St. Anton am Arlberg stands tall as a premier alpine gem, famously celebrated for its world-class slopes. However, those who arrive without a pair of skis quickly discover that this village is far more than just a downhill playground. From the peaceful reaches of winter hiking paths and historic sites to high-end wellness hubs, horse-drawn sleigh journeys, and charming local cafés, the variety of things to do in St. Anton am Arlberg without skiing is vast.
This guide dives into the most fulfilling local experiences and highlights why the Arlberg region continues to captivate travelers every year, even those who never intend to purchase a lift pass.
Things to Do in St. Anton am Arlberg Without Skiing
When many people imagine St Anton, Austria, their mind immediately jumps to a frost-covered paradise teeming with winter sports enthusiasts. That fame is certainly earned. The Arlberg territory boasts over 300 kilometers of interconnected runs, cementing its status as one of Austria’s largest skiing hubs.
Nevertheless, the village also plays host to thousands of guests annually who visit for the crisp mountain air rather than the high-speed slopes. Recent tourism figures indicate that mountain towns are increasingly drawing in visitors who prioritize spa retreats, dramatic scenery, and cultural immersion over traditional downhill activities.
For first-time explorers, the reality is often a pleasant surprise. The range of things to do in St. Anton am Arlberg without skiing is remarkably diverse, which includes 80 km of winter hiking trails (scenic routes in the Verwalltal valley), traditional Tyrolean dining, and the Arlberg WellCom wellness (indoor/outdoor heated pools and saunas). Ancient wood architecture stands alongside cutting-edge wellness facilities, while silent valley paths meander through frozen pines, and local kitchens dish out hearty Tyrolean fare that has nothing to do with the ski lifts.
The table below offers a snapshot of the most popular off-piste activities found within the village.
| Activity | Location | Season | Typical Duration |
| Winter hiking | Verwall Valley | Winter | 2–4 hours |
| Toboggan run | Gampen route | Winter | 1–2 hours |
| Spa and wellness | Arlberg WellCom | Year-round | Half day |
| Bowling & sports | Arl.Rock complex | Year-round | 1–3 hours |
| Horse sleigh ride | Village outskirts | Winter | 45–60 minutes |
| Cable car views | Galzigbahn | Year-round | 2 hours |
Travelers who enjoy a slower pace often find that things to do in St Anton stretch well beyond the boundaries of the ski map.
Explore the Village and Historic Landmarks
Before heading toward the high-altitude trails or thermal baths, the village center itself is worth your time. St Anton am Arlberg flourished as a quiet mountain settlement long before the modern machinery of a ski resort took hold.
The Parish Church of St Anton (referred to as St. Anthony of Padua) is a local landmark that reflects the deep-seated Catholic roots of the region. Its whitewashed stone and intricate Baroque interior details showcase the classic Tyrolean aesthetic common throughout western Austria.
Just a short walk away, the St Anton Ski Museum (Museum St. Anton am Arlberg) is housed in Villa Trier (Arlberg-Kandahar House), a grand traditional mansion (1910-1912), recounting the fascinating evolution of alpine sports in the Arlberg. These historic exhibits show how the earliest mountain pioneers laid the groundwork for today’s techniques.
While many guests focus on the mountain peaks, walking through the village streets provides a more intimate look at local life. Carved wooden balconies draped in winter greenery line the narrow roads, and local bakeries pull fresh regional treats like Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) from the oven daily.
For those wanting to stay in the heart of the action, choosing a spot within walking distance of the shops is key. The authentic mountain hotel vibe in St Anton is best experienced through retreats, which prides itself on the region’s legendary hospitality traditions.
Scenic Winter Hiking Trails Around Verwall Valley
One of the most peaceful things to do in St Anton for non-skiers is exploring the winter hiking network. These valleys offer a web of meticulously maintained paths that stay perfectly walkable even under a heavy blanket of snow.
The Verwall Valley (Verwalltal) is widely considered the most picturesque of these routes. The path begins at the village edge and follows the winding Rosanna River deeper into the mountains. The sound of the water and the stillness of the snow-covered woods provide a sharp contrast to the crowded ski runs above.
Local data shows that over 80 kilometers of winter walking trails are groomed around St Anton am Arlberg, allowing everyone to witness the alpine grandeur without needing specialized gear. A typical afternoon hike might look like this:
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
| Verwall Valley | 10 km | Easy/Moderate | Icy river views |
| Moos Circular | 5 km | Easy | Silent forest paths |
| Village Route | 3 km | Very easy | Historic buildings |
Note: The exact length depends on the starting point.
