistes. (they did last year at least). Both Petersboden and Schlegelkopf can be used by non-Weiss Ring skiers, the racing track is separate.
All in all it's well organized, with little nuisance for non-competitors. In the afternoon all is gone.

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@boabski, I wouldnt describe it as "hell" though the crowds didnt help matters. The boilerplate was really only the last section below the junction with the Lech route above there it was pretty decent if rather thin snow. However currently it is not suitable for the nervous or inexperienced, there are warnings on various monitors on the lifts but I guess many people dont read those they just see a "run" back to Lech. Folk need to bear in mind that this is a ski route not a piste and so rocks, bare patches and hard snow are to be expected. Unless you want to tick it off get the bus.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Out for a long weekend next weekend, staying in Lech. Those who are out now where are the best conditions? Noting the comments above on the run back to lech!

After all it is free

I'd say most of the area in decent nic. 1700m and below is where there's a bit of freeze thaw going on but nothing that would put you off skiing all the way to bottom
Warth Side was in great condition yesterday

@wam15, Generally on piste conditions are good but there are some caveats. As noted above Madloch (which isnt a piste) is somewhat challenging. Lech has a mix of nice skiing and closed pistes (I guess because of wind scouring). There were some hard patches at Zürs on the eastern side of the road first thing yesterday but otherwise really nice pistes. St Anton is good all round though the race black at Kapall is partly closed and the Mattun bowl is also closed. Also bear in mind that there is no new snow in the forecast so conditions will deteriorate over time.

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Folks be careful out there .. The snowpak can release anywhere at anytime .

Yesterday around e valley in -Ischgl by Pardatschgratbahn a vicitim was recovered from a large slide .
The Avalanche happened on Thursday but the Hotel raised the alarm on Friday morning when the guest did not appear and ski's were not in the ski room .

Considerable avalanche danger in Tyrol

In some parts of Tyrol there was a considerable avalanche danger yesterday (Friday) - Warnning level 3. According to the avalanche warning service, there is an old snow problem. As before, individual persons can easily trigger avalanches.
Cracks and settlement noises continue to be reported in large numbers and indicate the danger.
Remote triggering is also still possible.

In the regions with less snow, there is a wind slab problem, the country's avalanche experts emphasise.
The wind slabs are easy to release, but also easy to recognise.

http://youtube.com/v/ISnq2QjO3WU?

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At least 5 skiers dead, 8 buried, in slides today across Austria.

It's turning into one of the worst avvy seasons for Europe this century.

snow reports

Thought it worth posting a review of two people in St Anton who provided excellent service.

First Roland at Jennewein Sports, contrary to some reports Jeff is still there, he just doesnt work every day. I have been having ongoing boot issues for the past few years, had almost got there but not quite. I had the comfort bit but my heel was not secure. I had come to the conclusion that a new pair of boots was the answer. I wandered into Jennewein Sports, spotted the ones I thought I wanted, asked to speak to Jeff (given all the glowing reviews here) to be told he wasnt in that day and what did I want? I explained the issue to Roland who took a quick look at my feet and said he didnt think I needed new boots just the existing ones sorted. I was sent off to get them. Once I returned, some measurements were taken and after a bit of head scratching, Roland said I had been sold the wrong size boots! This was a bit of a surprise but it was difficult to argue, the foot measure clearly showed 27.5 not 28. I was a bit concerned about reducing the size as I had found ski boots that were both comfortable and I could easily take off but Roland reassured me that he could sort any issues and so I did end up buying a new pair of boots they were just the same model (Nordica HF110). Various bits of tape with magnets attached were stuck onto my socks and the various pressure points marked on the outside of the boots. I was told to come back at 09:00 the following morning to pick up the boots and told that if there were any further problems at any time to simply come back. The boots did fit properly, there were now Jennewein's own foot beds, rubber inserts had been fixed on above the heel and slightly higher up (I have narrow calves), so absolutely no heel lift. After a day's skiing there was an issue with my big toe rubbing on the left foot (possibly why the previous ones had been bigger) but I went back on my arrival in St Anton (nearly a month after buying them) and there was no issue getting that sorted, Roland didnt even want to look at the receipt, they were ready for collection at 08:30 the next morning. Absolutely top service from someone who really knows about fitting boots (it must be said that all of the team there seem very good).

