Ranked in the top five resorts throughout the Alps, St Anton in Austria is an gem. It is part of the famed Arlberg region, which receives some of the highest snow fall every year, and features a charming town full of luxury shops, restaurants and accommodations. Reaching St Anton is remarkably easy as it is served by a railway that deposits guests in the town center.
A pedestrian friendly location, it also has free public transportation. Of course, many are eager to visit for the town’s association with the creation of modern skiing. As the birthplace of Johan Schneider, it is at the epicenter today’s ski world.
Not a place to just sit and let time pass by, St Anton has been continually expanding and improving over the decades, while somehow managing to preserve its mountain village tone. It focuses around a central street, the pedestrian-only Dorfstrasse. Lined with excellent cafes, bars, shops and restaurants, it is also home to many authentic and original structures.
Today’s travelers can stay in any number of premium hotels or large and private villas. Most of them can provide the perfect accommodation during the winter ski season or the summer hiking and outdoor season.
What to Do in St Anton
The skiing is an essential activity, but there are also hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and other options. However, you might never get past the “cult status” of St Anton in Austria as the skiers’ paradise. It has more than 300km of pistes and another 200+ km of off pistes options. There are more than 85 lifts and a nice blend of easy to extreme routes and options. Yet, as one expert cautions, “However, even the ‘normal’ routes, such as those down from Schindlerspitze and Kapall, should be approached with caution by all, including advanced skiers. “Extreme routes”, like the 52 down the Kandahar-Galzip piste are best tackled with a ski guide. In fact, with so much terrain to explore, and so many people competing for fresh tracks on it, hiring a guide is the best way of maximizing St Anton’s potential.”
Though the mountain has been equipped with truly pioneering lifts, including the Galzig gondola build as a Ferris wheel system, a guide is often the best way to get the very most out a first-time visit to the region.
Après Ski in St Anton
When you are not skiing, hiking or perusing the shops, you will want to dig into the amazing domestic food. The area is noted for its après ski and nightlife options thanks to those two early post-ski bars. The Mooserwirt is a most as it is a place famous for being the “world’s baddest bar”. The Krazy Kanguruh has been refurbished since the 1960s but still retains its unusual and hip vibe.
If you want a quieter après ski experience, the Underground is just off the Galzig piste. It has been a popular spot for more than two decades. Lastly, Anton Bar is where the locals go, including the ski guides and instructors, making it perfect for picking up some tips after your time on the slopes.
Dining in St Anton
Dining here is an adventure and you can enjoy affordable treats at spots like the Ulmer Hutte with its lovely scenery. The pricier Alber’s Rodelalm and Robi’s Rodelstall are actually mountain huts that offer outdoor lunches and great vintages. Yet, it is the Hospiz Alm with its stunning cellars and local specialties or the Verwallstube with its amazing gourmet dishes that will put the perfect touch on your ski holiday.