Powder snow paradise: The best ski tours for advanced skiers from St. Anton am Arlberg

Powder snow paradise: The best ski tours from Hotel Freisleben in St. Anton am Arlberg for advanced skiers

When the first rays of sunlight bathe the snow-covered peaks of the Arlberg in golden light and the fresh powder snow glistens under our touring skis, then we know: This is the moment we live for on the Arlberg. St. Anton am Arlberg is not only the cradle of alpine skiing – the region is also a true paradise for ambitious ski tourers who are looking for something special: untouched deep snow slopes, breathtaking panoramas and the kind of tranquillity that can only be found far away from the pistes.

As your hosts at Hotel Freisleben – located directly on Arlbergstraße 8 – we would like to introduce you to our favorite tours for advanced skiers today. Tours that we know and appreciate ourselves, tours that make ski touring on the Arlberg what it is: an unforgettable mountain experience.

Why St. Anton am Arlberg is the perfect ski touring area

St. Anton am Arlberg is one of the most snow-sure regions in the Alps. With an average of eight meters of natural snow per year and around 200 kilometers of deep snow terrain, the region offers ideal conditions for ski tourers. The combination of classic ascents, modern mountain lifts for time-saving access and the variety of routes makes the Arlberg one of the most popular ski touring destinations in Europe.

From Hotel Freisleben, you can reach the valley stations of the Galzig, Rendl and Nasserein cable cars in just a few minutes on foot. This means: short distances, more time on the mountain and a relaxed start to the day – with a good breakfast at our hotel.

The best ski tours for advanced skiers from St. Anton

1. Saumspitze (3,039 m) – The classic with a glacier feeling

The Saumspitze is one of the most popular ski tours on the Arlberg and offers advanced ski tourers a magnificent summit experience. The Rendlbahn and the subsequent Riffel chairlift take you comfortably up to 2,414 meters above sea level. From there, the ascent leads over the Riffelkar and the glacier to the summit.

Tour dates:

Ascent altitude: approx. 1,600 m (with lift assistance approx. 625 m)
Difficulty: demanding, good physical condition required
Duration: approx. 5 hours in total
Best time: January to April

Our tip: The descent down the northern flank through untouched powder snow is spectacular – but only recommended in safe avalanche conditions. Be sure to check the current avalanche report on lawine.at in advance.

2. Stanskogel (2,757 m) – The panoramic round tour

The Stanskogel is an excellent choice for anyone who prefers a slightly shorter, yet challenging tour. The tour starts at the bridge over the Kaiserbach to the south of Kaisers and leads through open, spacious terrain with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks of the Lechtal Alps.

Tour dates:

Ascent altitude: approx. 1,586 m
Difficulty: moderate to challenging
Duration: approx. 6 hours 45 minutes
Best time: December to April

Our tip: The route offers several variants for the descent – from moderate slopes to challenging steep sections. Perfect for adapting the tour to the current snow conditions.

3. Hoher Riffler (3,168 m) – For ambitious alpinists

The Hohe Riffler is the king of ski tours on the Arlberg. With over 2,000 vertical meters and a walking time of almost eight hours, this tour is only suitable for very well-trained and experienced ski tourers. The reward: a breathtaking 360-degree panorama and a fantastic descent through a wide variety of terrain.

Tour dates:

Ascent altitude: approx. 2,079 m
Difficulty: very demanding
Duration: approx. 7 hours 45 minutes
Best time: February to mid-April

Our tip: Start early in the morning from Pettneu am Arlberg – this way you can enjoy the best light conditions and enjoy the long descent in peace.

Ski touring “Arlberg style” – lift-supported powder snow pleasure tours

If you want to combine the advantages of modern infrastructure with the adventure of ski touring, then “Arlberg-style” ski touring is ideal for you. You use the cable cars for the ascent and only undertake short, targeted ascents to particularly rewarding powder snow slopes. The result: significantly more downhill meters than uphill meters and maximum enjoyment in deep snow.

Classic routes:

From the Valluga cable car to the northern slopes of the Schindlerkar
From Rendl to the steep slopes of the Gampen
From the Albonabahn to the deep snow slopes in the direction of Rauz

These tours allow you to enjoy several descents per day and make the most of the best snow conditions.

