Zürs

TL;DR

Zürs is an exclusive,  alpine village in Austria’s Arlberg region, sitting at 1,717m elevation. It offers world-class skiing (part of the massive Ski Arlberg area), legendary powder snow, luxury accommodations, and intimate village charm. Best for: intermediate to advanced skiers, luxury travelers, and anyone seeking authentic alpine atmosphere without the crowds of neighboring St. Anton.

Why Zürs Should Be on Your Winter Bucket List

Let’s be real: you’ve probably heard of St. Anton, maybe even Lech. But Zürs? This tiny village tucked between the two is Austria’s best-kept secret, and honestly, that’s exactly how the locals like it.

With just a handful of hotels and no through traffic (the road literally ends here in winter), Zürs offers something increasingly rare in the Alps: exclusivity without pretension, world-class skiing without the circus atmosphere. Think champagne powder, not champagne problems.

Getting There: Your Journey to the Mountains

By Air

• Innsbruck Airport: 100km away (about 1.5 hours)
• Friedrichshafen Airport: 115km away
• Zürich Airport: 195km away (2.5-3 hours)

Most visitors fly into Innsbruck or Zürich. Private transfers are popular here since public transport requires multiple connections. Book your transfer in advance during peak season (Christmas, February, Easter) as availability gets tight.

By Train & Bus Take the train to Langen am Arlberg station, then catch the bus to Zürs (about 20 minutes). The journey is scenic but involves careful timing, especially with luggage and ski equipment.

By Car Drive to Langen am Arlberg and park at the large public parking facility (around €8-10/day). From there, your hotel will arrange pickup. The Flexenpass road to Zürs closes in winter, making the village car-free and blissfully quiet.

When to Visit: Timing Your Trip

Peak Season (December-March)

• December 20-January 6: Magical holiday atmosphere, premium prices
• January: Often the snowiest month, fewer crowds
• February: School holidays bring families, but snow conditions are typically perfect
• March: Longer days, spring skiing, still excellent snow coverage

Early/Late Season

• Early December: Can be quieter with lower prices, but snow coverage varies
• April: Spring conditions, sunny terraces, discounted rates

Pro tip: Visit in January for the best value-to-snow ratio. You’ll skip the holiday rush and February half-term crowds while catching the deepest snowpack.

Where to Stay: Accommodations for Every Style

Zürs is famous for its historic hotels, most family-owned for generations. There are no budget options here, but the quality-to-price ratio is generally fair for what you get.

Luxury Picks

• Hotel Zürserhof: Five-star elegance, Michelin-starred dining, extensive spa
• Hotel Edelweiss: Central location, beautiful alpine style, excellent service

Mid-Range Options

• Hotel Erzberg: Cozy family atmosphere, ski-in/ski-out access
• Hotel Hirlanda: Relaxed vibe, good value for Zürs standards

What to Expect Most hotels operate on half-board (breakfast and dinner), which actually makes sense here since restaurant options in the village are limited. Many properties have wellness facilities, and the service is genuinely warm rather than stuffy.

Book well in advance for Christmas and February. Many hotels have loyal guests who return annually and book the same weeks year after year.

The Skiing: What Makes Zürs Special

Here’s where Zürs really shines. You’re skiing in Ski Arlberg, one of the world’s largest connected ski areas with 300km of pistes and 200km of off-piste terrain.

The Stats

• Elevation: 1,717m-2,811m
• Lifts: Access to 88 lifts across the Arlberg region
• Terrain: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% expert
• Season: Usually early December through mid-April

Why Skiers Love It Here The snow. Zürs averages 11 meters of snowfall annually, making it one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps. The locals call it “Zürs powder,” and they’re not exaggerating. The north-facing slopes hold snow beautifully, and fresh tracks are easier to find than in neighboring St. Anton.

Best Runs

• Muggengrat to Zürs: Panoramic views, long cruising run
• Trittkopf area: Excellent intermediate terrain
• Madloch/Zürsersee: Beautiful bowl skiing
• Valluga (via St. Anton): Advanced skiers should make the pilgrimage to this 2,811m peak

Off-Piste Paradise If you can afford a guide (and you should for safety), the off-piste opportunities are legendary. The Valluga area, the runs down to Stuben, and various couloirs offer advanced terrain that’ll make you understand why the Arlberg is considered the cradle of alpine skiing.

Lift Pass Tips Buy the full Ski Arlberg pass to access St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech, and Oberlech. The Zürs-only pass is significantly cheaper but limits your terrain. Most visitors find the full pass worth it for variety and the ability to explore.

Beyond Skiing: Other Winter Activities

Cross-Country Skiing Zürs isn’t the best base for Nordic skiing, but you can access trails in nearby Lech (about 10 minutes by bus).

Winter Hiking Several cleared winter walking paths wind through the valley, offering stunning mountain views without the need for skiing. The path along the Zürsbach stream is particularly scenic.

Snowshoeing Guided snowshoe tours depart several times weekly, taking you into the quieter corners of the mountains. It’s a peaceful alternative to the ski slopes.

