My hometown Schruns is the main village in the Montafon valley, which is in the very west of Austria bordering Switzerland. I had many skiers from all over the world come to train with me in the last years and they all loved it. Schruns is a small 4000 people village with a long history in tourism that has some great ski resorts all within 15 min by car or free ski bus. The resort in Schruns goes up to 2400m from where you can ski a 12km run all the way down to the village at 700m. This run is usually open until the end of the season. On Saturday they open the lifts at 7:30 for some Early Morning Turns.
With one lift pass you get access to 4 big ski resorts or a total of 235km of slopes:
Why choose the Montafon?
Internationally the Montafon is still a well-kept secret and despite being smaller and less touristy than some of the bigger, more famous places it offers great skiing, great accommodation options from privately rented appartments to 5 star hotels, wonderful restaurants and lots of activities for winter sport lovers. The resorts have the latest, state of the art, fast, convenient lifts and with over 600 snow guns in use the resorts are very snow safe which allowed us in the last years to ski from November to April.
How to get here?
The best airport for international flights is Zürich. From there it is 1,5 hours by car (www.rentalcars.com) other transport options to Schruns and Bludenz can be researched on www.oebb.at (train/ideally changing trains once in Bregenz. If oebb.at tells you can only book parts of the trip you will have to do it in two bookings, but using the train should be the best option especially if you don't have huge amounts of luggage) www.arlbergexpress.com/en (bus to Bludenz train or taxi from there or their taxi service), www.alpinbus.com (taxi).
Other airport options are Innsbruck and Munich. During your time in Schruns you do not really need a car. Cable cars start directly in the villages and to explore other resorts you can use the free ski bus. Ski rentals are ca. 50EUR a day for the premium skis. Sometimes its best to travel just with your boots, test some of the latest skis and make the flight easier.
Talking about equipment...
With Harry, Sami and Robin from Sport Harry and Richard and Pascal Sander from Schuhaus Sander we have access to ski and boot experts that are at the absolute top of their profession. You will realize immediatley how much knowledge and passion they have for the sport and I am very happy that I get to work with them. Before your training we will make sure that you are on the right equipment and I will arrange appointments in case something needs to be adjusted. At Sport Harry all of my clients get a 10% discount on all rentals. If you take gear to your home outside of the EU you will also get the 20% VAT/GST back. New for the 24/25 season will also be a brand new tuning show room at Harry's which will give you the best ski tune that money can buy.
For More Information on Equipment in general and specifically for your training:
Schruns is also a great base to do day trips to other ski resorts outside of the Montafon. To the Arlberg it is only 35 minutes by car or 1 hour by train (St.Anton). Ischgl is only 1h30min and the closest glacier ski resort (Pitztal) is a two hour drive away.
Another popular thing to do, especially when coming from further afield, is to combine the ski holiday with some sightseeing. Zürich, Bregenz, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna are definitely worth a trip and can be reached in style by the nice Austrian trains which go directly from West to East. Doing city sightseeing in winter also has a lot of advantages, you carry the warm clothes anyway and have to deal less with crowds,... Contact me if you want any tips for your travel itinerary.
When is the best time?
Austria is fairly snow safe as most resorts have extensive snow making systems. If you plan to ski in October, November then I would go to Hintertux (other great glacier options are Sölden, Pitztal, Stubaital, Kaprun) or join our SOFA SKI CAMPS Ischgl in late November (2024 they will be held in December).
In Schruns the season usually starts in late November which is a great time for doing early season ski tech work but the number of slopes open is typically a bit limited until mid December. If you can I would avoid the Christmas holidays (roughly two weeks from Dec 24th) and Fasching/Half Term holidays (usually one week in Feb, google Fasching Austria 20xx). All the other times are great and you will find perfect conditions for your training.
I hope this gives you a first overview of Schruns and the Montafon. Please see below for my accomodation recommendations and further links to the ski resorts, tourism pages,...
Accomodation Recommendations
The official tourism page www.Montafon.at is the best place to search and book. You can book directly on the plattform and you will get better prices and more choice than on the commission-based platforms like booking.com etc. Best to search on montafon.at and then also contact the hotel directly.
I would recommend to book accomodation in beautiful Schruns. Regarding location please be aware that distances on google maps can look closer than in reality especailly when properties are up the hill.
