lech austria
Like many ski resorts in Austria, Lech and Zürs came to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s with the popularisation of skiing and the realisation that it could transform what had previously been poor farming villages in the mountains. Lech now has a permanent population of just under 1500.
Lech has kept its expansion within bounds and has not lost the charm that has led to its popularity amongst the upper levels of society. However, part of the reason for that popularity is a relative isolation compared to other resorts and the journey to the resort can be problematic in bad weather and heavy snowfall (it necessitates a journey over the Arlberg and the Flexen passes, for example, if arriving from the east). The summer route via the Lech valley is closed in the winter and there is no nearby rail connection.
The ski slopes are outstanding and convenient to most of the accommodation - in fact, some of the accommodation is situated on the slopes in the suburb of Oberlech. Another accommodation centre can be found in the tiny village of Zug, located about 5 kilometers away from the main village in a picturesque valley and with its own cable car for access to the slopes.
The ski area is deceptively large and linked to the runs above Zürs - but only in a particular direction. Day visitors to the resort should park in one of the underground carparks which are located at strategic points within the village.