Wellness & Spa Most hotels have spa facilities, and après-ski here is more about relaxing in a hot tub with mountain views than wild parties. It’s a nice change of pace if you’re used to rowdier resorts.

Ski Touring For the adventurous and experienced, Zürs is a legendary ski touring destination. However, this is strictly for those with proper training, equipment, and ideally a guide. Avalanche awareness is critical.

Dining & Après-Ski: The Zürs Experience

Mountain Restaurants

• Seekopf: Sunny terrace, good food, reasonable prices for an alpine restaurant
• Trittalm: Traditional hut atmosphere, excellent Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake)
• Balmalp: Higher-end dining with spectacular views

Village Dining Your hotel dinner will likely be the highlight, as most properties take their cuisine seriously. For variety:

• Arlberg Hospiz Hotel restaurant: Even if you’re not staying there, the restaurant is worth a visit
• Various hotel bars: Cozy spots for drinks and light bites

Après-Ski Vibe This isn’t St. Anton. Après-ski in Zürs is civilized—think wine by the fireplace rather than beer-soaked dance parties. The scene is more about good conversation and relaxation than rowdy revelry. If you want the party scene, St. Anton is just 15 minutes away by bus or ski.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

What to Pack

• Proper ski gear (rentals available but limited selection)
• Warm layers for extremely cold days (temperatures can drop to -20°C)
• Dressy-casual clothes for hotel dinners (Zürs maintains some traditional formality)
• Sunscreen and lip balm (alpine sun is intense)

Money Matters Zürs is expensive by Austrian standards. Budget accordingly:

• Ski pass: €300-400/week (approximate)
• Accommodation: €150-500+ per person per night with half board
• Mountain lunch: €15-25
• Ski rental: €40-80/day depending on equipment level

Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller purchases.

Language German is the local language, but English is widely spoken in hotels and ski facilities. Learning a few German phrases is appreciated: “Grüß Gott” (hello), “Danke” (thank you), “Prost” (cheers).

Accessibility Considerations Zürs is challenging for visitors with mobility limitations. The village is built on a slope, hotels often have stairs, and winter conditions create slippery surfaces. If you need accessible accommodations, contact hotels directly to discuss specific needs before booking.

Family Friendliness Zürs works for families who ski, but it’s not specifically geared toward children like some resorts. Ski school is available, but entertainment options beyond skiing are limited. Families with very young or non-skiing children might prefer Lech, which has more infrastructure for kids.

Insider Secrets

1. Take the first lift up: Zürs skiers tend to start later than in St. Anton. Hit the slopes early for fresh tracks.
2. The back bowls: Ask locals about skiing “over to Stuben” or exploring the lesser-known areas behind the Trittkopf. You’ll need confidence and ideally a guide, but the reward is emptier slopes.
3. Thursday is transfer day: Saturdays are busy with weekly guests arriving and departing. Visit Thursday for quieter slopes.
4. Hotel pools and spas: Some hotels allow non-guests to use facilities for a fee. Call ahead if your accommodation lacks wellness amenities.
5. Weather patterns: Zürs can get socked in with weather while St. Anton stays clear (and vice versa). The free ski bus makes it easy to chase the sun.
6. Book ski guides early: The best local guides get booked up weeks in advance, especially during peak season.

Environmental & Cultural Considerations

The Arlberg region takes alpine preservation seriously. As a visitor, you can contribute:

• Stick to marked winter hiking routes to protect mountain meadows
• Respect wildlife habitats, especially during the sensitive winter months
• Use the ski bus system rather than driving between villages
• Support local businesses and craftspeople
• Learn about avalanche safety and respect closure signs—they exist for your protection

Zürs maintains strong traditions. The pace is slower, the atmosphere more formal than many modern resorts. It’s part of the charm, so embrace the old-world alpine hospitality.

Final Thoughts: Is Zürs Right for You?

You’ll love Zürs if you want:

• Incredible snow conditions and serious skiing
• A quiet, intimate village atmosphere
• High-quality accommodations and service
• Access to the massive Ski Arlberg area
• Escape from crowded, commercial resorts

Consider other options if you need:

• Budget-friendly accommodations
• Wild nightlife and party atmosphere
• Extensive beginner terrain
• Non-skiing entertainment options
• Easy accessibility without transfers

Zürs isn’t for everyone, and that’s precisely what makes it special. This is a place that has resisted the temptation to expand, modernize beyond recognition, or cater to mass tourism. What you get instead is authentic alpine charm, some of the best snow in the Alps, and the feeling that you’ve discovered something genuinely special.

Whether you’re carving fresh tracks down the Madloch, watching the alpenglow from your hotel terrace, or enjoying a perfectly prepared dinner after a day on the mountain, Zürs delivers an experience that feels increasingly rare: winter sports the way they were meant to be.

So grab your skis, book that hotel, and discover why those in the know keep coming back to this tiny village in the Austrian Alps. Just maybe don’t tell too many people about it—some secrets are worth keeping.