Secondly Kev Robinson who works for the Arlberg Classic ski school. A very long time (around 40 years!) since I have been anywhere near ski school! However given the inevitability of not being either as strong or as fit as I was which I am sure covered up various flaws with my skiing technique and possibly a bit inspired by some of the reports here of PIPAU etc, I thought I would try having someone look at my skiing and make some suggestions as to what I could do to make it better. I noticed a recommendation (@ld,) above for an instructor, Kev Robinson, who seemed to fit what I wanted, so I booked a morning's tuition/coaching. Kev, though a good few years younger than me, would seem to fit the age profile of many here. He is a Brit, a long time St Anton seasonaire who has managed to wrangle Austrian residency and now works the winter season as an instructor. He has a background in the military and was, until recently, an Army PT instructor. After observing me ski and claiming that I skied well (which I am sure was flattery!) he pointed out various flaws. We then did various exercises to give me some pointers to curing me of bad habits, though I dont think I am ever going to make a one legged skier! There is clearly a limit of what can be done in 3 hours of tuition but I certainly feel my skiing technique is a good deal better than it was. I thought Kev was excellent teacher, he is clearly someone who is dedicated to improving his own skiing technique and that comes across very much in his teaching methods, he is most definitely not a member of the "follow me" school of instruction. I can highly recommend Kev for anyone who is looking for supportive coaching and a conscientious instructor.

You know it makes sense.

First day staying in Lech today, here for the week.

Skiid directly above the town all day, beautiful blue skies over hard packed but decent piste conditions. A lot of traffic today on piste, hoping that calms down during next week.

Can anyone confirm that the bus to St Anton is free for skiers?

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

@fox15, When I was there on Friday Lech seemed to be much busier than St Anton (which surprisingly was not busy today). The Lech ski buses to Zürs (for the Flexenbahn to St Anton) are free but the buses to St Anton are not free as they are normal public transport. The cost is pretty small (€4?) and you pay by card. Skis / boards must be placed in the carrier at the rear of the bus. Last one back from St Anton is about 18:30 (check!!) so late enough for a few beers in the Moose / KK.

A snowHead

@fox15, as mentioned above you need to pay.
They have a 24 hrs tagesticket which is €9, useful for a return trip.
One way is around 6.20, I believe.
@munich_irish, thanks for your recommendations

A snowHead

A short report on the past few days in the Arlberg. A bit longer than my usual weekend trip, which was pleasant.

The trains are currently not good, OEBB are replacing a bridge between Innsbruck & Jenbach so many trains are being replaced by buses on that bit and this is causing delays to many trains. Should be fixed by the end of the month.

Generally on piste conditions were good, the cold weather has been preserving the snow though there is the odd hard patch. In St Anton the very top part of the Kapall race black is closed through lack of snow (south facing aspect) but is open from the junction with the blue track, lower down it does have some harder patches. Kandahar is decent, no moguls in evidence. The last section of Platti is open despite what is shown on the piste map and is, as ever, a nicer & quieter ski than the home run past the KK & Moose. Schindler was open but had not been groomed for a while, on Thursday it was a field of soft moguls, by Saturday these had grown into pretty large though still soft moguls, this is much harder than the normal semi pisted track and not advised unless you are a confident mogul skier, the exit has also been changed, pretty much a piste to the skiers left of the previous exit track. Zürs was nice too, though, as above, Madloch is not really worth the effort and a good chance your skis will need servicing! Lech was a mixture of nice snow and closed pistes (I suspect wind scouring has been an issue). Furkawang was open but from what I could see had many bare patches and was a dubious ski. I didnt make it over to Warth. St Anton was pleasantly crowd free, even though there were fair queues for the Galzigbahn first thing, Zürs too was fairly quiet but the crowds came out for Madloch and (as noted above) in Lech.

