Winter and Snowshoe Hikes
Winter hiking is becoming increasingly popular, especially as a relaxed and natural alternative to piste sports. The Lech Zürs am Arlberg region offers a wide range of options for those who want to enjoy the winter wonderland away from the slopes. Whether with classic winter boots or more sporty snowshoes - the wintry snowy landscape can be explored on impressive hiking trails.
A special attraction is the so-called ‘Sonnenabo’, which has been specially designed for guests who are travelling without skis or snowboards. This ticket gives you access to the lifts and cable cars, allowing you to reach the higher altitudes in comfort. Up there, breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks await you, which can be enjoyed in all their splendour from the high-altitude trails. Even without winter sports equipment, you have the opportunity to experience the fascinating mountain world up close and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Lech Zürs has a network of around 40 kilometres of trails for winter hikes. This is carefully prepared and allows for both leisurely and more challenging hikes. The paths lead over gentle hills, steep mountain slopes and through snow-covered forests. The routes along the Lech river, which is often frozen over in winter and offers a picturesque backdrop, are particularly attractive.
Whether you are planning a relaxing walk on snow-covered paths or a longer hike through the winter mountain panorama - Lech Zürs has the right route for every requirement and fitness level. In the tranquillity of winter nature, you can leave everyday life behind you and enjoy the unspoilt snowy landscape to the full.
Our tip: Lech – Zug
This walk is ideal for families with small children and, of course, for your four-legged friend.
The start of this wonderful winter hiking trail through the forest to Zug is right next to our hotel. Follow the signposted winter hiking trail to the left of the Lech riverbank in the direction of the Omesberg district. Here the path turns away from the water and leads slightly uphill to the last houses of Lech am Arlberg. From here, the trail descends gently through a sparse forest back to the banks of the Lech. You cross the Lech and follow the path across a wide clearing uphill towards the road to Zug. From here, the winter hiking trail follows the road to the centre of Zug.
Approx. 3 km, approx. 0.5 hours
Zug – Älpele
A peaceful winter hike far away from the hustle and bustle in the snow-covered Zugertal valley.
Start your hike at the Rüfiplatz hiking starting point in Lech. Take the blue local bus in the direction of Zug. Get off at the church in Zug. Alternatively, you can hike directly from Lech along the winter hiking trail along the course of the Lech river to Zug. The perfectly groomed winter hiking trail takes you directly to the Älpele inn. Here you can stop for refreshments and, after a well-earned break, make your way back to the bus stop in Zug or to Lech.
3.9 km, there & back approx. 1:15 hours
The tour can also be extended: the winter hiking trail starts at Gasthaus Älpele and leads to Tannlägeralpe. Here, almost at the end of the valley, the trail describes a loop and leads you back out of the valley. After walking a few metres on the path you have already taken, the path branches off to the right at the old hunting lodge. The path leads slightly uphill through the forest to the Zugersäge. Here you cross the Lech over a bridge and return to the winter hiking trail, which now leads you back to the picturesque village of Zug.
Total then approx. 10 km, approx. 3 hours
Lech – Zürs
A pleasant hike between the fashionable villages of Lech am Arlberg and Zürs am Arlberg.
You start at Rüfiplatz and walk to Hotel Pfefferkorn, where you take the small side road uphill to the Ebra district. Turn left there and follow the signposted winter hiking trail into the forest. You cross the main road and continue along the course of the Zürsbach stream until you cross the main road again via an overpass and reach the Zürs biomass heating plant. Now it is only a few metres to the village centre of Zürs am Arlberg.
Approx. 5.2 km, approx. 1:45 hours
Lech – Rud Alpe
From the Rud-Alpe in winter, you can enjoy a magical view of the snow-covered Omeshorn, the mountains in Zürs & wintry Lech with its beautiful church.
