More Time - More Space
World Class Skiing Far From the Crowds in Lech-Zuers

Picture yourself this winter gliding through the finest powder snow on glistening firn slopes in the birthplace of skiing, far from the crowds of merry ski bunnies that normally litter the mountains. Lech and Zuers am Alberg in Austria is where the white sport was invented more than a century ago, and it is today one of the most exclusive Alpine winter sports resorts in the world.

If you've ever skied (or snowboarded) in Europe, you know how much of a battle the process can be. Snobbish crowds are everywhere, ticket lines endless, skiers elbow and push and shuffle and if you just bought a new pair of Chanel skies you spend most of your time worrying they might be scratched. And of course, waiting hours at the lift and skiing with the masses is not the picture of a relaxing winter getaway anyway. Not so in Lech and Zuers with their motto "More Time - More Space." They continuously monitor the number of skiers on their pistes to 14,000! You would think that such luxury came at a price, but you'll find some very affordable package deals.

Zuers, in the heart of the Arlberg region, gets more snow than most other places in the Alps and while the resort area is small and intimate with slopes leading right up to your doorstep, visitors find a vast powder paradise with 84 state-of-the-art ski lifts and cable cars as well as a huge snowboard park and exquisite deep snow skiing. In fact, it is know as the Mecca of deep skiing. Even if you've never stood on two skis before, one of the most famous ski schools in the world will teach you everything you need to know.

British royalty like to spend their winters here and the ambience is indeed noble. Tradition and progress work in perfect symphony. You will no doubt encounter what one might expect from a winter trip to Austria: world-class hospitality in typical cozy inns with crackling fireplaces and hearty gastronomy, stunning winter-wonder vistas and stylish après- ski get-togethers. But you might not realize that this old-school winter ski paradise has managed to reduce its CO2 emissions by 70 percent in the last few years thanks to a central biomass power station! Quite innovative for such a small community of only 8,500 beds.

In accordance with such high standards is their "silent ceremony" with which they start the winter season. Usually, these festivities are loud and rambunctious; Lech and Zuers, however, go against the grain with soothing sounds for noise-polluted ears November 30 and December 1, 2002. So if you're looking to ski unhampered by the crowds, get ready for a royal winter season.

For packages and other details, please visit www.lech-zuers.at.

(Updated: 07/01/08 HC)