Jenny Lane of Blue Eye Travel explores St Anton & shows how it can appeal to skiers of every level.
I have been skiing since I was three, hitting the slopes in resorts across Europe and North America, but one of my favourites is St Anton, Austria. Set in the Tyrolean Alps, St Anton can be accessed from different airports including Innsbruck within a 75-minute drive, Friedrichshafen with a 90-minute drive and Z?rich, a two-hour drive. Clients can also access the resort via direct trains from Innsbruck and Z?rich.
St Anton is one of the largest connected ski resorts in Austria as the lift pass now covers the surrounding areas of Lech, Zurs and Stuben. This means access to more than 305km of pistes, via cable cars and chair lifts. The resort is focused on intermediate-to-advanced skiers as most of the slopes are red runs, and there are good off-piste sections to explore. Although the main slopes are geared towards advanced skiers, St Anton has a fantastic ski school for children and those wanting to learn to ski or snowboard. It is well organised and the nursery slopes can be accessed via the main lift stations in the village so you don?t have to travel far for lessons.
The centre still has a Tyrolean village feel with a pedestrianised centre making for easy walking. Free from high-rise, there is a traditional feel with hotels, B&Bs, chalets and apartments. I have stayed in all types of accommodation ? they?re of a good standard and great for couples, groups or families.
Apr?s ski is a big deal in St Anton with plenty of bars and restaurants. For buzzy crowds, go to the bars at the bottom of the main lift station ? try Galzigbahn or the Krazy Kanguruh just before the bottom of the main slopes. For something relaxed, head to the main street where there are cute cafes for Gluhwein and Apfelstrudel. For lunch on the mountains, there are plenty of options ? prices vary so have an idea of where you want to eat beforehand. Dinner is no issue, with options from traditional Austrian to high-end dining such as Ooben im Mooser, near the village centre. For authentic schnitzel and the best strudel I?ve ever tasted, head outside the main village to Hotel Tenne, in a traditional wooden house ? you won?t regret it!
For non-skiers and snowboarders, there is plenty of entertainment from shopping to the Arlberg Wellcom facility which offers indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, massages and a gym with fitness classes. Arl.rock Sport Park is an activity centre with climbing, bouldering, bowling and tennis, or head to the toboggan run from Gampen to the Rodelstall. St Anton remains one of my top resorts in Europe, with ease of access, great skiing and entertainment for everyone.