For all non-skiers, a wonderful winter hiking trail leads from Lech to the Rud-Alpe and on to Oberlech. The wonderful view & a stop at the Rud-Alpe or in the numerous restaurants in Oberlech make up for the steep ascent. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, we recommend the winter hiking trails in Zugertal or directly in Oberlech, as the route is quite challenging, especially in soft snow. From Oberlech, the Lech-Oberlech mountain railway takes you back down to the valley in comfort.
Approx. 20 minutes
Lech – Skyspace Lech
A wonderful winter hiking trail leads from Lech to the art installation by world-famous artist James Turrell.
The beautiful winter hiking trail takes you from Lech to James Turrell’s art project in Oberlech, which opened in 2018. The Skyspace-Lech is a walk-in installation that captivates visitors from all over the world. Guided tours of the Skyspace-Lech take place at regular intervals. Outside of the guided tours, the Skyspace-Lech is open to visitors and can be viewed without further ado. However, the dome is only open in dry weather.
Oberlech – Gaisbühel Rundweg
The route is a little more secluded and leads across a sunny plateau.
From the Schlössle bus stop, follow the signposted winter hiking trail uphill to the right. You will quickly reach the ‘Guggisköpfe’ viewpoint. You then pass the mountain station of the Schloßkopf cable car and the Schottenhof. Turn right towards ‘Tannegg’. The path soon branches off to the right again and takes you to the valley station of the Weibermahd cable car. From here, the trail takes you on a gentle ascent and descent in a loop over the Gaisbühel plateau. Once you reach the Gaisbühelalpe, the trail leads back to the valley station of the Weibermahd cable car. From here, take the familiar route back towards Oberlech to the Schlössle bus stop or enjoy a coffee on one of the sun terraces.
5.7 km, approx. 1:45 hours
Lech – Oberlech
A sunny hike to car-free Oberlech, the sunny balcony of the Arlberg.
The winter walk starts in Lech at Rüfiplatz. We cross the old wooden bridge, turn right and walk along the Lech river. Passing the ski slopes and the Lech-Oberlech mountain railway, we reach the path to Oberlech. The signposting for the hiking trail can be recognised from afar. The path leads uphill to the left. After about 20 minutes you reach Oberlech. From here, continue left through Oberlech to the Petersboden cable car. Shortly afterwards, the path branches off to the left and continues downhill towards Lech. The trail ends at the Lechuferweg. The trail can also be completed in the opposite direction.
Approx. 4 km, approx. 1:45 hours
Lech – Kriegeralpe
Wonderful trail with panoramic views over Lech.
From the Oberlech cable car mountain station, follow the winter hiking trail uphill to the right. This will take you to the hamlet of ‘Schlössle’, from here you go straight on between the houses and continue along the winter hiking trail towards the Tannegg viewpoint. Keep left here and continue uphill past the ‘Der Wolf’ hut to the Kriegeralpe. After a refreshment stop at one of the huts, take the same route back again.
Approx. 3.4 km, approx. 1:30 hours
Lech – Rüfikopf
This high-altitude circular trail is located at 2,350 metres.
The Rüfikopf mountain railway takes you up to the summit of the Rüfikopf. There you will find a viewing platform with 360° mountain views, the panorama restaurant and the Kästle Ski Museum. Following the signposted winter hiking trail, you will cover around 2.7 kilometres in the beautiful Alpine landscape. Enjoy a wonderful panoramic view at an altitude of 2,350 metres.
Approx. 2.7 kilometres, approx. 1:30 hours
Lech – Stubenbach
A wonderful circular tour with marvellous views.
Follow the winter hiking trail towards the village downstream. At the Oberlech mountain railway, take the side road past the church uphill, from here follow the signposted hiking trail across wide snow fields to a small stable at the edge of the forest. The path now leads you into the forest. Once you reach the district of Stubenbach, the trail leads you on panoramic slopes around and through this cosy hamlet. After the path has described a loop, take the same route back again.
Approx. 3km, approx. 1:30 hours
Winter and Snowshoe Hikes in Lech Zürs
