Learning to ski in Lech
If you are visiting the Arlberg region during this year’s ski season and it is your first time on the slopes, we have some tips for those who are learning to ski in Lech…
Where to stay
For those who are learning to ski or planning their first trip to the beautiful Arlberg region, Café-Pension Fritz is located in the heart of Lech and situated right next to the nursery slopes. When you are starting off, it is helpful to stay somewhere near to the area where everyone learns. Whether you are an adult skier who is learning the ropes later on in life, or visiting the resort with young children who are trying the sport for the first time, this hotel offers an excellent location for those who wish to be close to the nursery slopes.
When skiing in Austria, the standard of accommodation is typically very high. For those looking to stay somewhere that is convenient to the slopes and without the need for some of the extra luxury amenities, like a swimming pool or outdoor hot tub, Cafe-Pension Fritz is a good choice and it fits the bill nicely.
Furthermore, it has an excellent choice of rooms, including a few apartment options that are perfect for multi-generational stays. The food is very good and the menu offers a lot of choice for both adults and children. Traditional dishes such as the wiener schnitzel and cheese fondue are excellent. Meanwhile, there are pasta options to help boost your energy levels during a hard day on the slopes.
Hiring equipment
If you are learning to ski in Lech and trying it for the first time, then it is highly likely that you will need to hire equipment during your visit. If it is a sport that you subsequently take to and want to do every year, then it is worth investing in your own skis, boots and helmet. However, when starting off, it is best to hire everything from one of the many ski hire places in the resort.
Skibex particularly good. It is situated near to the cable car that takes you up to Oberlech. It is a short walk from the Cafe-Pension Fritz. The team here are very polite and helpful. They will take your measurements (height and weight), before finding suitable equipment that you can hire for the duration of the stay. The choice of skis is also very good for those who are more experienced.
How to learn
Crucially for beginners, Skischule Lech are on hand to provide lessons for those starting off. They also have guides for the more experienced skiers in a group. Skischule Lech has a new Pfiff Miniclub that specifically focuses on the younger children (from 3 upwards). The standard of tuition is excellent, with all the guides speaking perfect English. The lessons can be booked in advance, but they also have a vast network of instructors who can be on standby for last minute sessions too. There are group lessons available; however, the private tuition is second to none and the four hour mornins slots are well worth booking.
Lech is known for having quite challenging skiing. If you learn in Lech, you can pretty much ski anywhere, as even the easier runs can prove quite testing for beginners. That said, the nursery slope in Lech is excellent. There is a button lift that can drop you off at three key points on the slope, which is wide and has a gentle incline.
If you choose to stay in Oberlech instead of Lech, there is a different Skischule located here. Oberlech is the next level up in terms of luxury. This car-free mountain village boasts outstanding ski-in, ski-out and we will be covering it in more detail during this year’s Ski Special.
Insider tip
If you take a short walk up the snowy footpath from Café-Pension Fritz, you will find the Hotel Berghof. This is a beautiful place for an evening drink. Roaring fires complement the opulent interiors and there is a live pianist playing during drinks.
Did you see? The best Kaiserschmarrn in Oberlech | Sloaney Ski Special 2026 – The Sloaney
