Lech, Arlberg Area , Austria

Lech, at the centre of the Arlberg ski area, is one of the most exclusive ski venues in Austria. Along with its neighbour, Zurs, this is where high society goes for a winter break. There are expensive hotels, shops and top-rated eateries, in a picture-postcard village that's set in a beautiful wooded valley. The après-ski is lively, but tends to cater for the chic, older crowd, which thrives in Lech. Off-snow activities can often take up more time than the skiing itself.

This doesn't actually bear any relation to the quality of the skiing… With a combined total of 260km of lift- and bus-linked runs, there is plenty for all. Lech itself favours intermediates, while experts have lots of off-piste when the snow is good. They also have St Anton for more advanced challenges. Snow reliability is good and, just in case, there are extensive snowmaking facilities. For beginners, there is a top-rated ski school and a very gentle nursery slope in the centre of the village which is ideal for young children. For boarders Lech is a great place for learners and intermediates (there is a park and a half-pipe). One thing that Lech particularly prides itself on is its lack of queues. This is due to a good lift system, but also because there is a limit of 14,000 skiers on the mountain at any one time.

Overall, Lech offers some great, varied skiing, but tends to attract the same people year after year. If your mortgage is flexible, Lech is wonderful, but you'll find Zurs even more exclusive…

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