Insider tip: The best time of the year for skiing is January. Why? Here are seven reasons why it is the most enjoyable month for winter sports in St Anton ⛷
1. The abundance of snow
The month’s previous names “snow month”, “ice moon” and “winter month” already suggest what January is famous for. This takes us to reason number one: January offers large quantities of snow. Even if there is no white Christmas you can be sure that Mother Nature will deliver by January. And then it's off into the powder snow from the doorstep of the Hotel Arlmont in St. Anton am Arlberg.
2. Empty ski runs in St. Anton am Arlberg
Let’s talk about the next reason: In January, there is plenty of space on the slopes. The Christmas holiday crowds are gone, and the semester break won’t start until February. Ergo: The slopes are less crowded. Enough space to make use of your carving skis without getting in the way of other skiers. Early risers sometimes have the freshly groomed slopes to themselves. Extra tip for guests of the Hotel Arlmont: Take the Nassereinbahn gondola to the Gampen and then change to the Kapallbahn chairlift. The descent from Kapall via Fang to the Nassereinbahn leads past the hotel and is usually less crowded.
3. Be the first to leave your mark in the powder
The early bird catches the first powder. St. Anton am Arlberg is famous for deep powder skiing. In addition to 305 kilometres of slopes, the region also boasts 200 kilometres of routes through powder snow. The downhill run through the Matun in open terrain is especially popular among freeriders. The descent also starts from the Kapall, and skiers are well advised to get up early as the ski run attracts many powder hounds after a fresh snowfall. Hotel Arlmont enjoys a prime setting which puts skiers at an advantage: The Nassereinbahn gondola which takes skiers up to the Gampen and to the Kapallbahn chairlift is right on the doorstep.
4. St. Anton: The cradle of skiing
Whether you try skiing for the first time or want to improve your skills, the snow sport schools in St. Anton am Arlberg cater to all ability levels. After all, the Arlberg was home to the pioneers of skiing. Already in 1895, a priest tried sliding down slopes on wooden planks which made him a bit of an oddball. Only four years later, Hermann Hartmann followed his lead and climbed the Galzig for the first time on skis. Some mountaineers like Hannes Schneider secretly practiced skiing and in 1900 a group of enthusiastic skiers founded the first ski club, making St. Anton am Arlberg the cradle of skiing. The advantage of learning to ski in January: Ski schools are less busy, and the snow is soft! The next reason will tell you why.
5. Snow instead of ice
Admittedly, January can be extremely cold. The advantage: powder snow even in the afternoon, no annoying slushy snow, no snow-free spots and no icy patches thanks to the abundance of snow. Tip: Put on various layers of clothing to stay comfortably warm.
6. Warming up
When it’s time for a hot drink to warm you up, you will find that mountain huts, restaurants and après-ski bars are less crowded in the low season. There will be no long wait for a hot cocoa with whipped cream or a “Heiße Witwe”, a warm plum liqueur with cream and cinnamon.
7. Attractive prices without limitations: Mont Spa in St. Anton
Apropos of low season in St. Anton: In January, visitors enjoy the ski area and all amenities of the Hotel Arlmont at favourable prices. The newly designed and extended wellness area including rooftop pool and panoramic sauna is of course open to all guests in January. The Mont Spa features a Finnish sauna, a Sanarium, a steam bath, an experience shower, a fitness & yoga room and a panoramic relaxation area with library and reading niche on three levels.
Snow reliability, ample space on the slopes, no queuing at the ski lifts, pristine deep-snow descents and relaxing wellness to round off the day. What else could a skier’s heart desire? Get ready for your dream ski getaway in January!