Safety first: Avalanche awareness and professional guidance. The joy of ski touring on the Arlberg is great – but the alpine dangers are real.

We strongly recommend advanced ski tourers:

Daily check of the avalanche situation report on lawine.at
Complete safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe
In unsafe conditions or unfamiliar terrain: accompanied by state-certified mountain and ski guides

Ski schools and mountain guides in St. Anton: Right in St. Anton you will find numerous experienced mountain guides and ski schools that offer guided ski tours for every level. The renowned providers include:

The local guides know the best routes, know where to find untracked powder snow even after days and ensure maximum safety.

After the tour: refreshments and relaxation at Freisleben

What could be nicer than stopping off at the warm, cozy Hotel Gasthof Freisleben after a long day on the mountain? Here you will not only receive a warm welcome from us – the Klimmer family – but also genuine Tyrolean hospitality and culinary delights.

Our offer for ski tourers:

Our rich breakfast buffet is ready for you, so that you can start your ski tour day strengthened. We are happy to accommodate your individual start times.
Regional 4-course menu in the evening: After a strenuous day in the mountains, we spoil you with a delicious evening menu made from regional ingredients – from local farmers and partners from Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Vegetarian alternatives are of course possible.
Restful nights: Our lampaka comforters made from the wool of our own lampakas from the Möslihof ensure a particularly restful night’s sleep – just the thing for tired muscles after a day in the deep snow.
Equipment depot and drying room: You can store your touring equipment safely and dryly with us.
Insider tips: We know the Arlberg like the back of our hand and are happy to give you recommendations for the most beautiful tours, current snow conditions and rewarding routes.

Ski touring weekly program: A new adventure every day

Are you planning a whole week of ski touring on the Arlberg? Perfect! St. Anton offers so much variety that you can head for a new destination every day. Here is an example of a varied ski touring week:

Monday: Introductory tour to the Saumspitze (with lift support)
Tuesday: “Arlberg style” ski tour with several descents in the Rendl area
Wednesday: Stanskogel – the scenic circular tour
Thursday: Rest day with relaxation in the hotel or a leisurely winter hike
Freitag: Hoher Riffler – die Königstour (nur bei stabilen Verhältnissen)
Saturday: Freeride day with a mountain guide to hidden powder spots
Sunday: Final tour to the Albona or a leisurely day on the slopes to relax

Powder snow in St. Anton: The best time to go ski touring

The ski touring season on the Arlberg extends from December to the beginning of May.

Every month has its own charms:

December to January: Coldest months with the best powder snow conditions, shorter days, often less activity on the tours.
February: High season with lots of snow, good snow conditions, longer days – but also more ski tourers out and about.
March: Ideal month for ski tours! Sunny days, stable conditions, often still powder snow in the morning, firn in the afternoon. Perfect weather for extended alpine tours.
April: Spring ski tours with firn and long days, higher summit destinations mostly still in good condition, already slushy snow on south-facing slopes.

Arrival at Hotel Freisleben – your perfect starting point

The Hotel Freisleben is located directly at Arlbergstraße 8 in St. Anton – central, quiet and yet only a few minutes away from the town center and the cable cars.

Arrival by train: St. Anton train station is just a 15-minute walk from the hotel – we will be happy to pick you up personally at the station by prior arrangement and by 18:00. All Intercity and Railjet trains stop here.
Arrival by car: You can easily reach St. Anton from all directions via the S16 Arlberg expressway. Free parking spaces are available at the hotel.
Free ski bus: The ski bus stop is right in front of the hotel and takes you to all lifts every 15 minutes.

Book your ski touring vacation on the Arlberg now

Whether you are planning a single ski tour or want to spend a whole week of powder snow adventures on the Arlberg – you are very welcome at the Hotel Gasthof Freisleben. We look forward to welcoming you and providing you with unforgettable days in the snow.

Please contact us for:

Individual tour advice
Arrangement of mountain guides
Special ski touring week packages
Information on current snow conditions

We are there for you – personally, warmly and with the passion for the Arlberg that has characterized our family for generations.

Tip: You can find even more information about St. Anton am Arlberg, ski tours and the best spots on the Arlberg on the official website of the St. Anton Tourist Board: www.stantonamarlberg.com

See you soon in the powder snow paradise of St. Anton am Arlberg!

Your Klimmer family
Hotel Gasthof Freisleben