I have a new crush I have to tell you all about. It’s name is Lech. Located in the Arlberg region of Austria this gem is gorgeous. Not only do I have a crush on this place, but I’m pretty infatuated with it. Directly after my visit to the ski hamlet Stuben I was once again on tour, which brought me over to the neighboring Arlberg village of Lech. My close ski friends had been building this place up to me. With their encouragement I set my standards high. Thankfully my mountain town expectations were met and then some! Lech is the perfect combo of natural beauty, european glitz and it’s an outdoor enthusiasts mecca. The skiing is epic here. Lech is connected to the rest of the Arlberg ski areas via the vast gondola and lift system.
Not only are the eye candy views spectacular, but the the shopping is spot on, the food amazing and the Aprés scene is alive and well! If you visit I just know you will fall in love with Lech too…
Where to Stay: Alpenland
While in Lech I stayed at the charming Hotel Alpenland. It’s just off the main street and a perfect place to go if you want some quiet romantic time. This is a boutique hotel that treats each guest with the utmost care. The vibe is mellow and calming. They recently added a modern spa that enhances tranquility of this space.
The furnishings and details around the hotel make you feel very much at home in the Alps.
Small details like these embroidered pillows add to the alpine charm. My room had a beautiful wrap around balcony with this view…
I could gaze at that all day long!
There are angel motifs throughout the hotel… so sweet.
The food at the hotel was gorgeous!
Breakfast was served buffet style…with lots of healthy, fresh and tasty offerings to keep this skier well fed.
Dinner was completely delicious! Every course showed off the Chef’s artistry in the kitchen using only the best ingredients. I dined by candlelight each night. The service was so elegant in their presentation of the courses. I felt like I was in a vintage film, every move precise and so perfectly executed. Nothing was rushed. It was wonderful to have these people spoil me with such delicious food and the offering of extra time to enjoy it.
To learn more about Alpenland, please email the hotel and check their website for more info & to book your stay.
The Skiing
Lech is well known around the world for it’s amazing pistes. There are so many options for on-piste terrain and the world opens up even more with the off-piste options. On powder days there are so many places you can go just off the lifts to farm some serious powder turns.
The villages of Lech, Oberlech and Zürs are connected to one another with a legendary ski circuit – the world-famous Weißer Ring (White Ring). On a clear day I recommend that you ski this path, it will take most of the day so start early!
Lech-Zürs is part of Ski Arlberg and is also connected by the Flexenbahn gondola with St. Anton, St. Christoph and Stuben. Over 300km of epic skiing is available to winter enthusiasts. My first day out was with a professional guide. I highly recommend you tour the are with someone first before going at it on your own. It can really help your overall experience in learning such a vast & diverse ski area.
You can call the Skischule Lech ahead of time to reserve your space.
Next time I am there I will take more time for the lunch scene in Oberlech. It’s a hot spot and only accessed by skis.
That’s where I met these sweet cows…
The Shopping
Lech has plenty of amazing boutiques to choose from for the intrepid shopper.
For ski/alpine inspired goodies Stroltz is the epicenter. There is even a wine bar on the premises should you need some liquid refreshment while shopping. Stroll around the streets and you will find many nuggets to charm you and your wallet!
How ridiculously cute is that ski gnome?! I wanted that navy Moncler puffy vest but they didn’t have it in my size. I’m on the mission now to hunt it down.
Another Moncler piece I fell in love with…a swoon worthy jacket!
In LOVE with Lech!
Here’s a few more images of this beautiful village. There are amazing architectural and historic details everywhere. At nighttime Lech sparkles…
The Torch Ski Show with presentations by the local ski schools and fireworks cannot be missed. Nothing like July 4th colors shining off of a blanket of snow!
You cannot get a bad angle on Lech, everywhere you look there are beautiful views.
The Aprés scene is super vibrant. Head to the Hotel Krone or across the street at Tannbergerof for some fun partying. Lech is a hopping village with so many amazing people. Quite the international scene.
Touch base with the Arlberg tourism board and Lech Zurs for more information on Lech and any of it’s neighbors. Also be sure to follow them on social media: Facebook Twitter and Instagram
