If you love skiing, you know that choosing the right place to ski is paramount. Decent snowfall, access to off-piste runs and a welcoming atmosphere are just a few of the considerations you have to take into account when picking your winter holiday destination.

Well, we think we’ve found a place that incorporates all that, and for a decent price to boot. Here are some reasons why we think Lech, in Austria is the place to be if you love hitting the slopes.

With picturesque Alpine villages and a stunning mountain backdrop, Lech retains much of its traditional Tyrolean culture while still offering some of the most spectacular catered chalets in Austria. The hotels, for the most part, are still family owned and run, which brings a real sense of community to the place. But it is its exclusive identity, and distilled winter-wonderland charm that keeps Lech the resort of choice for many of the rich and famous.

Excellent snowfall and mountain facilities

If you’re a skier, you know that the higher the altitude, the colder the weather and the longer the snow lasts. With an elevation of 1450m, Lech offers an excellent snow fall; holding an average of 23ft (7 meters) of snow each year. Meaning that Lech pretty much guarantees snow on its slopes during the winter month.

But there’s more to skiing than snow, you need to get up the mountain, and here the village excels, offering its visitors first class mountain facilities. There are an impressive 86 lifts that allow you to access an incredible 1,000 metres of vertical descent and 54 pistes with a total length of 280 km.

As far as actually getting to Lech itself, in addition to roads, you can choose to hop on a private plane to Lech! These flights depart from 10 cities near Lech, making flights into this stunning ski area easily accessible to many Europeans and over-seas visitors.

If you’re a competent intermediate or expert skier, you should not miss out on the opportunities to go off-piste in Lech, but if you do decide to do that, we advise that you always hire a good local guide. If you’re new to the sport, don’t worry, there are also plenty of nursery and gentle pistes for beginners, so you won’t feel left behind!

Easily accessible to neighbouring resorts

The Arlberg region is a huge ski area that encompasses Lech, Oberlech, Zür, Warth, Schröcken, St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Pettneu and Klösterle/Sonnenkopf. Visitors can buy an Alberg lift pass to access all of these areas. Luckily for you, Lech is connected to the neighbouring village of Zür, the hamlet of Zug and Obelech by the White Ring circuit via seven lifts, 22km of groomed pistes and 5,500 of vertical. For Anton and Stuben you have to catch a bus, but it’s only a 20 minute ride.

Authentic cuisine and refined nightlife

There is a wide range of cafés and restaurants serving both traditional and modern Austrian cuisine, and for those missing home, you’ll be able to find the standard international fare. You won’t be bored after dinner because Lech has a surprisingly lively nightlife. After the ski slopes close, the main street turns into one long aprѐs-ski bar offering entertainment and music. Jazz lovers can go to the Fux jazz café for live music. Those wanting to hit the dance floor usually head for the Scotch Club or Hotel Krone’s Side Step disco. But if clubbing after a long day of skiing is not your cup of tea, never fear, there’s plenty of quiet cocktail bars to relax in.

Lech offers one of the finest Alpine winter resorts in Europe. It is an ideal location for those looking for challenging ski runs, picturesque village views and a hopping nightlife. So, what are you waiting for? Lech is calling!

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