Silvretta Montafon Ski Resort Guide
Vorarlberg’s Hidden Gem — 240 km of Pistes in a Stunning Alpine Valley
Silvretta Montafon is one of Austria’s largest yet most underrated ski areas, spread across the stunning Montafon valley in Vorarlberg — the westernmost state of Austria, bordering Switzerland and Liechtenstein. With 240 km of marked pistes, 34 lifts, and a vertical drop of over 1,100 metres, it rivals better-known resorts in the Arlberg region in scale but retains a more local, authentic character. Villages of Schruns, Gaschurn, and Silbertal serve as bases, each with its own mountain access and traditional Austrian hospitality.
Silvretta Montafon at a Glance
| Location | Montafon Valley, Vorarlberg, Austria |
|---|---|
| Summit Elevation | 2,430 m (Hochjoch) |
| Base Elevation | 690 m (Schruns) |
| Vertical Drop | 1,100 m+ |
| Marked Pistes | 240 km |
| Number of Lifts | 34 |
| Piste Breakdown | 25% beginner / 55% intermediate / 20% advanced |
| Season | December – April |
| Average Annual Snowfall | 5 metres |
| Ski Pass (6 days) | From €270 |
| Nearest Airport | Friedrichshafen (60 km), Zurich (120 km), Innsbruck (130 km) |
| Nearest Town | Schruns (resort base) |
Terrain & Skiing
The skiing at Silvretta Montafon is centred on three main areas. Hochjoch (above Schruns) is the largest sector, with wide, well-groomed blue and red runs flowing down through open alpine terrain. Silvretta (above Gaschurn) offers more challenging terrain and connects to the high-alpine Bielerhöhe area. The smaller Golm area above St. Gallenkirch is ideal for families and beginners, with its own village access and gentler gradients.
Snowmaking covers 70% of the ski area, ensuring reliable conditions throughout the season. On-piste grooming standards are consistently high.
Off-Piste & Ski Touring
The Montafon valley has a strong ski touring culture, with access to extensive backcountry terrain above 2,000 m. Freeride guides operate locally and the wide open snowfields make for exceptional powder skiing after a storm. The resort also maintains a dedicated freeride zone with marked entry points.
Getting to Silvretta Montafon
By train: take the Montafon Railway (MBS) from Bludenz — where direct trains arrive from Zurich, Innsbruck, and Munich — to Schruns or Gaschurn. By car: exit the A14 motorway at Bludenz and follow signs south into the Montafon valley (15–25 minutes).
Where to Stay at Silvretta Montafon
Schruns is the largest base village, with a range of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. The Hotel Löwen & Strauss and Hotel Montafoner Hof are popular four-star options with wellness facilities. Gaschurn is quieter and closer to the Silvretta sector. Self-catered apartments are abundant and good value across all villages.
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Après-Ski & Dining
Schruns has a lively après-ski scene anchored by traditional Stuben bars and local Vorarlberg cuisine. The Montafon is known for its excellent regional food — Käsknöpfle (cheese spaetzle), venison, and locally crafted beers feature heavily. The Verwall Hütte on-mountain restaurant is a favourite lunch stop with panoramic valley views.
Expert Tips for Silvretta Montafon
- Use the valley-wide ski bus — free shuttle buses connect all villages and lift stations, making it easy to ski different sectors on different days.
- Ski the Hochjoch early — the upper runs soften beautifully in spring sunshine.
- Combine with Arlberg — St Anton is just 40 minutes by car. A multi-area pass covering both regions is available.
- Visit mid-week — Silvretta Montafon draws local Austrian weekend crowds; mid-week is notably quieter.
- Explore Schruns town — Ernest Hemingway famously spent winters here in the 1920s. The town has real character and a small Hemingway memorial.
Frequently Asked Questions — Silvretta Montafon
- How big is Silvretta Montafon?
- With 240 km of marked pistes and 34 lifts, it is one of Austria’s largest ski areas — comparable in scale to Ischgl or Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
- Is Silvretta Montafon good for families?
- Yes. The Golm sector is particularly family-friendly with gentle slopes, a dedicated children’s area, and a good ski school. The valley shuttle makes moving between sectors easy without driving.
- Can I ski to Switzerland from Silvretta Montafon?
- The ski area does not directly connect to Swiss resorts on-piste, but ski touring routes do reach into the Swiss border area.
- What is the snow reliability like?
- Very good. Snowmaking covers 70% of pistes and the upper mountain regularly receives natural snow from Atlantic weather systems. The Hochjoch area holds snow well into spring.
- Is Silvretta Montafon on the Ski Arlberg pass?
- No, but a combined Montafon–Arlberg pass covering both areas is available seasonally. Check the resort website for current options.