Many walkers finish their trek with a steaming drink at a mountain cabin before returning to the village for dinner.
Try the Famous Gampen Toboggan Run
If you are looking for a bit of speed among the things to do in St. Anton am Arlberg without skiing, the Gampen sledding hill is a top choice.
The run kicks off at the Gampen mountain station and descends roughly 4 kilometers down to the valley floor. It’s a winding, exhilarating ride through the woods that consistently entertains both kids and adults.
Tourism guides point out that the run is open daily during the winter months, provided the snow is sufficient, with special night sledding events every Tuesday and Thursday. Many people enjoy taking the gondola up as the sun sets to race down under the floodlights.
| Feature | Detail |
| Length | 4 km |
| Vertical drop | approx. 500 m |
| Opening hours | Daily in winter |
| Night sessions | Tuesday & Thursday |
Even those who usually avoid winter sports find this particular activity surprisingly addictive.
Relax at the Arlberg WellCom Wellness Centre
Sometimes the finest things to do in St Anton are about doing absolutely nothing at all. The Arlberg WellCom facility is located right in the village and acts as the premier destination for relaxation.
The center features an array of indoor and outdoor pools, specialized sauna zones, and a fitness area with mountain views. There is something uniquely restorative about swimming in heated water while the cold alpine air swirls around you.
| Facility | Description |
| Indoor pool | 25-meter swim area |
| Outdoor pools | Heated year-round |
| Sauna complex | Various steam rooms |
| Fitness studio | Modern cardio equipment |
Visitors often pair a spa afternoon with a meal at a nearby restaurant. For a taste of the local culinary scene, the traditional restaurant serves Tyrolean favorites that showcase the region’s rich food culture.
Indoor Sports and Bowling at the Arl.Rock Centre
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, the Arl.Rock sports hub (Arl.park) is one of the most practical things to do in St. Anton am Arlberg without skiing. This massive facility includes a modern bowling alley, tennis and squash courts, and several climbing walls. It’s an ideal spot for families to stay active together without worrying about the wind or snow outside.
| Activity | Availability |
| Bowling | Open daily |
| Indoor tennis | Booking advised |
| Climbing wall | Staffed sessions |
| Squash | Rental gear available |
These indoor options are a popular choice during the dark winter evenings when the outdoor trails have quieted down.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride Through Snow-Covered Forests
A truly classic experience in St Anton is the traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride. Local drivers navigate sturdy wooden sleds along secluded forest paths while passengers huddle under thick, warm blankets.
The trip usually starts on the outskirts of the village and leads into the silent valleys where the snow remains untouched. The rhythmic sound of bells through the trees creates an atmosphere that feels like a scene from another century.
It is a common choice for couples seeking a romantic evening out during the peak of the winter season.
| Ride Duration | Typical Route |
| 45 minutes | Village forest paths |
| 60 minutes | Verwall Valley route |
Ice Skating and Curling in the Village Centre
The heart of the village features a seasonal outdoor ice rink where both residents and tourists gather to skate. You don’t need your own gear, as rentals are available right by the ice.
Curling is another favorite pastime in these mountain towns. This old-school winter sport involves sliding heavy stones toward a target on the ice, a game similar to the Scottish version but with its own distinct Austrian flavor.
While skiing might be the loudest part of the local culture, these smaller activities offer a more traditional glimpse into life in St Anton Austria.
Cable Car Rides for Alpine Views
Even if you never plan to ski down, you can still go up. Many travelers buy a pedestrian lift pass (hiking tickets) just to witness the scenery from the highest peaks. The Galzigbahn lift whisks you high above the valley to panoramic decks overlooking the entire Arlberg range.
Once at the top, the sheer scale of the Austrian Alps becomes clear. On a day with high visibility, the Valluga summit (2811m) offers one of the most stunning views in the country that can be reached without any climbing experience.
Taking a cable car for sightseeing is one of the easiest things to do in St Anton am Arlberg without skiing, particularly for those who love photography.
Summer Adventures in St Anton Austria
While winter is the busy season, the popularity of summer in St Anton am Arlberg is rising fast. The study notes that mountain regions are seeing a surge in summer guests who come for the hiking, biking, and the escape from city heat.
