7 Non-Ski Activities In St Anton
While of course, most people do come to St. Anton for the skiing, there are plenty of other activities around for those of you who might not be quite so keen to carve up the pistes.
1. Walking
St. Anton is extremely well placed for non-skiers as it is situated in a beautiful valley that has over 70km of walking trails. The walks range from more challenging walks to leisurely rambles that get you out in that lovely mountain air.
You can also purchase a non-skiers lift pass, which allows you access to the main ski lifts, meaning you can experience all the outstanding views of the area. We would highly recommend that you do experience the Valluga cable car.
The views from the viewing platform at the top at 2810m high are absolutely breathtaking and on a clear day, you can see into five different countries. The journey is almost as much of an experience as the viewing platform itself.
2. Arlberg-Well Leisure Centre
The Arlberg-Well Leisure Centre is the perfect place to head for those wanting something more relaxed. It is located at the base of the Gampen chairlift and is about a five-minute walk from the centre of town.
The leisure centre, which opened in 2002, boasts 3 swimming pools, one of which is outdoors, a sauna, steam room and massage treatments. There is also an ice rink and a fully equipped gym with a variety of classes available, as well as a café if all that relaxation leaves you a bit peckish.
3. Arl-Rock
If you’re after something slightly more active but don’t fancy braving the cold of the mountain, the Arl-Rock is a good place to head.
Located next to the train station, the Arl-Rock has indoor and outdoor climbing facilities, with over 60 climbing routes graded from 3 to 9. Once you’ve conquered the walls, you can also try your hand at bowling, tennis, squash or volleyball.
These activities are all sure to work up an appetite, and so it is extremely handy that within the same building is Skiing Buddha. This is an authentic Thai restaurant that is absolutely delicious and comes very highly recommended by all in the resort, so if you have had your fill of traditional Austrian food and are after something more exotic, this is definitely one to head to.
Image sourced from Sommerkarte
After some culture or want to learn more about the town? St. Anton has its very own museum, The Kandahar Haus museum. There is lots of interesting information here about the development of both the sport of skiing and the town of St. Anton itself as well as displays of equipment, photos and art.
The museum was also used for the exterior chalet shots in the film Chalet Girl so for any youngsters or adults who are a fan of this film, definitely have a look.
6. Outdoor Activities
There are also other activities on offer such as sleigh rides, curling, paragliding, tobogganing and snowshoeing, meaning you will never be at a loss for something to do!
7. Innsbruck
Alternatively, you could make a day trip to the beautiful town of Innsbruck. The trip by train takes only about an hour and ten minutes, and you can take the whole day to explore and soak up the Austrian culture.
Wander around picturesque Christmas markets, trial Austrian delicacies (and of course, gluwhein!) or visit the Bergisel Ski Jump, which should be on every itinerary whether you enjoy skiing or not. It was designed by Zaha Hadid and is truly impressive, definitely worth a trip. You don’t even have to walk up as an elevator is provided!
There is also a restaurant up here, which holds an amazing view of the town. If you do like views, also try to visit 360 Degrees, which is a bar that holds 360 degree (who would have guessed) views of Innsbruck. We recommend you try a drink called a Hugo here – prosecco, mint, elderflower, soda and lime – they’re absolutely delicious!
