For 2026, we resolved to explore the surrounding area more thoroughly. Therefore, our winter weekend took us to Warth-Schröcken , two small villages high up at the end of the Bregenzerwald and the Lechtal valleys, only about two hours from Kaufbeuren. Warth is a place that immediately slows you down, is quiet and cozy, even though it's part of the largest ski area in Austria, the Arlberg.
Arrive and immediately unwind
The drive through the Lech Valley is already the first little holiday moment. Always along the last wild river of the Alps, accompanied by sunshine and winter tranquility.
Right in the heart of Warth, we check into the Hotel Walserberg – centrally located, family-run, and focused on quality, it's now in its third generation. We're immediately charmed by the friendly welcome, the attentive staff, and especially the regional delicacies.
Before the evening begins, we stop by the STUBA Lädele cultural space . A small, lovingly designed shop – almost like a museum – with regional products. We buy a small bottle of pine syrup – as a souvenir to take home. Just around the corner there is a small ski museum, which presents the history as well as the recent successes of the village.
Our tip: Non-skiing activity: Lantern walk
After nightfall, we meet at the tourist information office. Daniel takes us on a lantern hike through the snowy landscape.
The valley is completely still at this hour. The snow crunches under our boots, and the starry sky twinkles above us. We walk around the small, frozen village lake, which was bustling with activity earlier in the day, with people skating and playing hockey. Besides skiing, winter is celebrated here in other ways as well. Passing the toboggan run, which is illuminated daily until 10 p.m., we climb a small hill, and below us, Warth glows in warm light, offering a glimpse of the surrounding region.
Back at the hotel, a five-course dinner awaits – creative, regional, and simply fantastic. This is exactly how one imagines a winter evening in the mountains.
Waking up to a mountain view – and then up on the skis!
Saturday begins quietly, but full of anticipation for the day in the snow. Waking up to a view of the mountains, breakfast with homemade jam and exceptionally good bread from the family bakery.
Then it's time to put on your ski gear and go.
The village gondola is located directly opposite the hotel – perfect if you're traveling with children and feel like you've got half the winter sports camp with you. Within minutes we're standing on the first slope and the fun begins.
Skiing in the Warth-Schröcken ski area – relaxed & family-friendly
The Warth-Schröcken ski area is spacious, well-organized and perfect for everyone: from deep snow enthusiasts and families with beginner skiers or older kids who need action to adrenaline junkies (the steepest slope has a gradient of 70%!!).
Many blue slopes, wide runs and plenty of highlights for children – from speed measurements to photo points to the Skimovie course.
What's especially nice is that, due to the size of the area, everything is so well distributed that we never have to queue . And because the slopes are predominantly north-facing, Warth-Schröcken is considered one of the snowiest ski resorts in the Alps – a real plus, especially when planning a family holiday.
The Auenfeldjet gondola seamlessly connects us to Ski Arlberg, something we couldn't pass up, so we zipped over there for two hours. Ultimately, though, we appreciated the relaxed slopes on the Warth-Schröcken side of the ski area and covered almost three-quarters of the entire region. A long, fulfilling day of skiing – without any stress.
And especially for all those who love deep snow skiing and freeriding, The Arlberg offers arguably the best powder skiing options directly within the ski area – easily accessible due to the proximity to the lift .
Wellness for the grown-ups, a bathtub for the little ones.
Back at the hotel, I (Marius) head straight to the spa while the kids take over the bathtub. Afterwards, another five-course dinner awaits – and we all agree: the food alone would be worth the trip.
One last day of skiing – thanks to late checkout
Sunday feels a bit like saying goodbye. But only briefly.
Thanks to late check-out (until 6 pm), we can make the most of the day. After breakfast, we head up the mountain – more brilliant sunshine, more perfect conditions.
The family highlights in the ski area – such as funslopes, photo points and small play stations – ensure that there is no boredom even on the last day.
Small extras that make the difference
What we particularly like: The town of Warth is small, authentic and charming.
Shingle houses, the small ski museum, the natural ice rink at the village lake and many opportunities off the slopes – from the toboggan run to the lantern hike.
The ski schools are also specially geared towards little ones, whether it's Paulis Kinderland , the Salober Kids Club or the various ski schools directly in the village – family friendliness is truly lived here.
Farewell with a full battery – in both senses of the word
Back at the hotel, I enjoy one last session in the Finnish outdoor sauna while Franzi has lunch with the kids; spas aren't really their thing. Then it's time to pack.
Shortly before 6 pm, we drive home again with a fully charged electric car – because the hotel is happy to charge its guests' cars on request; it couldn't be more convenient.
A weekend is coming to an end that feels longer than it actually was.
The Warth-Schröcken ski resort is not an après-ski hotspot, as one might expect from the Arlberg region, but a destination for genuine family time. For winter as you wish it to be.
