Ski St Anton: resort guide The ski pass covers Lech and Zürs, reached by regular free ski-buses from Alpe Rauz, where the slopes meet the Arlberg pass road, and the less well-known Sonnenkopf area above Klösterle (see the Vorarlberg - Alpenregion Bludenz chapter). But these buses can get crowded; the post bus offers a less crowded alternative and means you can start or end your outing in St Anton, but it is not free. Taxis can be economic if shared. Serfaus, Ischgl and Sölden are feasible outings by car. We like... Varied terrain for experts and adventurous intermediates Heavy snowfalls, lots of snow-guns Car-free village centre retains solid traditional charm Very lively après-ski Improved lift system has cut queues from the base areas, but ... We don't like... Some pistes dangerously crowded Slopes can be tough for near-beginners and timid intermediates Most tough runs are unpatrolled Snow quality can suffer from sun Resort sprawls, with long treks from some lodgings to key lifts and bars Centre can be noisy at night Village charm Traditional but lively Although it is crowded and commercialized, St Anton is full of character, its traffic-free main street lined by traditional-style buildings. It is an attractively bustling place, day and night. Its shops offer little in the way of entertainment, but meet everyday needs well - a well-stocked Spar, for example, a watchmender who stocks batteries that fit our altimeters, and an excellent bookshop that sells good numbers of this book. Convenience Not bad for a large resort The hub of the resort is at the western end of the main street, close to the base stations of the lifts to Gampen (a fast quad chair), to Galzig and to Rendl (modern gondolas). Staying on or close to this main street is ideal to keep treks to the lifts short. Nasserein has an eight-seater gondola up to Gampen, and makes an appealing base for a quiet time. The nightlife action is a short bus ride or 15-minute walk away. Staying between the centre and Nasserein is fairly convenient, too, as the Fang chairlift gives access to all the base lifts. Scenery Head for the Valluga St Anton squeezes into a narrow, partly wooded valley. The scenery becomes more impressive as you ride up the lifts, either towards the dramatic Valluga, or across the valley up to Rendl, which opens up a splendid panorama. Schools and guides Good reports The St Anton and the Arlberg schools are under the same ownership but operate separately. Recent reports have been positive, and a 2012 visitor had an "excellent private lesson with a patient and careful instructor"; but a past reporter complained of large classes with too wide a range of abilities. Piste to Powder is a specialist off-piste outfit run by British guide Graham Austick. Most reports are very enthusiastic, and a 2012 reporter (an experienced off-piste skier) said, "The guides are excellent; you get tips and tactics for the conditions as well as guiding; I definitely rate them." Past comments include: "one of the best days ever on a mountain," "a great operation," "exactly the right balance of instruction and guiding." We've had reports that ability levels sometimes vary too much, though, and heard mixed views of the success of groups for beginners to off-piste. Snow reliability Generally very good cover If the weather is coming from the west or north-west (as it often is), the Arlberg region gets it first, and as a result St Anton gets heavy falls of snow - and neighbouring Lech and Zürs get even more. These resorts often have much better conditions than other resorts of a similar height, and we've had great fresh powder here as late as mid-April. But many slopes face south or south-east, causing icy or heavy conditions at times. As spring approaches, in particular, it's vital to time descents of the steeper runs off the Valluga to get decent conditions, or you can find yourself in trouble. The lower runs are well equipped with snowmaking, which generally ensures the home runs remain open. Last year's weekly snowfall provided by the Ski Club of Great Britain For familes Nasserein "ideal" The youth centre attached to the Arlberg school is excellent, and the special slopes both for toddlers (at the bottom) and bigger children (at Gampen) are well done. Children's instruction is reportedly very good. At Nasserein there is a moving carpet on the baby slope. There's also a good children's area by the Gampen fast quad. Nasserein makes a good base, and family chalet specialist Esprit Ski has its own facilities here.