Zürs

About Zürs

Nestled in a high alpine valley at the base of Flexen Pass,  Zürs is known for its large Olympian population and luxury accommodations. The beauty of a Zürs ski vacation is that it also shares both roads and lift access with Lech ski resort. Like most high alpine Austrian villages, Zürs is steeped in history. It’s considered the birthplace of skiing, and before there was skiing, the tiny mountain village was only inhabited by a small population in the summer months. One of the first ski lifts in Austria was constructed in Zürs in 1937, transforming it into one of the most elegant, romantic and popular mountain villages in the Arlberg.  Now, it’s considered a world-class mecca for skiers seeking exclusivity and luxury.

One of the most notable features of Zürs is its inclusion in the iconic "White Ring" ski circuit, which seamlessly links Lech, Oberlech, Zürs and Zug. This 14-mile route offers an unforgettable skiing experience through picturesque alpine landscapes, making it a must for any skier visiting the region. As a high-altitude resort, Zürs consistently provides reliable snow conditions throughout the winter season, creating a powder haven for downhill and backcountry enthusiasts.

The quaint Bavarian village is unimposing and authentic in its nature, yet much like its neighbor, Lech, it attracts celebrities and those seeking luxury. Zürs provides a variety of options for non-skiers and those seeking off-mountain activities, including paragliding, tobogganing, ice skating, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and enchanting horse-drawn sleigh rides. Zürs boasts a vibrant nightlife that often extends until dawn, and après-ski is embraced with great enthusiasm. Whether it's enjoying multiple bottles of wine on sunny on-piste patios, sipping a beer at one of Zürs' outdoor cafés, or indulging in a relaxing afternoon tea, there’s an experience for everyone.

How to get to Zürs

To reach Zürs, Austria, you have several convenient options. The closest airport is Innsbruck Airport (INN), located about 70 miles away, with a drive taking around an hour and 45 minutes, but a more economical option is Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland, which is 124 miles away. You can expect a commute time of roughly two hours and 45 minutes by car. From these airports, you can rent a car, take a train, or use shuttle services to reach Zürs. “Arlberg Express” offers shuttle transfers from Zurich to Zürs, with prices starting around €55 EUR ($61 USD) per person one way. Lastly, there’s Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) in Germany, about 82 miles away, with a two-hour drive.

Getting around Zürs and the surrounding Arlberg area is seamless and convenient, thanks to a well-established network of buses, ski lifts, and shuttle services. In Zürs, the local ski bus service is a popular and easy way to get between the various areas of the Arlberg region, connecting Zürs with neighboring Lech, St. Anton and Stuben. These buses are free for anyone holding a valid ski pass, making it an efficient and cost-effective way for skiers and families to explore different areas.

Skiing in Zürs

Connected to the renowned Arlberg ski area, Zürs provides access to over 200 miles of ski runs, featuring a variety of terrain from wide-open groomers to more challenging runs.

Zürs is particularly well-known for its deep powder slopes, making it ideal for both off-piste adventures and downhill skiing. The high altitude of the region ensures reliable snow throughout the season, while the resort’s state-of-the-art lift system offers convenient access to pristine runs and backcountry terrain.

Beginner Skiing in Zürs
Aside from a “learn to ski” zone at the base of the resort, Zurs isn’t ideal for beginners. However, Lech and Oberlech offer exceptional beginner skiing and plenty of family-friendly terrain offerings. The Flühen and Hinterwies areas in Lech are perfect for beginners, providing wide, forgiving slopes making it easy to practice. Oberlech also offers smooth, sunlit slopes which allow you to take in the scenery while you learn. These beginner-friendly areas are complemented by magic carpet lifts and ski schools that specialize in teaching novices, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable learning experience.

Family vacations in Zürs

The Zürs ski area offers a diverse range of slopes that cater to both beginners and seasoned skiers, making it a perfect destination for families with varying skill levels. For young learners just starting out, the Zürsersee beginner zone provides a gentle and safe environment to master the basics. Meanwhile, more experienced family members can enjoy exploring the numerous blue and red runs throughout the stunning Arlberg region.

For younger guests, Zürs has the Kids Club at the resort’s ski school, where kids can learn to ski in a fun and supervised setting with friendly instructors who make it both enjoyable and educational. Families can also join guided snowshoe hikes through the beautiful snow-covered landscapes for a different way to soak in the scenic beauty of the Alps. Plus, there’s tobogganing on dedicated tracks and horse-drawn sleigh rides through the winter wonderland to enjoy. After a day of snowy fun, families can unwind together at one of Zürs' cozy mountain restaurants.