Bite-Sized: Lech, Austria
a trail map to my favorite ski town
Introducing Bite-Sized
I wouldn’t call myself a travel expert, nor do I claim to have a foolproof method for planning the perfect trip. I don’t spend hours meticulously researching the best restaurants, cafés, or must-visit spots. More often than not, I’m just tagging along with friends who’ve mastered that art.
What I am good at? Snapping photos, scribbling notes, and remembering the little details that make a place feel special. After enough nudging from friends and followers, I’m finally putting those notes to use. Bite-Sized is my take on travel guides—quick, personal, and, yes, incomplete. Consider it a highlight reel of places I’ve been and loved, not a definitive city guide.
Lech am Arlberg, Austria
Keeping ski towns in Europe a secret is an unspoken rule—preserving the perfection of the experience, not drawing the crowds. But for my friends who appreciate a well-kept travel tip, I’m letting you in on Lech. Everything you’ve heard is true: lift tickets are more affordable, the runs are longer and less crowded, the alpine food is phenomenal (a far cry from the sad cafeteria trays passed off as "mountain food" in the U.S.), and yes, the snow can be unpredictable.
Place
Lech am Arlberg is a picturesque mountain village and ski resort in Austria’s Vorarlberg region. It’s one of three interconnected peaks—St. Anton, Zürs, and Lech—so if you’re ambitious, you can ski all three without ever leaving the mountain. Known for its off-piste terrain, Lech is considered a sporty mountain, perfect for adventurous skiers. If you prefer meticulously groomed runs, it may not be your ideal spot, but the diverse terrain ensures something for everyone, and is a posh destination for Europe. I’ve been lucky enough to ski with friends who know the mountain well, but if you don’t have an insider, I highly recommend booking a guide—something I’ve done on my second and third visits.
The village itself is intimate, and locals want to keep it that way. As a visitor, the charm is undeniable. If skiing all day isn’t your thing, there are a handful of beautifully curated fashion boutiques, spas, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking or sun-filled decks for a long alpine lunch to fill your days.
Stay
Throughout the Alps, hotels are often multi-generational, family-owned, and run with an unparalleled sense of hospitality. It’s not over-the-top—it’s just genuine pride in their craft, which translates to a warm and memorable stay. The most sought-after spots book out a year in advance, but if you’re flexible, you can always find a last-minute gem. There are plenty of stunning hotels and private chalets available. If you’re traveling with a group, a chalet is the way to go, and this is the one to book.
This website, created by a friend, is another great resource.
Hotels
Almhof Schneider: 5-star, high-design, destination spa, bar, and restaurants. Even if you’re not staying here, go for dinner or drinks.
Burg Vital, Oberlech: 5-star, mountain-chic interiors, incredible breakfast buffet. Worth a visit even if you’re not staying there.
Sonnenberg, Oberlech: 5-star hotel with neutral, mountain-chic interior. Worth a visit even if you’re not staying there.
Hotel Schmelzhof: Luxury with a warm, modern alpine aesthetic. Great bar and restaurant.
Hotel Post: Classic Austrian charm, an institution of alpine hospitality.
Rote Wande: A sleek, design-forward hotel with a strong culinary and wellness focus.
Hotel der Berghof: 4-star, centrally located near the village and gondola.
Pfefferkorn’s Hotel: Comfortable and convenient, perfect for those who plan to be on the mountain all day.
Note: Many hotels offer full or half-board dining. Even if you don’t opt for it, each hotel restaurant is worth visiting.
Eat & Drink
With 39 Michelin-starred restaurants in the region, hospitality here is next level. Sommeliers and front-of-house professionals come to train at these hotels and resorts, and the care and attention to detail in every meal make this a culinary destination as much as a ski one. Reservations for lunch and dinner are highly recommended, with prime dining hours from 7:30-8:30 PM.
Almhof Schneider: One of the most exceptional meals and experience, go for drinks if you can’t snag a reservation, or just to soak in the ambiance.
Hotel Schmelzhof: An excellent restaurant whether or not you’re staying there.
Hotel Post: Timeless, traditional Austrian dining with an elegant twist.
Rote Wande: Minimalist mountain-chic with a serious culinary program.
Schneggerai:Casual pizza and salads, right at the lift for a ski-in/ski-out lunch.
Hus 8: Classic fondue in a cozy, casual setting.
Arlberg Clubhouse: A new restaurant and concept store; Italian fare downstairs, café and boutique upstairs.
Arlberg Hospiz Alm: Traditional Austrian, featuring one of the world’s largest wine cellars (the tour is a must). Ski over for lunch or drive for dinner.
On the Mountain
Gone are the days of disappointing ski lodge food. Here, even the casual huts serve satisfying, high-quality regional dishes. Some of my favorites:
Der Wolf: My absolute favorite. Incredible views and a minimalist alpine design.
Balmap: Stunning mountain-top setting, turns into a lively après scene.
Das Murmelie: One of my favorite spots for a more elevated lunch in Oberlech.
Kreigeralpe: Traditional Austrian ski hut fare, hearty and authentic.
Rud Alpe: Lower on the mountain, easier access if you want a relaxed lunch.
Moosewirt: The legendary après-ski experience, a must in St. Anton.
Rüfikopf Panorama: At the top of the Rüfikopf gondola with unbeatable views, great for a late-morning coffee.
Sonnenberg: tucked into Oberlech, with a great sun terrace, crepes and alpine food
Cafe & Bakery
Arlberg Clubhouse: upstairs from their Italian restaurant with the best coffee in town.
Backstube Lech: local bakery that supplies much of the hotels and resorts with pastries that are not made in house, the cardamom bread and nussgipfel are my absolute favorite!
Strolz Cafe Treff: on the second floor of the Strolz retail store, there is a small cafe and bar that’s a nice perch or place to meet a friend.
Shop
Strolz Modehaus Lech: The legendary ski and fashion boutique.
Sagmeister Die Boutique: A beautifully curated selection of alpine fashion.
Spa
Spa rituals are deeply ingrained in the culture here, and almost every hotel—regardless of star rating—boasts a subterranean spa with steam rooms, dry cedar saunas, heated pools, and quiet areas for lounging. The spa etiquette is strictly followed: nude in the saunas, swimsuits in the pools. After a day on the mountain, a double session in the sauna, with an ice-cold shower in between, followed by a nap in the lounge, is the reset you didn’t know you needed.
Lech am Arlberg isn’t just a ski destination—it’s a complete alpine experience, blending sport, design, hospitality, and food in a way that few places can. Go, enjoy, and don’t tell too many people… let’s keep it special.
Hi Olivia!! Are you going to make more of these? Loved this one