Lech vs St Anton

Lech or St Anton? Which Arlberg resort is right for you?

Lech and St Anton both sit within the same ski area, but the experience they offer is very different. Both give access to Ski Arlberg, Austria’s largest linked ski area, with 300 km of marked pistes, 200 km of off-piste routes and 85 lifts.

Lech is usually the better choice for families with young children, mixed-ability groups and guests who want a quieter, more elegant base in the Arlberg. The resort gives easy access to Oberlech, Zürs, Zug and the wider Ski Arlberg area, while retaining a more discreet village atmosphere than St Anton.

St Anton is better suited to advanced skiers, confident intermediates, groups of friends and those who enjoy a spot of lively après-ski. It has direct rail access and some of the best-known off-piste terrain in Austria.

Skiing in the Arlberg

The Arlberg is one of Austria’s most impressive ski areas, linking St Anton, St Christoph, Stuben, Lech, Zürs, Warth and Schröcken. With 300 km of marked pistes and extensive off-piste terrain, it offers far more variety than St Anton and Lech's respective village sizes suggest.

Lech and Zürs are particularly good for guests who enjoy long, scenic days on well-prepared blue and red pistes. The skiing feels more open than St Anton, with plenty of terrain for families, confident beginners and intermediates who want to explore without every run feeling too demanding.

St Anton is more challenging. It is the better base for experienced skiers who want steeper terrain, longer descents and access to some of the Arlberg’s best off-piste skiing.

Discover our guide to skiing in St Anton

Where to Stay in Lech

Lech is the best base in the Arlberg for those who want good restaurants, attractive village surroundings and easy access to the slopes without staying somewhere too busy.

The village is compact with a range of shops, traditional restaurants, five-star hotels and an excellent choice of luxury chalets.

• Central Lech: Best for quick and easy access to restaurants, shops, ski schools and lifts. This location works well for first-time visitors and families.
• Oberlech: Best for ski-in/ski-out convenience and a quieter setting above the main village. Whilst you might lose some of the immediate village atmosphere, you gain mountain views and quick access to the slopes.
• Zug: Zug is a small hamlet just outside Lech, offering a quieter, more traditional stay in the Arlberg.

Discover our luxury chalets in Lech

Where to Stay in St Anton

St Anton has a livelier feel than Lech, with more bars and late-night options. Location is important here, with some chalets situated close to the main lifts and centre, while others sit in quieter areas such as Nasserein or slightly further along the valley.

• Central St Anton: Ideal for guests who want to be close to the lifts, restaurants, shops and après-ski.
• Nasserein: Still well-connected but quieter with its own lift access. A good fit for families or groups who want easy access to the slopes without staying in the busiest part of town.
• St Christoph: A smaller, quieter hamlet above St Anton on the Arlberg Pass. A more traditional Alpine setting with immediate ski access.

Explore our luxury chalets in St Anton

Which Resort is Better for Families?

It does depend on the age of the children, but for those travelling with younger children, grandparents or non-skiers, Lech is the better choice. St Anton can still work well for families, especially those with older children who are confident skiers.

Which Resort is Better for Advanced Skiers?

St Anton is the better choice for advanced skiers who want challenging terrain, steeper descents and demanding routes. Advanced skiers staying in Lech can still explore the full area, but if the group’s main priority is demanding terrain from the first lift, St Anton is the better base.

Which Resort is Better for Après-Ski?

St Anton is by far the best choice for après-ski. It is one of the best-known après-ski resorts in the Alps, home to iconic bars like Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh. Lech is more discreet. Après-ski here is usually a nice terrace, a glass of wine or a chic hotel bar.

Which Resort is Better for Non-Skiers?

Lech is considered better for non-skiers. It is a good choice for guests who may want spa time, winter walks, lunches, shopping and relaxed afternoons while the rest of the group skis. St Anton has more going on in the evening and good facilities, but it is more ski-focused.

Take a look at the best activities in Lech for non-skiers.

Getting There: Lech vs St Anton

St Anton is easier to reach by train, with a station in the resort itself. This makes it one of the more convenient Austrian resorts for guests travelling by rail.

Lech does not have its own train station. Guests usually travel by train to Langen am Arlberg or St Anton am Arlberg, then continue by taxi or private transfer. For international guests, Innsbruck, Zurich, Munich and Friedrichshafen are all commonly used airport options, depending on flight routes and transfer preferences.

Should you Stay in Lech or St Anton?

Whilst neither resort is better than the other, we would recommend staying in Lech for a quieter, more luxurious experience, with excellent restaurants, beautiful chalets and easier logistics. It is the better choice for mixed groups, non-skiers and those looking for a more atmospheric stay.

However, if your group is looking for challenging skiing and lively après-ski, you can't beat St Anton. It is better for advanced skiers and groups of friends who want to party!