Those who have been following our blog for a while may have read our post about our mountain biking weekend in Silvretta Montafon . Last summer, we had the opportunity to explore the new family bike trails and experience the impressive mountain scenery. For those who haven't yet read the post: Here's the link.
Since we enjoyed it so much there in the summer, it quickly became clear: we had to come back in the winter too. After all, the region, with its approximately 140 kilometers of slopes, is a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. So on Friday, we packed the car and headed off to the mountains for a ski weekend.
Arrive & feel at home at the Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon
In the early afternoon we arrive at the Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon in Gaschurn – our home for the next few days.
We're moving into our lovely chalet with a separate master bedroom, a large living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a wood-burning stove, and a sofa bed for the children. The large windows open onto the terrace with a direct view of the ski slope.
A real highlight: the private steam bath and sauna in the bathroom – even though the hotel also boasts the spacious Golden SPA , including a family area, adults-only spa, relaxation rooms and pool.
A quick unpack, a slip into winter jackets – and off we go again.
Night on the mountain – Long Night of the cable cars
A special event starts at 6 p.m.: the Long Night of Cable Cars , which takes place every winter at three different locations. On this evening, the Zamang cable car will take us up to the Hochjoch free of charge.
Even the nighttime gondola ride is an experience in itself. Once you reach the top at 1,850 meters, several snow groomers are already waiting, inviting you to sit inside, marvel at the operation, and ask questions. The newly renovated chapel restaurant is also open, and outside, a DJ provides the soundtrack to the fire show.
The view into the illuminated valley is simply magical – everything sparkles, the air is clear and cold. When hunger strikes, we head to the self-service area and treat ourselves to a really delicious Kaiserschmarrn.
Around 8 p.m., the next highlight follows: The ski school, carrying burning torches, performs an impressive choreography down Vorarlberg's steepest slope. Afterwards, the snow groomers demonstrate their skills in the "Bullyparade."
What a start to our first evening in Silvretta Montafon!
Waking up to mountain views & first day of skiing
The next morning begins with a view of the surrounding white mountains directly from the bed. After a relaxed and very extensive breakfast buffet, we collect our skis from the ski room and set off.
The Versettla cable car is just a five-minute walk away – it couldn't be more convenient. Once at the top, we're immediately impressed by the very child-friendly, diverse, and excellently signposted network of slopes . Not only are individual slopes shown, but complete routes including connecting options, mountain huts, and restrooms – we've rarely seen such a clear and concise system.
We explore the area slope by slope before stopping at the Sonnen Barga . The name says it all: on the sun terrace, we enjoy the afternoon sun, fries, and yeast dumplings before heading back out onto the slopes.
The next stage awaits at the Valisera cable car mountain station – DJ, good vibes, and the day of the clubs with an après-ski party until 6 p.m. But for us, it's on to a very special event.
Sunset ride in the snow groomer – we're fulfilling a childhood dream
Franzi and I have been fascinated by snow groomers for years – and of course, the children have long since caught on to this "hype". In Silvretta Montafon, you can actually book this special experience: an hour as a co-pilot in a snow groomer .
We waited excitedly at the mountain station, and then two brand new snow groomers arrived! We were greeted by two Lukases who would be taking us today, one adult and one child per vehicle.
Driving into the sunset in a snow groomer – a childhood dream come true.
As soon as we sit in the cockpit, my inner "what is what" encyclopedia starts working:
- How long is a workday? (Until 1 a.m.)
- How much does a snow groomer weigh? (12 tons.)
- How can you tell where the slope needs to be repaired?
We ski down steep slopes with inclines of up to 27 degrees, turn 360 degrees thanks to the track drive, pull ourselves up the mountain with the winch, pushing a whole load of snow in front of us, smoothing out snowdrifts without feeling even the slightest jolt. After an hour, we get out again; it was so intense that I almost missed the breathtaking sunset. As we say goodbye, Lukas tells us that we'll probably never be the first on the freshly groomed slope, because that honor belongs to him and his 27 colleagues, who are the first to ski the perfect surface at night, wearing headlamps.
Culinary end to the day & pure relaxation
Completely blown away, we take the gondola back down to the valley. Behind the jagged peaks, a last glimmer of light still flickers, and everywhere the snow groomers glow in the darkness.
Back at the hotel, we change out of our ski gear, freshen up, and enjoy a delicious four-course meal at the Sporthotel Montafon . Afterwards, following a quick visit to the hotel's steam room, we fall happily and tiredly into bed.
One last run on the slopes & a temporary farewell
On our departure day, we want to savor every minute. After breakfast, we'll hit the slopes one last time, exploring more runs and skiing down what is probably the most delightful valley run we've ever experienced. It winds through the small mountain village of Garfrescha , where night sledding is also a great option . Those staying overnight arrive with their luggage on a small two-seater chairlift – that alone is quite an experience.
At lunchtime we stop at the old valley station , apple strudel for the kids, vegan cauliflower steak for us – simply great.
Spa on departure day – it doesn't get any better than this!
Back at the hotel, we pack our things and unplug the car from the wallboxes in the underground garage. But our stay isn't over yet: The spa area at the Sporthotel Montafon can be used until 8 p.m. on the day of departure . The children are drawn to the crystal pool and the family sauna, while I explore the adults-only area. Later, we meet in the Heustoba , one of the lovingly designed relaxation rooms – a perfect ending to our stay.
Our conclusion
What an intense, eventful weekend in Silvretta Montafon! It's amazing how much you can experience in such a short time. For us, these weekend getaways are a real energy booster, and we already know: We'll be back in the summer to discover even more of this fascinating mountain world.
