Winter holidays at Hotel Arlmont in St. Anton am Arlberg are always a good idea - even in bad weather. Here are our tips
On the contrary: There are plenty of options to have fun off the slopes during a snowstorm. We’ve rounded up a choice of recreational, cultural and sporting activities.
For those seeking relaxation
MontSpa: The hotel's spa area has 550 m2 and is ideal to forget the distractions of everyday life. On three levels you can unwind in the Finnish sauna, steam bath, experience shower and panoramic relaxation area, enjoy massages or join yoga classes. The best thing about bad weather is to immerse yourself in the deeply relaxing atmosphere while outside the powder snow falls quietly for next day's skiing. Reading is a great way to take a mental break from the cold temperatures. The library on level 2 has a variety of books that have your next adventure waiting. The reading niche is perfect to curl up and soak in views of the snowflakes swirling over the snow-covered slopes.
For sports enthusiasts
There are a lot of fun snow activities that don't involve skiing or snowboarding. How about lacing up your blades and going for a leisurely spin on the ice skating rink in the village centre? Three times a week the rink is open to ice stock sports enthusiasts. Ice stock sports – not to be confused with curling – is a popular sport in Austria with a long tradition. According to the statistics of the Austrian Federal Sports Organization, ice stock sports, measured by its clubs, ranks second behind football in Austria. It’s hard to describe what makes this sport so fascinating, just try it out for yourself!
Another sporting highlight lies within easy reach of the Hotel Arlmont. The Nassereinbahn gondola is right on your doorstep and transports you effortlessly to the natural toboggan run at an elevation of 1,850 metres. Alternatively, you can hike to the starting point in two hours. The 4.3-kilometre long run which descends from the Gampen is floodlit twice a week and also perfect for a tobogganing adventure at night.
If you prefer staying indoors, there is a tennis, bowling and climbing hall in St. Anton. Climbing enthusiasts will find 1,000 m2 of climbing space. Some also dare to jump, bounce and hop through the air in the brand new trampoline hall arl.park in St. Anton - conveniently located right next to the climbing hall and the bowling alley.
The hotel's own fitness facilities which are located on level 1 of the MontSpa are always close by: Working out on the treadmill, ergometer, cross trainer, multigym tower and free weights station will make every ambitious athlete break sweat.
For explorers
The world village of St. Anton am Arlberg is famous far beyond the borders of Tirol. A stroll through the centre reveals the apparent contrast. Five minutes from the hotel, you are right in the middle of "village life" which is clearly different from 100 years ago. Today, village tradition meets international flair: The heart of St. Anton is lined with smart boutiques and exclusive sports shops which offer professional advice. Maybe a good opportunity to buy your favourite set of skis.
The village offers a wide range of events and entertainment. St. Anton’s ski opening events are legendary, featuring well-known artists such as Sportfreunde Stiller, Sarah Conner or Nico Santos. At the beginning of December, the Arlberg Pass Krampus run attracts visitors to the alpine village. And while the Wilten Boys' Choir is performing before the turn of the year, the "New Orleans meets Snow" festival brings blues, Dixie and soul sounds to the Arlberg when the season is drawing to a close.
For culture enthusiasts
To understand how the ski paradise became such a myth, it’s worth to look into St. Anton’s history at the Ski and Local Heritage Museum in the Trier Villa. The museum provides insights into the village’s past and the construction of the Arlberg tunnel, putting the here and now into a wider context. The village is home to a whole series of ski stars who are also featured in the museum. For example, ski legend Karl Schranz, native of St. Anton and one of the most successful ski racers of the alpine republic. Thanks to his commitment, the Alpine World Ski Championships 2001 were held in St. Anton am Arlberg.
A visit to the museum and the adjacent park is especially worthwhile during the Advent season. The scent of gingerbread and punch, a sea of lighted candles and the reading of Christmas stories make the event "Advent Magic in the Park" a feast for the senses. The festive market is open on Advent Sundays, providing a welcome escape from the pre-Christmas rush. And if you are looking for a thoughtful Christmas gift, you can’t go wrong with homemade delicacies and regional handicrafts.
Conclusion: If the weather is inclement or if you want to rest your ski-weary legs, there are plenty of non-skiing activities in and around Hotel Arlmont in St. Anton am Arlberg to fill your day – whether you enjoy relaxing, exploring, sports or culture.