Giggls bar under the Post has been replaced by a "Kaffee und Kuchen" spot, same people who have the place in Pettneu. I was a bit dubious but it is actually nice. They serve Augustiner beer too (which seems to be available in many of the bars). It works for a post ski coffee and cake, a quiet beer or a place suitable for groups who want different things. Only minor issue is that it would be good if it opened at 08:00 as a breakfast spot. I am sure the TVB & Gemeinde will be happy, one less bar, a more "upmarket" spot directly opposite the town hall!

Looking down Täli (with added finger!)

A windy Madlochjoch (not sure the crowds at the top of the schuss are apparent)

Crowds lower down

Top of Valfagehr

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

@munich_irish, you're showing a picture of the Madloch junction. It's a spot where people are always waiting, as in your picture. Crowds do not come for Madloch. They are on their way to lunch in Oberlech.

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@Langerzug, Well they certainly came on Friday it was unpleasantly overcrowded, as were many of the ski buses. Lech is very popular at the moment.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Any lunch favorites these days? Be there in a week and a half. First time back in 10 years and looking forward to it. A bit bummed the snow pack looks frightening for off-piste, but it's pretty bad in much of the US at this point also.

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@comish, the Ulmerhütte mountain restaurant is my favourite for a sunny day.
Goulash soup and I ask for the Currywurst sausage but without curry and uncut, just with mustard.
Salome in Oberlech has a self service restaurant, useful when cold.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Madloch official status was "steinig" yesterday, but what's new. Swallowed pride and preserved skis by getting the direct anton-lech bus instead. Great if you're staying near the station. Lech always worth it for us just for the runs down the schlegelkopf - never fail to put a smile on your face. Those runs seem to be the best condition in all of Arlberg. Awesome ski back as always.

After all it is free

@comish, Some light snow seems to have crept into some of the forecasts, even if it happens wont be enough to fix the off piste though. The side piste is generally OK. There is some off piste, the guides are taking folk off the back of the Valluga etc though assume the various "secret powder stashes" are skied out by now. Cant help with lunch as I generally stick to a schiwasser & coffee. Been some poor feedback of the spots at St Christoph. Lech & Zürs better if you want sit down lunch.

Apologies for this dumb question but how do I ski from Lech to St. Anton?
Do I get to Zurs (was there yesterday), then take Trittkopf 1, then Flexen gondola down to Alpe Rauz where I can get Valfagehr up?

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snow reports

@halfhand, To ski between Lech & St Anton, you first take the Rufikopfbahn from the centre of Lech, then ski down to the Schüttboden drag (there is a short cut to avoid this is you have an aversion to drag lifts), then to the Trittalp chair and ski down to Zürs. Here you take the Trittkopfbahn (make sure you follow the signs for St Anton), at the mid station get out and cross over to the Flexenbahn. At the bottom you need to take the very short walk to the Valfagehrbahn (for some reason have to touch out of the Flexenbahn). Then all the way down Happy Valley to St Anton. Its a fair amount of faff and if your plan is to, say, ski Rendl, then maybe the bus is a better option in whole or part.

@munich_irish, thanks for this very clear explanation, much appreciated. I am indeed, toying with the idea of bus to St A. I'll see how I feel in the morning, cheers.

BTW, I had a day off today and wander around Lech with the OH. The town and the runs in to town seemed quite busy. On piste conditions are pretty good.

You know it makes sense.

Mid Season

We are now halfway through the meteorological winter. Where it remained dry for a long time in the French Alps after a snowy start in November, the snow depths returned to a normal level last week.

In Austria, Switzerland and especially the Dolomites it is very different. Snow depths in many regions are at less than 60% of the normal snow amount at this time of January:

Austria has had snow moments but no real nordstau !!!

