St. Anton am Arlberg (Austria)

Ski Arlberg: Austria's largest ski area

With more than 300km of slopes, Ski Arlberg is Austria's largest linked ski area. Since the 2016-17 ski season the resorts of St. Anton, Lech, Zürs and several smaller villages have been completely linked by slopes and lifts so there's no need to rely on a ski bus to get around. The black Kandahar run is a must-try for expert skiers and an annual stop on the World Cup. Freestylers can head to the STANTON park, which has features for all levels. Ski Arlberg has a reputation for reliable snow cover and boasts long ski seasons with excellent snow. While St. Anton is primarily known for its challenging runs and excellent off-piste terrain, neighbouring Lech-Zürs is full of intermediate runs that draw many intermediate skiers on day trips from St. Anton.

Birthplace of après-ski

St. Anton's biggest claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of après-ski. While it was already customary to relax with friends, perhaps around a drink or two, the idea of rowdy, ski-boots-on après-ski parties didn't kick off until the 1970's, when two spunky entrepreneurs opened the Krazy Kanguruh and the Mooserwirt bars on either side of the blue piste #1. The bars are still alive and kicking today and welcome hordes of skiers and snowboarders who flock to St. Anton where you can be assured the beer is always flowing! You can also head to the Rendl beach bar for a different experience with a great view of the snow park. Après-ski in St. Anton is a sophisticated affair with a long list of legendary venues including Bar Cuba, the Funky Chicken and the Post Keller lying in wait for you. If you manage to try them in all in one week on your ski holidays in St. Anton, then you really are a party animal!

Stay active off the slopes

St. Anton has a varied range of activities depending on your mood. No doubt you'll want to stop in at one of the many spas to soothe those aching muscles after a day on the slopes. If you still find yourself with energy after skiing or boarding, there is a huge climbing wall where beginners and advanced climbers alike can challenge themselves. Cross-country skiers can explore 40km of trails, and winter hikers 70km of trails. St. Anton also has tennis, squash, archery and bowling, so even the most active of ski holidayers won't be bored after the ski area closes! And of course, this is all presuming you didn't end up partying all night at one of the many après-ski institutions...