5 ways to get out in the mountains in St. Anton am Arlberg this summer

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1. Explore by bike

Well-kept and navigable trails make St. Anton the ideal place to jump in the saddle. Those who love exploring on two wheels will relish the 350km route network here, with everything from steep, high-altitude climbs to leisurely loops.

For a relaxing ride, opt for an e-bike tour to the Rendlalm which leads you on a scenic path from the River Rosanna in St. Anton am Arlberg to St. Jakob. Up for a challenge? Try the Galzigtrail: a speedy, downhill route. While great for all fitness levels, the twists and turns of the course mean only advanced riders should attempt this one. That said, those who do will be well rewarded – not just with ultimate thrills and bragging rights, but views across the Stanzertal Valley.

Stanzertal itself, on the other hand, has the perfect cycle path to suit all ages – being entirely tarmacked from St. Anton to Flirsch. Build up skill and speed at EldoRADo and its pump track, made for mountain bikers seeking adventure.

2. Go hiking

St. Anton may be known for its winter sports offering, but in the summer it’s an untouched haven for hikers, mountaineers, and climbers.

If long distance is your thing, the 50km Arlberg Trail delivers. It’s new, sporty, and connects St. Anton with neighbouring resorts St. Christoph, Zürs, Stuben and Lech. You’ll tackle an elevation of over 6,000m on a trail that takes 18 hours/ three days to complete. But it’s not exclusively for the hardiest of walkers: the trip can be tackled in individual stages, or with the help of a cable car.

For those who prefer their outdoorsy exploits more laid-back, verdant Verwalltal offers a charming route, where forests, streams and meadows flank the trails. It’s a relatively flat, easy to navigate path, and can even be tackled with a buggy in tow. Whatever your hike of choice, we highly recommend ending the day with a sparkling glass of Spritz. Prost!

3. Enjoy a host of events 

Festival goers are spoilt for choice in St. Anton – especially if you prefer events of the sporting variety. As a prime skiing destination, throughout the winter you’ll find an abundance of powder-related thrills, from the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup to the annual White Thrill race. 

But celebrations are plentiful in the spring and summer too. New Orleans Meets Snow does exactly what it says on the tin in March/April, with live jazz, blues and soul coming to this iconic ski hub. In June, why not partake in the three-day Mountain Sports Festival? You’ll learn about all the latest gear, embark on summit hikes, and meet like-minded climbers.

The Arlberg Giro arrives in July, with cycling pros competing to tackle a gruelling 150km course over the Arlberg Pass. And visit in August for a more sedentary experience: Film Festival St. Anton, where you can watch outdoor movies about outdoor sports, including rock climbing and freeriding.

4. Relax with a yoga class 

If festivals and yoga are your thing, then you’ve come to the right place. St. Anton’s annual Mountain Yoga Festival brings together yoga aficionados every September, in celebration of practising this spiritual discipline where it was meant to be practised: amid nature.

But you don’t just have to visit in September to unwind with a yoga class or two. Inspired by the festival, St. Anton has created ‘arlflow’, a yoga room that offers opportunities all year-round, for beginners and advanced yogis alike. Lessons also extend to yoga for children, meditation and relaxation sessions, drop-in classes, and even workshops led by experienced teachers of international renown.

The real draw here, though, is undeniably the backdrop. In the summer months, sessions take place atop the roof terrace, so you can roll out your mat and deliver a sun salutation to the breathtaking mountains all around you.

 5. Refuel at mountain huts

No Tyrolean mountain experience is complete without visiting the cosy wooden huts that pepper the trails. They’re the perfect reprieve from adverse weather conditions, a place to rest your weary feet, and somewhere where you can fill up on local delicacies.

In St. Anton alone, you’ll find 35 such Alpine retreats, each with unique features. There’s Darmstädter hut – beloved for its many dumplings, and a great jumping-off point for several climbing and summit tours. For unrivalled views, Konstanzer hut sits nestled amid trees and wildflowers, gazing over the 3,056m Patteriol mountain. Ansbacher hut offers a panorama of the entire Stanzertal, while Alpe Dawin offers plates of delicious homemade cheese and vistas across to Hoher Riffler – the tallest of the Verwall Alps.

And, if heritage vibes are your thing, don’t miss Wagner hut. It’s close to Konstanzer hut, and famous for its traditional Tyrolean cuisine. Interestingly, though, it was once used as a keeper's cottage and still holds a place of power in the Verwall Valley.

Feeling inspired? 

For more information and inspiration to help you plan your perfect summer visit to Austria, head to the official website. 

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