Our Tips for Bad-Weather Days in St. Anton am Arlberg

Yes, even the weather gods need a break sometimes. But on a winter holiday at the Hotel Arlmont in St. Anton am Arlberg, that's no reason to feel down in the dumps.

On the contrary: when it's stormy and snowing outside, there are plenty of alternatives to piste fun. From cosy and relaxed to action-packed and sporty – here's a selection.

For those seeking relaxation

The ideal place to shut out everyday life and let your soul unwind, is the hotel's own MONT Spa. Spread over three levels and 550 m², you can relax here in a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, an experience shower, a panoramic relaxation area, or with yoga and massages. The best thing about bad-weather days is that you can immerse yourself completely in the deeply relaxing atmosphere, while outside the powder snow quietly falls for the next ski day.

For sports enthusiasts

Snow fun has long since stopped being just about skiing or snowboarding. True to the motto “On your blades, get set, go!”, an ice rink in the centre of St. Anton invites you to skate a few laps. Things get serious three times a week, when it's showdown time for the ice-stock curlers. Eisstockschießen – not to be confused with curling – is an old folk sport with a long tradition in Austria. According to statistics from the Austrian Federal Sports Organisations, ice and stock sport, measured by number of clubs, ranks second in Austria, behind only football. What exactly makes this sport so fascinating is hard to put into words, so simply join in and try it for yourself! Who knows, the Eisstock enthusiasm might just catch on.

From Hotel Arlmont in St. Anton am Arlberg, it's also no distance at all to another sporting highlight. Hop straight onto the Nassereinbahn right by the hotel, and it takes you to the starting point of the natural toboggan run at 1,850 metres. Alternatively, you can reach it on foot in two hours. The 4.3-kilometre toboggan run, which leads down from the local mountain Gampen, is floodlit twice a week, making night-time tobogganing adventures possible too.

Those who prefer to stay indoors are well catered for in St. Anton, with a tennis, bowling or climbing hall. Fans of the vertical won't be able to stay on the ground for long, with almost 1,000 m² of climbing surface on offer. Some even dare to take the leap into the brand-new trampoline hall arl.park in St. Anton – conveniently located right next to the climbing hall and bowling alley.

And unbeatably close by is the hotel's own fitness facilities, found in the MontSpa on Level 1. Treadmill, ergometer, cross-trainer, multi-gym tower and free-weight station combined with your own ambition guarantee that a visit there is bound to be a real workout.

For explorers

Far beyond the borders of Tyrol, St. Anton am Arlberg is often referred to as a “world village”. What lies behind this apparent contradiction becomes clear on a stroll through the centre. Just five minutes from the hotel, you find yourself right in the middle of village life. And it looks rather different from a hundred years ago: village tradition meets international flair. Here, St. Anton am Arlberg particularly stands out for its exclusive sports shops with professional advice on hand. Perhaps you'll catch a glimpse inside and come away with your new favourite pair of skis.

Regular events of all kinds provide extra entertainment throughout the village. The St. Anton Ski Openings, with well-known artists such as Sportfreunde Stiller, Sarah Conner or Nico Santos, are legendary. In early December, the Arlberg-Pass Krampalar Run draws crowds to the Alpine village. And while the Wiltener Sängerknaben delight audiences shortly before the turn of the year, the “New Orleans meets Snow” festival brings blues, dixie and soul sounds to the Arlberg towards the end of the season.

For culture enthusiasts

If you really want to understand the myth surrounding this ski paradise, a look into its history is essential. The right address for that is the "Ski and Local History Museum" in the Trier-Villa. Insights into the village's past, or into the history of the Arlberg tunnel, set the here and now in a broader context. Naturally, the ski heroes that this Tyrolean village can boast a fair few of are also duly honoured. For instance, there's plenty to discover about St. Anton native Karl Schranz, whose name made skiing history. He is one of the most successful former ski racers in the Alpine republic, and it was thanks to his commitment that the 2001 Alpine Ski World Championships were held in St. Anton am Arlberg.

A visit to the museum is doubly worthwhile, especially in the run-up to Christmas. That's because a very special experience awaits not only in the museum itself, but also in the surrounding park. The scent of gingerbread and mulled wine, a sea of candlelight and reflective Christmas stories make a visit to "Advent Magic in the Park" a feast for all the senses. If you still need presents for the 24th of December, you really can't go wrong buying homemade treats and regional handicrafts. Immersing yourself in this impressive Christmas wonderland, which opens its doors every Advent Sunday, happens quite naturally. The hustle and bustle of everyday life has no place here.

So if it's stormy and snowing outside, or your legs simply need a rest from all that skiing, there are plenty of alternatives around the Hotel Arlmont in St. Anton am Arlberg. Whether you're seeking relaxation, sport, discovery or culture.