St Anton should have the title ‘Resort with most under-classified slopes’ because many of its blue runs should be classified as red. And on top of that, they have a number of red runs that should be classified as black.

However, none of St Anton’s runs are extremely steep, because their toughest runs are actually called ‘ski routes’ or ‘high alpine touring runs’. Touring runs, like Rendi and Stuben, are actually off-piste runs that do not appear on the piste maps of most resorts. For those who would like to discover these runs, they must hire a guide.

While the piste maps note that the ski routes are marked, they are also avalanche controlled but not groomed or patrolled.

These should be patrolled pistes, though, as several areas such as Schindler Spitze and Rendl, are very popular runs and they are treated like pistes. Some of these routes are actually groomed, but only sporadically.

Large Linked St Anton Areas

St Anton’s slopes all fall into three main sectors, and two of these are linked.

St Anton’s major sector is just beneath the Valluga, which is accessed by the  gondola to Galzig, and then a cable car. The cable car will take skiers to Valluga Grat where they will have access to St Anton’s high, sunny bowls, as well as the long red/blue run to Alpe Rauz.

The run to Alpe Rauz and the high Valluga runs can only be accessed by riding the Schindlergrat triple chair.

Beyond this valley, skiers can head to the Kapall-Gampen sector, which is reachable by chairlift from central St Anton or by gondola from Nasserein.

Skiers who wish to go to Rendl should note that it is a separate mountain, which can be reached by a gondola from the centre of town. There are also a handful of lifts that serve the west-facing upper runs, and the north-facing piste to the valley.

A popular new sport has emerged at ski resorts all over the Alps. It’s called “snow volleyball” and it’s becoming increasingly popular as time goes on. The rules are essentially the same as traditional volleyball, only it’s played at an altitude of 6,500 feet while the participants are surrounded by both snow and skiers.

Snow volleyball has been around in a casual capacity for years, though it has been picking up a huge amount of steam recently. Organisers of the Snow Volleyball Tour have expanded their lineup to include Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy. They hope that snow volleyball could soon become a competitive event played all over the world.

The St. Anton ski resort hosted the final stop on the Snow Volleyball Tour in early April, 2014. Instead of the cold and frosty atmosphere that one would expect from a ski resort at this time of year, the entire event looked like something you would be more likely to find on a sandy beach. Players were surrounded by both palm trees and cheerleaders, the same way they would be if they were competing in a beach volleyball tournament. The only major difference was that instead of a skimpy bikini or a fashionable swimsuit, players were wearing something a little heavier to protect themselves against the harsh winter weather.

Players who are having a great time with snow volleyball have talked at length about just how similar it is to the traditional game. Strategising is exactly the same as traditional volleyball. The way that you move through snow versus the way you move through sand, however, is completely different. This small but pivotal change is what makes snow volleyball a completely unique entity all unto itself, as well as a great deal of fun in general.

Snow volleyball has also been seen as a boost for tourism at the locations that have been participating in the tour. 50 teams participated in the events and they were surrounded by an estimated 15,000 cheering spectators. The Austrian volleyball association has already taken the necessary steps to recognise snow volleyball based on its popularity. Its rumored that the German and Swiss authorities are well on their way to making the same decision.

St Anton is a wonderful year round holiday destination, and there is plenty to do here in the summertime! From rafting to hiking to cycling and swimming, this area offers lots for the outdoorsy to enjoy.

There are a number of summer activities in St. Anton for children, too. They will love the beautiful nature settings, while you enjoy the safety of the area that they play in! The natural beauty of St. Anton is breathtaking. The views, and the heights, are amazing.

There are alpine meadows, gigantic mountain summits, plenty of peace and quiet, and lots of organised outdoor activities if you are so inclined to enjoy them. In fact, there are over 300 kilometers of hiking trails, plenty of rock climbing opportunities for the adventurous extreme sports lovers in your party, and even the “WunderWanderWeg”, which translates to the Wonder Hiking Route.

St. Anton also boasts a high ropes course (again, for the most adventurous in your group), cycle tours you can sign up for, and plenty of swimming on beautiful summer days.  There are many activities for both the young and old to participate in here http://www.stantonamarlberg.com/en/sommer/sport-aktiv/sports-activities.html

Families love St. Anton, because there is truly something for everyone.

No matter when you visit, there is always something new to find, too. When you holiday in the Arlberg area you will find new paths, wonders that you have never encountered before, views you have never seen before. Breathe the fresh air and immerse your senses in the gorgeous outdoors!

And if you love the area, why not look for property for sale in St Anton, Austria?  So that you will always have a place to stay during the holidays!  The area is beautiful year round, and purchasing your own homestead will give you plenty of reason to summer here!

Fancy taking on 500 skiers in this classic race down an unprepared piste from the Vallugagrat to the valley, 9km below?

Check out the mass start. Another reason to love St Anton.