Off-piste skiing at the Arlberg: The Arlmont Hotel reveals five freeride runs in St. Anton, Arlberg!
Freeride skiing is a way of life. The slopes in and around the freeride mecca St. Anton am Arlberg are perfect to experience the fascination of skiing deep powder. We’ve rounded up some of the region’s best lift-accessed powder runs that don’t involve strenuous climbs. But the fact that anyone can reach these runs does not mean that anyone should dare to ride downhill. Only experienced skiers will enjoy negotiating untracked terrain. Always keep in mind that venturing out into open terrain means you are leaving the marked ski area. You’ll be fully responsible for your own safety and for assessing the risk of avalanches.
Mattun & Schindler slopes: Powder challenge for experts
Want to be an early bird in the powder? Centrally located in St. Anton am Arlberg and yet directly next to the ski slopes, Hotel Arlmont enjoys a prime setting for powder skiing. The Nassereinbahn takes skiers up the Gampen where a chairlift rides up to the Kapall at an elevation of 2,330 m. From there, follow the ski route Mattun into the open terrain: Wide slopes in different gradients descend to the Steißbach valley where a blue piste is running.
Now you have several options, either you take a relaxed descent to the Galzigbahn or Gampenbahn, or if you’re still adrenaline-fueled, just tackle the route again. The Mattun and Kapalllift take you back to the top in no time. On the Mattun run, you can challenge yourself by trying to descend non-stop. Depending on the snow conditions, this requires a lot of endurance, strength and above all the right technique!
As an alternative after the Mattun descent, take the Zammermoos chairlift up to the Galzig. From there, take the new Schindlergrat chairlift and enjoy the vast panorama. More opportunities for off-piste skiing open up in treeless terrain, and the Lsteep Schindler slopes to the east of the chairlift lead back to the groomed slopes. The Schindlergratbahn takes you back to the top. Of course, you have to try the other side of the Schindler slopes and the Schweinströge to the west of the lift. Because of their steep gradient they are recommended for expert skiers only.
Occasional freeriding on the side of the stream
The side of the stream is ideal for short powder excursions. From the Galzig which stands 2,185 m tall, go towards the black Kandahar slope, but before it drops off, turn left in a northerly direction. A steep, short powder run finally leads to an easy slope in the Steißbachtal. From there, you can either descend to the valley or take the chairlift Zammermoosbahn back to the Galzig.
In the south of St. Anton, the Rendl offers ungroomed terrain that can be accessed by taking the Rendl cable car from the village centre followed by the Rifflbahn I and II. Once you have crossed a short slope the wide Rossfall slopes open up. A slightly longer descent takes you to the Maaßlift.
Madloch: A day trip into the deep snow of the Arlberg
Looking for more powder fun? Then we recommend a day trip to Madloch. Getting there on the groomed slopes is great fun, too. Just let your skis run and carve some turns. The Schindlergratbahn takes powder hounds from the St. Anton ski area over a long run past the Ulmerhütte towards Stuben. After a ride on the Flexenbahn, which connects St. Anton am Arlberg with Lech-Zürs, the freeride slopes of the Madloch are within reach. Down to Zürs and then up the Seekopf chairlift, the last stage is a lift ride up to the Madloch Joch. A short stretch of piste leads to the terrain in Madloch-Mitte. You could almost forget that you’re in a ski area, there are only snow-covered mountains as far as the eye can see. After the descent through open terrain, you’re at the valley station in Zug where the chairlift takes you to the Lech ski area. From Lech, the Rüfibahn leads towards Zürs and finally the Flexenbahn takes you back to the ski area in St. Anton.
Before hitting the powder: Safety first
Freeriding is a creative activity that involves alpine terrain and deep snow. However, certain rules should be followed: Among the basic requirements are the ability to assess alpine terrain, an adequate fitness level and an excellent skiing technique. When you ski powder, you leave the secured ski area, and the thrill can very quickly become dangerous for inexperienced and ignorant winter sports enthusiasts. In other words, think of "safety first" - especially when you can't wait for the spectacular freeride descents. Full avalanche safety gear is mandatory! For a safe freeriding experience, hire a local guide to show you the best deep powder runs in unmarked terrain.
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Your ****S powder skiing base
Fresh powder is precious, and the following applies to the Arlberg: Whoever comes first can - with the appropriate amount of fresh snow - make the first tracks. If there is no new snow available, the slopes will turn into challenging mogul pistes after a few days and become a training area for refining your technique. The Hotel Arlmont in St. Anton am Arlberg provides fast access to the slopes in general and powder in particular. The hotel’s wellness area is wonderful to relax after an adventurous day in metre-high powder snow. And soaking your burning thighs in the rooftop pool while taking in gorgeous vistas of the Arlberg is the perfect ambience for planning your next powder tour!