Weather

The chance of snow for Austria is greatest from Sunday to Monday....Lets see..

Temperature , models looks good for coming days

Up to Thursday, high air pressure can still hold also moderately cold air .

After Thursday, the weather will become more changeable,

Friday, Hairdryer (Föhn) in the mountains & possibly some snow dust up high.

Saturday morning, a little more snow dust . The Freeze Level will be around 1000m. Hairdryer will be turned on again in the afternoon

Sunday will be Total Cloud Cover ... White Out Skiing Conditions all day

It will continue to cool down from day to day over the weekend and it will be cloudy the beginning of next week

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Over on the German Forum a regular contributor who works for the Lech Tourism Office has posted some nice photos for you all to look at,, Very Happy

https://www.alpinforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5490495#p5490495

Meanwhile the real stuff Very Happy

http://youtube.com/v/i2OC51uiRKI?

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Thanks to @munich_irish, directions and, of course the piste map, I had a good day yesterday. Made Lech to St. Anton in1hr 40mins. Played around Gampen runs and Rendl then up to Valluga and back to Zurs from where I took the bus back to Lech. I was tempted by Madloch run to Lech but several opinions I sought all said the run was in a poor state so I gave it a miss. The pistes generally though were in pretty good condition but I think the whole area needs more snow.

A snowHead

Got here yesterday skied above Lech yesterday afternoon pistes generally good but getting pretty cut up as later in the afternoon.

Went to warth this morning had multiple runs under the Salober jet chair. Blacks there have had the best conditions so far. Did Ski route 301 as well surpsingly soft chalky snow but did hit a rock and take a divot out the bottom of my skis.

Went over to Zurs after lunch and snow.ober there seemed a bit better than Lech but hard to tell given it was getting on a bit and pretty scraped.

I did take Madloch back and am glad I was on rentals. Top 1/4 is in pretty good condition. Then there is a very rocky section especially on the traverse. Then the bottom is very icy.

I will say people seem to finish early. Both days after 3 it got very quiet!

A snowHead

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Just ending a week staying in Lech, quick piste report for those about to arrive-

As you’d expect considering the lack of recent snowfall, hard pack pretty much everywhere across the region.

Avoid St Anton if possible, it’s dangerously busy and the slopes were chopped up and icy before mid day.

Pistes in Lech, Zurs and Warth were decent at the start of the week but deteriorated noticeably day by day. Still good fun but far from ideal.

Thanks everyone that’s contributed to this thread this season, your updates and tips leading up to our trip were very useful. Thanks in particular to Stanton for your weather and region updates

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Breaking,,,,Weaher

The daily temperatures are dropping, so next week there it will be moderate cold winter temperatures.

We may get some dandruff on Wednesday

Caution

Dandruff = Less than 30cms
Bootdust = Less than 50cms
Snorkel Skiing = 75++cm

PRAY FOR SNOW

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

In Zurs this morning snowing very lightly.

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Still snowing lightly in lech. Probably 2 cm on the balcony. Not enough to change the conditions but should make it all white assuming it keeps going overnight and tomorrow as forecast.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

5cm plus on the balcony this morning still lightly snowing.

After all it is free

Quadruple posting, hope thats ok. Skied above lech today great snow and its still snowing definitely heavier than forecast. Think tomorrow could be a good day, shame Im heading home this afternoon!

In lech now and its snowing pretty heavily.

Skied in St Anton this morning. Pistes are in good condition, as was the Schindlerkar Ski Route. Also did the Mattun Route which OK until the hut & then difficult largely due to the thin snow cover. The area was reasonably busy on the whole with good visibility. Am returning tomorrow & will provide an update.

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@Bergsteiger278, Is Mattun officially open? It looked very thin 10 days back, even more a route for hire skis than Madloch!

Help!!

The Arlberg Snow Report 2025/2026 (Dec 3th - April 19th) Lift Tix Prices Page 1

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