The scenery changes completely when the snow vanishes. The village hosts the ‘Arlberg Film Festival’ and various traditional livestock drives (Almabtrieb) in the late summer months. Green hillsides replace the white slopes, and the paths lead toward crystal-clear lakes and high mountain huts.
| Summer Activity | Location |
| Mountain hiking | Verwall Valley |
| Cycling | Arlberg passes |
| Alpine lakes | Hidden valleys |
| Outdoor pools | Village leisure center |
Where to Eat and Relax After Your Activities
After a day spent exploring the quieter side of St Anton am Arlberg, most visitors look forward to a relaxed meal or a comfortable place to unwind. The village has a strong food culture shaped by Tyrolean traditions, where hearty mountain cuisine meets modern alpine hospitality. Many restaurants and cafés sit within walking distance of the centre, allowing travellers to end the day with warm dishes, local wine, and views of the surrounding peaks.
The following overview highlights a few welcoming places where visitors often pause for food or a quiet evening after exploring the village.
| Dining Experience | What You’ll Find | Location in Village |
| Alpine restaurant dining (traditional, cosy, and rustic) | Traditional Tyrolean meals, seasonal dishes, mountain views (Speckknödel (bacon dumplings), Tiroler Gröstl, and Kaiserschmarrn.) | Village centre |
| Bistro and bar atmosphere | Light plates, evening drinks, relaxed seating | Near main pedestrian area |
| Breakfast cafés | Fresh bread, regional cheese, coffee and pastries | Throughout St Anton |
| Take-away options | Quick meals and snacks for travellers on the move | Central streets |
Restaurants often stay open late during winter months, and many establishments serve local specialities such as cheese fondue, schnitzel, and homemade desserts. Visitors who prefer a slower evening frequently begin with dinner before continuing to a cosy bar or lounge where the village atmosphere becomes especially lively once night falls.
Planning Your Trip to St Anton Am Arlberg
A bit of forward-thinking helps you get the most out of St Anton am Arlberg, regardless of when you visit. The weather changes significantly between seasons, which dictates what activities will be on the menu.
| Month | Typical Conditions | Recommended Activities |
| Dec–March | Heavy snow cover | Hiking, sledding, skiing, and spas |
| April–May | Mild spring air, wildflowers bloom, snow melts | Village walks, museum |
| June–Sept | High summer sun, perfect for outdoor activities | Cycling, lake hiking |
| Oct–Nov | Quiet transition | Spa & cultural visits |
Many guests find that staying in a hotel with easy access to the pedestrian zones makes exploring much simpler.
Why St Anton Is Ideal Even for Non-Skiers
St Anton’s fame as a world-class ski hub can sometimes hide the fact that there is so much more to see. Tourism studies show that mountain resorts are now appealing to a wider range of people looking for nature, fresh air, and cultural history rather than just sports.
Data confirms that wellness and nature-based travel have expanded across the Austrian Alps over the last ten years. This explains why the list of things to do in St. Anton am Arlberg without skiing keeps growing every year. Explorers who take the time to look around will find a place that balances luxury with history.
Where to Stay in St Anton Without Skiing
The right lodging can make or break a mountain holiday. Some people want the buzz of a central hotel, while others prefer a quiet pension tucked away with a view of the forest. The town offers everything from boutique stays to family-run guest houses and large chalets for bigger groups.
| Type | Best For |
| Boutique Hotel | Couples & solo travelers |
| Alpine Pension | Families & budget-conscious |
| Private Chalet | Groups & retreats |
For those organizing a trip for a larger crowd, the group-specific housing options are worth checking out.
A Place Worth Experiencing Beyond the Slopes
People heading to St Anton, Austria, often expect a town built only for skiing. Instead, they find a vibrant mountain community rich in character and outdoor beauty that requires no skis to enjoy.
From the quiet of the Verwall hiking paths to the thrill of the toboggan run, the things to do in St. Anton am Arlberg without skiing are diverse and growing. Those who venture off the slopes often leave with a much richer understanding of alpine culture. If you are thinking about a visit, you can browse local stays and dining options through the team Die arlbergerin. Ultimately, for many guests, the best part of St Anton isn’t the skiing at all, it’s the atmosphere, the views, and the endless ways to enjoy the Alps on your own terms.
