Side Trips

Stuben

This little village and winter resort is almost a suburb of Lech, lying on the southern fringes of the larger village on the west side of the Arlberg Pass. Stuben can be reached by bus, but the most romantic way to go from Lech is by horse-drawn sleigh.

The hamlet has been a way station for alpine travelers for many centuries, but in recent years, it has become a modern ski area with its own lift station on Albona. (It was the birthplace of Hannes Schneider, the great ski instructor.) Stuben is not as glamorous as Zürs, but its prices are much more reasonable and its location is just fine for skiers. Stuben has links with St. Anton in the Tyrol, as well as with Lech and Zürs.

Stuben is especially geared for family enjoyment, with children's ski courses, special meals, and hosts who help the small fry feel at home.

The helpful tourist office (tel. 05582/3990) is inside the Hotel Post (under separate management) in the Village center. It's open in winter daily 9am to noon and 3 to 6pm; in summer Monday to Friday 9am to noon.

Getting There -- Although a casual glance at some maps might lead newcomers to believe that Stuben lies on the main rail lines between Innsbruck and Bregenz, this is not the case. Stuben-bound passengers must get off the train at the tunnel's western mouth, Langen am Arlberg, and then take one of the dozen or so daily buses that wind their way upward during the 10-minute ride to Stuben. For rail information, contact tel. 05/1717 (www.oebb.at).

Drivers should follow the directions to Lech and then follow signs to Stuben, which is 10k (6 miles) south of Lech and 24km (15 miles) east of Bludenz.