Arlberg is a mountain range or massif between Vorarlberg and Tyrol in Austria. The highest peak is the “Valluga” at 2,809 metres (9,216 ft). The name Arlberg derives from the tradition of the “Arlenburg,” who are said to have once established themselves on the Tyrolean side of the Arlberg passes (1,793 m over sea level).
Another story derives the name from the “Arlenbushes” that are very numerous here. There is no mountain with the name “Arlberg” proper. Popular places and famous ski resorts at the Arlberg are Lech, Zürs, Stuben, St. Christoph and St. Anton.
Lech and Zurs am Arlberg is a ski resort in Austria. It is reputed to be one of the finest ski areas in the world. Easyjet flies from London Luton to Zurich, then a 2-3 hour coach ride with Arlberg Express takes you directly to Zurs and Lech. But if you’re heading to Lech you won’t be flying easyjet. Scheduled flights to Zurich then the train or, more likely, private car or helicopter.
As one of Austria’s largest ski resorts Lech offers a high quality skiing experience. Queuing might happen during ski school starting hours but normally you don’t queue for more than 5 minutes anywhere. There are a number of high level ski schools. The Arlberg is the birth place of the ski schools. There is ski terrain for everybody, from the beginner to the alpine tourer. Best skiing though is in Zurs (lift linked, but a sleepy place to stay) or St Anton ( Bus there, theoretically off piste back).
St. Anton (Sankt Anton, St. Anton am Arlberg) is widely regarded as the leading ski resort destination in Austria. It has an outstanding provision of advanced skiing, a reliable snow record and an extensive ski area that caters for a mixed level of abilities.
The old pass route was known since the 14th century in the form of a narrow mule track when people began to trade salt in this region. However, because the Arlberg was very poorly developed, for centuries people avoided the route and took detours over the Fern Pass or Immenstadt for trading. The development of the textile industry and of the postal service, however, led to the road’s being surfaced in 1824.
With the rise of motor traffic in the 20th century, however, this became inadequate. It was decided that a 14 km long Arlberg Road Tunnel would be built between Langen and St. Anton. On July 5, 1974 the work began and the passage was opened to traffic on December 1, 1978. The tunnel has a toll, however the old road over the pass is toll-free. A peculiarity of the tunnel is that it actually consists of two tunnels.
On the Tyrolian side it is built over the “Rosanna Gorge” before the actual massif rises up in the direction of Vorarlberg over the tunnel. The Arlberg railway connects Innsbruck with Bludenz. Between St. Anton and Langen it runs through the 10.25 km long Arlbergtunnel.
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