The Finest Spring Pistes in St. Anton am Arlberg

Spring skiing in St. Anton am Arlberg: sunshine and dreamy snow for skiing and snowboarding – a relaxed holiday in Tyrol.

For many, a run through sparkling spring snow is every bit as enjoyable as through powdery fresh snow. Why? Because it offers an incomparable experience of smoothly gliding speed. The spring snow typical of this season forms through the constant thawing and freezing of fine snow crystals, creating granular structures. You glide effortlessly over the spring snow in St. Anton am Arlberg, with gravity doing the rest. Surrounded by mighty mountains, a descent into the valley feels like flying – only better! Tempting spring-snow slopes, inviting panoramic terraces and warming sunshine turn piste fun in St. Anton am Arlberg in spring into enjoyment 2.0. We reveal which runs you simply mustn't miss!

Places & Pisten to be in St. Anton am Arlberg

The art of being in the right place at the right time is also crucial to the mission of finding the “perfect corn snow slope”. Especially in spring, piste conditions change quickly due to the sun’s rays. Some slopes are best tackled first thing in the morning, others only right before you stop for a break. Timing is the magic word.

Many lifts, such as the Nassereinbahn, the Galzigbahn and the Gampenbahn, already start operating at 8.45 am. It’s easy to head straight up from St. Anton’s village centre. If you choose the Nassereinbahn, located right in front of Hotel Arlmont, you’ll ride the gondola up to the 1.850 m Gampen. From there, we recommend the chairlift up to the 2.330 m high Kapall, where an impressive view over the entire Stanzertal valley awaits. Once your senses have taken it all in, it’s time to head back down – either to the Gampen or via the challenging “Fang” spring piste to the valley station.

If, down in the valley, you opt for the architecturally striking glass palace of the Galzigbahn, you’ll reach the 2.085 m high mountain of the same name. Anyone seeking corn snow paired with a special challenge shouldn’t miss the notorious Kandahar piste. Its average gradient of 34 per cent makes for high speeds. Carving fans should head downhill in the morning, when conditions are perfect. Anyone needing to catch their breath after the adrenaline rush is well placed on the sun terraces at the valley stations of the Gampenbahn and Galzigbahn, or at the Arlmont hotel terrace by the Nassereinbahn. All kinds of refreshments are also on offer at the Rodelalm on the Fang run.

Out and about like St. Anton’s pros

The phenomenon of corn snow can also be found after a ride on the Schindlergratbahn towards the Valluga. Impressive views of the tripoint shared by Austria, Switzerland and Italy are included. That works out well, because anyone taking on the challenging descent through the Schindlerkar should take a deep breath first. Less action but more enjoyment is guaranteed on the ride from the Schindlergratbahn to the valley station of the Valfagehrbahn.

When the sun reaches its peak from midday onwards, sports enthusiasts are well advised to switch to St. Anton’s south-facing mountainside. Around the Rendl, grippy corn snow runs are still on offer even in the afternoon. Not far from the Rendl mountain station, there’s also a huge snow park. At STANTON PARK, pros and beginners alike give their all with jumps, turns and jibs. Once you’re completely worn out, the Rendl Beach Bar is thankfully not far away.

St. Anton’s calling as an alpine winter sports destination

Anyone wanting to experience something new in and around St. Anton am Arlberg has plenty to do: 88 mountain railways in the Arlberg region clear the way to 305 km of runs. These include wide pistes for anyone hooked on carving, as well as steep sections that pack a real punch. An additional 200 km of open terrain await off-piste skiers. While other ski areas complain about a lack of snow, the Arlberg enjoys snow reliability from late November to early May. It’s little wonder that the municipality of St. Anton has always been predestined for alpine winter sports and can look back on several pioneering achievements. The world’s first ski school, the Skischule Arlberg, was founded in 1920/21, and the Vallugabahn at 2.811 m was Austria’s highest cable car when it opened in 1955. St. Anton has enjoyed a worldwide reputation as an ultimate winter sports destination at the latest since hosting the 2001 Alpine Ski World Championships.

The perfect finish to the perfect ski day

Even a successful day skiing on corn snow has to come to an end at some point, and then it's time to relax. The best way to do that is with a cup of hot chocolate, tea or mulled wine on the sun terrace of the Hotel Arlmont. The ideal spot to look back on a day full of snow, sport and fun. Afterwards, why not take a dip in the RoofTop Pool, or would complete relaxation in the spa area MontSpa suit you better? For those who prefer things even cosier, the bar area with its fireplace is well worth a visit. And since exercise in the fresh air is well known to work up an appetite, a hearty, regional dinner rounds off the perfect ski day.

Who needs beach and sea when you can experience summer vibes on the loveliest spring slopes in St. Anton am Arlberg? The magic of corn snow awaits leisurely skiers and speed enthusiasts alike. But one rule applies to everyone: don't forget the sun cream!

* Skiing is used throughout as an umbrella term for all variants of winter board sports!