The short answer: January and February are the best months to ski in Arlberg. Expect snow depths of 80 to 150 cm on upper runs, daytime temperatures of -2°C to -8°C on the mountain, and ski passes from around €58 per person per day. Flights from the UK to Innsbruck take roughly 2 hours, with the resort sitting at 1,304 m (St. Anton village) and top lifts reaching 2,811 m at the Valluga.
Which month offers the best snow conditions in Arlberg?
January and February consistently deliver the deepest, most reliable snow across the entire Arlberg Skiregion. December is excellent for early-season skiing once the snowmakers and natural falls have built up the base, while March extends the season with longer daylight hours and spring sunshine. April is possible on higher runs but coverage thins noticeably below 1,800 m.
| Month | Avg. Base Snow (village) | Avg. Summit Snow | Avg. Daytime Temp (summit) | Open Lifts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 20 to 50 cm | 60 to 90 cm | -5°C to -10°C | 60 to 70% |
| January | 40 to 80 cm | 80 to 150 cm | -6°C to -12°C | 90 to 100% |
| February | 50 to 90 cm | 90 to 160 cm | -5°C to -10°C | 95 to 100% |
| March | 30 to 70 cm | 70 to 130 cm | -2°C to -7°C | 85 to 95% |
| April | 5 to 30 cm | 40 to 80 cm | 0°C to -4°C | 40 to 60% |
For maximum terrain access and snow quality, book for the last two weeks of January or the first two weeks of February.
When are prices lowest for an Arlberg ski holiday?
Early December and late March offer the lowest prices in the Arlberg. A week-long ski package including flights, accommodation, and a lift pass can start from around €650 per person in early December, compared to €1,100 or more per person during the February school holiday period. The Christmas and New Year window (23 December to 6 January) and the February half-term weeks see the steepest surcharges.
| Period | Relative Price Level | Avg. Package from (pp) | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early December | Low | from €650 | Low |
| Christmas and New Year | Very High | from €1,400 | Very High |
| Mid-January | Medium | from €820 | Medium |
| February school holidays | High | from €1,100 | High |
| Early March | Medium-Low | from €780 | Medium |
| Late March to April | Low | from €620 | Low |
If budget is your priority, target early December or the two weeks after the February school holidays in early March, when snow is still reliable and queues at lifts are shorter.
How do you get to Arlberg and how long does the journey take?
The Arlberg Skiregion covers St. Anton am Arlberg, Lech, Zurs, Stuben, and St. Christoph, all in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg and Tyrol. Two airports serve the area well.
Innsbruck Airport (INN): Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by road to St. Anton. Direct flights operate from London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, with flight times of around 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes. Transfer buses and private shuttles are widely available.
Zurich Airport (ZRH): Around 2 hours 30 minutes by road or a combination of train and bus via Feldkirch. This is the better option if you are heading to Lech or Zurs. Direct flights from London take approximately 2 hours.
A third option is flying to Munich (MUC), roughly 2 hours 45 minutes by road, which can offer cheaper fares in peak season.
| Airport | Drive to St. Anton | Drive to Lech | Flight time from London |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innsbruck (INN) | 1 hr 15 min | 1 hr 30 min | ~2 hrs |
| Zurich (ZRH) | 2 hrs 15 min | 1 hr 45 min | ~2 hrs |
| Munich (MUC) | 2 hrs 45 min | 2 hrs 30 min | ~2 hrs 5 min |
Train travel is also a strong option: the Arlberg Express connects Innsbruck and Zurich, stopping at St. Anton, making the journey car-free and scenic.
Explore more destinations and find your ideal ski week on our wintersport overview page.
Frequently asked questions
When does the ski season in Arlberg start and end?
The Arlberg ski season typically runs from late November to late April, with the core season from December through March offering the most reliable snow cover.
What is the snow depth in Arlberg at peak season?
At peak season in January and February, snow depths on the upper slopes around St. Anton and Lech reach 80 to 150 cm, with base villages averaging 40 to 80 cm.
How do I get to Arlberg Skiregion from the UK?
The nearest airports are Innsbruck (1 hour 15 minutes by road) and Zurich (2 hours 30 minutes). Flights from London take approximately 2 hours, with transfers adding 1 to 2.5 hours depending on your airport.