The main ski resort in Schruns www.silvretta-montafon.at can be reached with two different cable cars: Hochjochbahn: https://goo.gl/maps/eVyKqexhb9N2 Zamangbahn: https://goo.gl/maps/yXbdW
The first one starts directly in the village the other is more modern and faster but has the base station 3min by car or bus from the village center. There are free ski busses that run regularly (<15mins) to all stations and resorts.
Many privately run apartments are only available if booked from Sat-Sat and it sometimes makes sense to search for a longer duration if you are looking for an apartment to get more offers.
The hotels and appartments listed below vary in what is offered and in price but are all my personal favourites in their category and are all great value. There are also many other great places to stay in Schruns that are not listed. Just email me if you want my opinion.
In any case make sure to book directly with the hotel or on www.montafon.at, where you will get the best conditions guaranteed.
Hotels
Hotel Zimba ★★★★ www.hotel-zimba.at
Directly in the village, a very nice, traditional and very friendly, family run hotel with great Austrian food and a wonderful vibe. The hotel was fully renovated and extended with a bigger spa and gym. It is only 4 min in ski boots to the Hochjochbahn and directly next to the bus stops in all directions. Rooms can be booked for arrival on Thur, Fr, Sa, Sun with a 4 night minimum stay you. Inquire at the hotel directly to get the best price: info@hotel-zimba.at +43 5556 72 630
AKTIV & SPA HOTEL Alpenrose ★★★★s www.spa-alpenrose.at/
A very popular, family run hotel directly in my neighbourhood that offers a great mix of authentic Austrian hospitality, wonderful food, beautiful rooms and a spacious spa area. The hotel is 450m from the Hochjochbahn and has its own bus stop. Traditional live music in the evenings and Joe Tripp Live on Fridays are some of the secret highlights. The Friday Ski Tech session in our SOFA SKI CAMPS Montafon will also be held at the Alpenrose. Book directly through the hotel website to get the best rate guaranteed. info@spa-alpenrose.at +43 5556 72655
Posthotel Taube ★★★★s www.posthotel-taube.at
One of the most traditional hotels in Schruns that hosted Ernest Hemingway for two full winters in the 1920s. In 2023 the hotel was fully renovated and transformed into a beautiful, stylish and traditional hotel while still maintaining a lot of its original charm. The hotel is right in the center of Schruns and only 3 minutes by foot from the end of the downhill run and the Hochjochbahn. The bus stop is across the road. Highlights of the Taube are definitely the beautifully done interior, the rooms and the spa as well as the outstanding traditional Austrian food. As just newly opened you might get some good deals as well. My favourite if you are looking for something special yet typical Austrian. office@posthotel-taube.at +43 (0)5556 723 84
Löwen Hotel ★★★★s www.loewen-hotel.com
A beautiful, exclusive hotel in Schruns that has an amazing spa and a great award-winning international kitchen. It is in 3min walking distance to the Hochjochbahn cable car, has the bus stop in front of the entrance and is right in the centre of Schruns. It is definitely more on the fancy side with five course dinners, a great bar and beautiful mountain-chalet style rooms, but it is an absolutely great choice if you want to give yourself a treat. Make sure to book directly through the hotel and mention that you train with Klaus to get the best rooms: info@loewen-hotel.com +43 5556 7141
Apartments
Gästehaus Mair www.fewoschruns.com
My parents’ apartments ideal for 2 adults or 2 adults plus 1-2 kids. Usually only rented from Sat-Sat but we might make an exception for you. One apartment is right next to the Zamangbahn, the other directly in the village. They are a great option if you plan to stay for a week or longer, and don’t need the amenities of a hotel but like to have a little more space. fewoschruns@gmx.at
Haus Schnetzer www.haus-schnetzer.at
Our neighbour. Very nice selection of apartments for 2-6 people directly next to the Zamangbahn and the bus stop. Sauna, Whirl-Pool,… and optional breakfast. info@haus-schnetzer.at
Chalet Zamang www.chalet-zamang.at
Another neighbour. :) Beautifully renovated appartments, very close to the Zamangbahn. They also have quite a few appartments for bigger groups or multiple appartments on the same floor to accommodate groups or families. 15min walking distance to Schruns but directly next to the bus stop. office@chalet-zamang.at
Appartmenthaus Kreuz www.kreuzschruns.at/appartementhaus
Very nice appartments from my friends Elmar and Bettina for up to 6 people directly in Schruns. Newly built, modern while traditional, warm and cosy interior. Great location. info@kreuzschruns.at
Das Neni www.dasneni.at
A very special Austrian Chalet for 2 or 4 people rented by a firend of mine. He received a couple of awards for turning a traditional barn into a very stylish, traditional and modern chalet. Definitely something special. info@dasneni.at or +43 664 2082930
Links
Skiresorts:
Silvretta Montafon www.silvretta-montafon.at/en
Golm www.golm.at/en
Gargellen www.gargellen.at
Silvretta Bielerhöhe www.silvretta-bielerhoehe.at/en
Activities:
Silvrettta Montafon Mountain Experiences: https://www.silvretta-montafon.at/en/winter/mountain-adventures/mountain-experiences
Ski Safari: A round trip from Partenen at the end of the Montafon up to the Bielerhöhe to Galtür, where you can ski for the day and then back again to Partenen. Especially nice in spring but not always open. Check online first
Sledding: Great fun also offered in the evenings. Wear a helmet! https://www.montafon.at/en/mountain-experiences/snow/tobogganing
Hochjoch Totale: Every Wednesday you can be one of the first to go from the top of the mountain 12km in one run to the bottom and then get a breakfast buffet at the Kapell.
