Skiing has become a trending winter holiday choice among adventure lovers all over the globe. Singaporeans looking for a vacation where they can enjoy the combination of thrill and natural beauty can head towards St. Anton ski resort. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this place to enjoy both on and off-piste skiing in Europe. The unique blend of adventure and nature is irresistible for any thrill lovers.
What is Off-Piste Skiing?
Off-piste skiing is a test of bravery and skill, and lets you explore the untouched terrain, going beyond the marked trails. This adrenaline-filled adventure demands higher skills and more training than on-piste skiing. Expert skiers can enjoy the freedom of exploring the ungroomed, peaceful slopes – away from the crowd.
Off-piste skiing is even more appealing to Singaporean winter-sport enthusiasts. Exploring the backcountry is a total opposite from the city’s tropical climate. The beauty of Mother Nature coupled with the thrill of shredding untracked terrain, makes it a perfect choice for Singaporeans.
The Best Off-Piste Skiing In Europe
With the Alps being the central point, Europe is home to the best skiing resorts. Among the top places, St. Anton am Arlberg is a paradise for global winter-sport lovers. Important features such as good snow conditions, vast off-piste terrain, and the global-class lift system have made St. Anton one of the best off-piste skiing in Europe.
Other than St. Anton, other destinations are Verbier, Switzerland and Chamonix, France. What sets St. Anton apart is its vibrant Austrian charm and hospitality, superb infrastructure, and balanced on and off-piste skiing terrain. St. Anton ski resort is suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Why St. Anton For Riding Backcountry?
Top-Grade Terrain
The variety of challenges, amazing descents, and powder-filled bowls make St. Anton a true destination for riders of every level. No matter if you are an expert skier or just a beginner, there’s a total of 305 km of groomed slopes for everyone. Imagine skiing non-stop for 10.2 km – the longest run in the Austrian ski village.
If you are an expert skier, Valluga and Schindler Kar are some of the 200 km off-piste runs available. You can enjoy some steep descents combined with some mesmerizing panoramic views of the Austrian Alps, making it the ideal choice.
Consistent Snowfall
One of the main reasons why St. Anton ski resort is one of the top choices among snow adventure lovers is its reliable snow conditions. This high-altitude zone offers convenient skiing conditions even in drier seasons, and also boasts advanced snow-making systems that actually complement natural snowfall.
With lifts starting as early as December till middle of April, most enthusiasts make several trips to the Austrian village throughout the season to make the best out of its five months of winter.
Great Accessibility & Infrastructure
St. Anton ski resort is situated close to several European cities, making it well connected to major airports, such as Zürich, Innsbruck and Munich. With a train station right at the village, its accessibility beats many European ski resorts. Singaporeans can also reach their destination easily by taking a direct overnight flight to Zurich and then enjoying a scenic train ride to the resort.
Apart from the great connectivity, this part of the Arlberg ski area is also nicely interconnected. The extraordinary lift system lets the skiers explore various off-piste regions seamlessly. Tourists get to spend their maximum time on the slopes as the modern infrastructure of the ski resort eliminates waiting time.
Why Is St. Anton So Popular?
Vibrant Charm
The warm hospitality of this Austrian village is loved by travellers from all over the globe. Cozy lodges, luxurious hotels, warm service and mouth-watering cuisines combined with world-class skiing facilities, make St. Anton one of the loved winter vacation spots.
Travellers get to soak in the country’s traditions by enjoying the different festivities that take place during the ski season. Christmas markets in December, Fasching Carnival in February, and Easter in April, and many exciting events in between. The weekly ski show is a must-watch, showcasing its history, and skilled local skiers and snowboarders.
Life After Skiing
Unlike other ski destinations, St. Anton is famous for its happening nightlife, also known as Après-Ski. Beginning as early as 2pm, several bars along the slopes feature live music, special DJ performances and the party continues in the valley with a wide variety of options to choose from. Skiers and snowboarders get to unwind and recharge after a long day on the slopes.
People who want to spend their evenings in a relaxed manner can take their pick from local restaurants or indulge in fine dining options. Many hotels have in-house spa facilities. Otherwise, the WellComm centre has both indoor and outdoor pools, and extensive sauna facilities.
Endless Adventure
Apart from skiing, tourists can also enjoy the fun of night tobogganing, snowshoeing, paragliding, dog sledding and more. Alpine wine tasting is also highly recommended in neighbouring village St. Christoph, where the largest collection of Bordeaux wines are stored. Unique dining experiences, such as riding a snow-groomer up to a mountain hut for a local feast, are also available.
For Singaporean Travellers
The best off-piste skiing in Europe? St. Anton has to be the place. We have already discussed why you should go for it, now let’s talk about the things you should keep in mind when commuting from Singapore.
Travel
Singaporeans can easily reach St. Anton by taking a direct 12.5 hour flight to Zürich or Munich and then a train ride. Although the distance is long, due to the good connectivity, the travel is quite hassle-free.
For a smooth travel experience, we recommend hiring a professional ski trip planner. These local experts will take care of all your travel needs, including delays and emergencies, along with the other requirements of the trip.
Safety Gear
Gear rental options are plenty at St. Anton ski resort. For beginners, it is better to rent. But if you are looking at skiing or snowboarding every year, investing in a good pair of boots and helmet is more worth it. You will need different types of skis or snowboard as you progress.
Prepare for the Cold
Coming from a tropical climate, adapting to the snowy weather can be a bit challenging if proper precautions are not taken. Don’t forget to carry thermal layers, waterproof jackets, gloves, neck warmers and other necessary winter clothing. Heat packs may come in handy when it’s dumping.
Drink plenty of fluid to keep yourself hydrated and prepared to fight the cold. Austria has one of the cleanest and freshest tap water in the world so you can skip the kettle and drink directly from the tap.
Proper Training
First-time skiers looking for the best on-piste skiing in Europe ought to choose St. Anton as their destination. One of the major reasons behind this is the wide availability of ski schools.
We advise beginners to take private lessons instead of groups. Even though it is slightly more expensive, you learn way faster and make better use of your time on the slopes.
All In One
St. Anton offers the perfect blend of adventure, fun, nature, and vibrant culture, making it the winter getaway for Singaporeans. Whether you want to experience the thrill-filled backcountry riding or want to spend a luxurious relaxed holiday, you can get it all in St. Anton. St. Anton is probably the destination to enjoy the best off-piste skiing in Europe.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for the adventure.
