Hiking
St Anton has published a thorough Hiking Guide on their site complete with maps, detailed descriptions and more. There are 49 different routes, ranging from a one-hour leg stretch to a ten-hour alpine trek. The interactive map provides a great overview, so that you can compare routes and select your ideal hike.
The Arlberg area is famous for its stunning and varied wildflowers, including 25 types of orchid. There are a range of alpine ‘flower walks’ on offer; routes especially designed to allow you to witness the flora up close.
As well as more challenging hikes, there are some great walks for families, for example in the beautiful Verwall valley. The walk to the lake incorporates four ‘story points’, where children can learn about local myths and legends, and when you reach the lake you’ll find a wonderful play area.
Biking
With 350km of signposted tracks and an excellent 200km MTB network, St Anton is a great area to explore on two wheels. The Eldorado Bike-Areal Verwall has some great features including the pump track, a natural obstacle course featuring tree trunks and boulders, and the E-Trial cross-country course, which you can hire an ultra-modern e-motocross bike to ride.
Climbing
In the Verwall valley, beginner climbers can explore the high and low rope courses. A variety of climbing challenges weave their way through the treetops and offer the thrill of climbing in a totally safe and fun environment. Even children under 8 can tackle the lower courses with supervision.
For those who seek something a little more adventurous, the 3km long via ferrata is said to be one of the most challenging in the Alps. Crossing precarious ledges and steep rock faces, it’ll take anywhere between 4-6 hours, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramas. Less experienced climbers can hire a guide who will assist you in navigating the route, which can be reached from the Vallugagrat cable car station.
On bad weather days, arl.rock is an excellent sports and rock climbing centre. Get some practice on the large indoor climbing wall, try a new bouldering problem, or make use of the tennis, squash, basketball, volleyball, or badminton courts. If all that activity has you peckish, there is an Asian restaurant within the centre.
Events
St Anton is moving towards becoming a gathering place for summer events and festivals. In June, there is the E-bike festival, where famous manufacturers will showcase their designs, as well as there being specially designed test tracks for attendees to try the latest models. Annually in July there is the Arlberg Giro, where the 150km course hosts around 1,500 competing cyclists.
In September, the Mountain Yoga Festival attracts those seeking peace and rejuvenation in serene surroundings. With offerings from world-class yoga and meditation teachers, this annual event is making a name for itself in the wellness world.
After celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2019, the St Anton Film Festival is set to return in August 2022 after a 2 year hiatus. With open submissions for creators of outdoors and sports films, some incredible films have been showcased here over the years.
Wellness
Arlberg WellCom is a large wellness centre originally completed in 2001 as part of the preparations for the 2001 FIS World Alpine Ski Championships. It boasts incredible wellness facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a variety of saunas and steam rooms at different temperatures (some with incredible views), and a range of soothing spa treatments on offer. There is also a great gym that remains open until 10pm.
Image credits: Christoph Schöch, Patrick Bätz, TVB St. Anton am Arlberg.
