Five things not to miss in Warth, Austria
With a cheeky link to Lech and metres (and metres) of snow, Warth is a ski resort on the up. Here’s what to do when you’re there
1. Warth’s sidecountry. Don’t rush to Lech just because the link lift is there. The Lech and Zürs instructors often bring groups to Warth, which is more north-facing and less tracked.
2. Hiring a guide or instructor. You’ll find great skiing without, but the best routes need hunting down. There’s massive lift-assisted touring/freeride potential but if conditions aren’t ideal, Warth’s ski schools can arrange pole training, transceiver practice etc. SAAC camps (snow and alpine awareness) also take place here.
3. Live music at Sporthotel Steffisalp. From February, jazz, blues and rock bands play an open-air stage at 2.30pm each Saturday. This season’s line-up includes the Queen Kings, Fäaschtbänkler and Roadwork. (Me neither, but the atmosphere is buzzing.)
4. Traditional tunes. If you prefer traditional Austrian/Europop, head instead for the live music at the bottom of the Salober-Jet chair, also at 2.30pm on Saturdays.
5. Cheap eats. In general it’s 20% cheaper to eat and drink on the Warth side than in Lech. For the best value, have gulaschsuppe (€3.50) or wienerschnitzel mit pommes (€7.80) at Walder Metzge, a great café/butcher/dairy in Warth.