Sat Early Morning Ski: Every Saturday the Zamangbahn opens at 7:30 for first turns.
DAY SPAS: Most hotels also offer day passes for their spas. A great option for a weather day. Best call in advance: Posthotel Taube Day Spa, Löwen Hotel Day Spa, Hotel Zimba, Hotel Alpenrose
Fitness: Alpine Panda Athletics
Winter Hiking: www.montafon.at/en/mountain-experiences/snow/winter-hiking
Spend a night on 2032m on the Silvretta, Bielerhöhe: www.buin.at/
Montafoner Heimatmuseum: http://stand-montafon.at/montafoner-museen
Apres Ski: www.urmonti.at/apres-ski/ https://brunellawirt.at/winter/ https://www.loewengrube.club/
Restaurants: you can find a great selection of restaurants directly in Schruns, I would recommend to make a reservation one day in advance but on the day might work too.
Gasthaus zum Kreuz / Kreuzkeller: directly next to the main entrance of the church, very cosy, specialized in fondues but also offers the classic Austrian dishes. Reservation online or from 5pm on by phone: +43 5556 72117
Il Bel Paese: excellent, authentic Italian restaurant. Reservations and take away: +43555675260 or +4369911505120
Litz Stöbli: small, cosy restaurant with traditional Austrian food. Great Wiener Schnitzel. Also Take Away. Reservations: +43 6642146882
Restaurants Löwen Hotel: Award winning gourmet restaurant or the more casual Brasserie Leonis (amazing steaks,...) Reservations: +43 5556 7141
Restaurants Alpenrose: Traditional a la carte or newly opened Das Esszimmer (Sushi and more) Reservations: +43555672655
Posthotel Taube: Best Wiener Schnitzel in town, great selection of classic Austrian dishes and more. Great value. Book in advance and ask to be seated in the Montafoner Stube. Really nice bar with live music. Reservation: +43 5556 723 84
Josefsheim: traditional Austrian food in a modern atmosphere. Make sure to check out the chapel inside the building! Reservations: +43 5557 6300 536
Gasthof Löwen, Tschagguns: This is a classic Austrian Gasthaus with a great kitchen. A 10-15min walk to Tschagguns from Schruns village center. Hausmusik every Thursday at 9pm. Reservations: +43555672247
Litschi Garden: A classic Austrian Chinese with an all you can eat buffet. Very friendly and good quality. Reservations: +43555677797
Seppl Stoba: A small restaurant next to the Campground. Great food, good value. +43555678266
Bergerhof: this is up the hill by car ca 10mins in Bartholomäberg. Good option for a day off. Great view, great food, nice terrace to sit outside.
Gasthaus Mühle: Another one for the day off. Nice also for taking a walk. ca 12min by car from Schruns. Small Gasthaus with nice dishes using local produce. Check out the daily specials. Reservation: +43 5556 73 112
Panoramagasthaus Kristberg: A few huts and houses and a T-bar. Great with kids but also for a day off trip to have a nice meal. Beautiful spot, great views. Reservation: +43555672290
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