Oberlech: Ski Tours, Hiking Trails and Mountain Nature

Oberlech lies at an altitude of 1,750 metres above Lech am Arlberg and is car-free in winter. In summer, the best way to reach Oberlech is on foot or by cable car from Lech. If you plan to take the cable car, check the timetable for your travel dates. Activities vary by season: in winter, ski tours, tobogganing and practice facilities take centre stage, while hiking trails are a summer highlight.

Skiing, tobogganing and practice facilities in winter

The White Ring ski circuit connects Lech, Zürs, Zug and Oberlech. It includes around 22 kilometres of ski runs and 5,500 metres of vertical descent. Continuous signposting and distinctive White Ring symbols along the runs help you find your way. These details give you an idea of the circuit without specifying a particular duration or difficulty level.

The toboggan run starts at the Oberlech cable car’s mountain station and winds down through the winter forest to Lech. It is 1.2 kilometres long, family-friendly and suitable for children; as a seasonal winter activity, it is subject to operating hours. For first days on skis, sunny, quiet and car-free Kinderland Oberlech has three magic carpets. The seasonal Oberlech practice area is also aimed at children, as well as returning and beginner skiers who want to improve their technique and confidence. It also includes the Oberlech practice lift.

Hiking between the mountain station, Gipslöcher and Rud-Alpe

The Arlenzauberweg is around two kilometres long and leads from the Lech-Oberlech cable car’s mountain station past Libellensee and the flower meadows on Schlegelkopf to Rud-Alpe. The trail is easy and gently downhill. More than 20 stations introduce visitors to special characteristics of animals and plants. This way, the route combines a specific trail with nature-themed stops, rather than simply connecting two points.

The Gipslöcher area in Lech Zürs consists of impressive, funnel-shaped sinkholes and has been specially protected as a nature reserve since 1988. There are more than 1,000 sinkholes of various sizes in total. The largest is about 35 metres deep and 100 metres in diameter. Gipsis Rätselweg leads through the mountain landscape of Oberlech and includes six stations in the middle and upper Gipslöcher. Trail conditions may vary on this family puzzle trail.

Family activities and other excursions

The Spielend wandern Weg runs between Oberlech and Petersboden and features eight nature-based games along the hiking route. Another family activity takes visitors to Rud-Alpe via the Grüner Rätselring. Children can enjoy a water play area, a treehouse, a petting zoo, a trampoline and slacklines there; these facilities may operate seasonally. Rud-Alpe’s sun terrace serves Austrian and regional specialities. Children’s clubs in Oberlech look after young children, though seasonal offerings may vary. There is also a 3D archery course for children and adults; its operating arrangements may vary.

History enthusiasts can follow the “In the Footsteps of the Walser” hike from Oberlech to the historic Walser village of Bürstegg. Bürstegg is considered the highest Walser settlement in Vorarlberg. Another winter hike starts at the Oberlech cable car’s mountain station, leads to the Tannegg viewpoint and continues to Kriegeralpe. Trail conditions may vary on winter trails.

Art and cycling also add to the range of activities: the route to Skyspace Lech starts at the Lech-Oberlech cable car’s mountain station; the artwork was created by American artist James Turrell. The Burgwald Trail in Lech am Arlberg is Vorarlberg’s first official freeride and enduro trail and offers an additional sporting attraction near the Oberlech cable car and Petersbodenbahn. Trail conditions may vary.

Discover more destinations: Zürs

For the main travel overview: Lech.