My love of skiing and traveling has led me to discover unforgettable winter destinations and make meaningful friendships with others that share the same passions. My friend Laura and I have been planning annual ski trips in the Alps together the last few years, and our visit to Lech was a first for both of us.

Immediately upon our arrival to Hotel Gasthof Post Lech, it was clear that it was going to be our most magical ski trip to date. Stepping into Post Lech feels like entering a doll house in the best way possible– if you’re not already charmed by the endearing exterior, the warmth and friendliness of the staff and the Moosbrugger Family (who have owned and operated the hotel for generations) is sure to make you feel welcome right away. Our Barbie-obsessed inner-children were certainly jumping and cheering inside, but our adult-selves knew to play it cool in the elegant setting that is Hotel Gasthof Post Lech.

Continue reading to learn more about my experience staying at Hotel Gasthof Post Lech for our girls’ ski trip, and discover my favorite features of the hotel and recommendations for exploring the surrounding area in Arlberg.

A Fairytale Ski Holiday in the Austrian Alps at Post Lech

Located in the center of town, the hotel occupies a historic building which has been standing since the earliest days of Lech’s founding. Having witnessed Lech’s development as one of the Alps’ top ski destinations from the beginning until now, Post Lech has been there through it all. And staying as a guest at Hotel Gasthof Post Lech makes you feel like you are a part of the town’s impressive history.

The 5-star, now 46-room luxury hotel is the eldest Austrian member of the Relais & Châteaux association, admitted in 1976. Hotel Gasthof Post Lech has since been awarded a number of prestigious distinctions over the decades, including recently the Michelin Key for Excellence in Luxury Hospitality, marking its extensive history as a pioneer and institution in the world of hospitality.

Amenities at Hotel Post Lech Arlberg

While I certainly came to know Lech by its reputation as a famed winter sports destination, it’s also popular in the summer months for hiking and golf. And regardless of winter or summer, Post Lech is the ultimate destination for wellness, relaxation, and recharging in the natural beauty of Austria’s Arlberg region.

Hotel Gasthof Post Lech’s gym, relaxation room, and outdoor pool allow you to take in sweeping views of Arlberg’s natural beauty, from the comfort of their state-of-the-art facilities. The outdoor pool at Post Lech is the largest in the region, and unlike other pools in the area, theirs is heated and open in the winter. Going for a swim in this heated pool is the perfect plan after a day on the slopes or while the snow is falling, but for those who prefer to stay inside, a section of the same pool is located indoors. Another separate indoor pool is dedicated for children and families, complete with a waterslide and splash pool for babies.

The spa is another highlight of Hotel Gasthof Post Lech, which offers an extensive menu of deluxe treatments, massages, and baths in a peaceful and rejuvenating setting. Post Lech is also an exclusive partner of Chanel beauty, so make-up services and fragrance trials can be arranged for hotel and spa guests. The spa also features a beautiful sauna room, and a number of relaxation areas to enjoy peaceful moments after thrilling adventures on the slopes– with my favorite being the main relaxation room that offers an impressive view of the outdoor pool and Omeshorn, the region’s most prominent summit.

Rooms and Suites at Hotel Gasthof Post Lech

While the charming design of Post Lech is apparent before even stepping in the property– the intricately painted details adorning the exterior’s of the hotel seem to transport you directly into a fairytale– the real highlight is the interior. The heritage of the property is well preserved, meticulously cared for, and fabulously detailed. The construction and finishes feel modern and luxurious, but the clever use of materials and antiques throughout lends to its historic charm. At Hotel Gasthof Post Lech, no two rooms or suites are alike. And while some layouts may be similar, the artwork, custom tapestries, hand-crafted furniture, antiques, and coordinating linens are all unique are carefully selected. While it would be fun to return again and again to Post Lech just to experience the different types of rooms, I was told by management that returning guests tend to request their original rooms because they truly loved their experiences so much, and I can completely understand why. Stepping into your suite at Post Lech is such a welcoming experience, it’s easy to feel at home.

General descriptions of room and suite types can be found on Hotel Gasthof Post Lech’s website, or you can ask your Smartflyer Travel Advisor for guidance in choosing the best option for your visit. For groups or families interested in more privacy or space, the Hotel’s Chalet Säge is located just across the street and is an available option. For our girls’ trip, our Herzog Suite (#63) offered everything we could have possibly dreamed of and more, including spacious bedroom and living spaces separated by a cosy fireplace, a gorgeously tiled bathroom featuring a freestanding tub and steam shower, a welcoming entry with multiple closets, and direct access to a terrace. While I have included some photos below, I admit I couldn’t fully capture every delightful detail that was found in the space. I simply invite you to visit and discover the magic for yourself.

Dog-Friendly Hotel in Lech am Arlberg, Austrian Alps

It wouldn’t be a girls’ trip without Gigi! My pomeranian is an experienced traveler and loves the snow and cold weather– maybe even more than I do, which is saying a lot! I was thrilled to learn that Hotel Gasthof Post Lech is dog-friendly and that she could join in on the fun for our winter trip to Arlberg.

Not only are dogs allowed at Hotel Gasthof Post Lech, but my Gigi was treated like she was truly part of the family. We were continually surprised and delighted by thoughtful gestures throughout our stay– from finding a generous bag of treats in our suite upon arrival, to being welcomed in each of the hotel’s restaurants with a cosy blanket, and by each of the countless smiles from members of the staff and other guests.

Our suite was so spacious that Gigi had plenty of space to make herself at home– she would roam around, nap on the cushions, and easily access the silver food and water bowls that were provided by the hotel. Our suite also directly opened to an outdoor terrace, which was perfect for taking advantage of fresh snowfall to play in– Gigi’s favorite activity. Lech already had considerable snowfall by the time we arrived for our visit so the ground outside was covered in snow, but I saw in photos that in the summer season the grassy lawns and gardens surrounding the hotel look like a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors, people and dogs alike.

The cosy fireplace in our suite was the perfect place to cuddle up with my dog, and the layout offered separation between the entry, living room, bedroom, and bathroom, making it easy to define where Gigi would be while we were in or out of the room. Our entire visit to Hotel Gasthof Post Lech was that much more special because I had my dog by my side, and the comfort and reassurance provided by the staff and the property truly made it feel like our home away from home.

Bucket List Ski Destination in Austria: Lech am Arlberg

Due to its history as an institution and focal point in Lech, Hotel Gasthof Post Lech is ideally located in the center of town and just a few steps away from one of the ski area’s main gondolas. Easily access more than 300km of Ski Arlberg’s prepared pistes with Post Lech as your base, where you could spend multiple days discovering new terrain and thrilling slopes. Find more information on ticket prices, snow conditions, and season opening and closing dates directly on Ski Arlberg’s website.

Also located nearby Hotel Gasthof Post Lech is Skiservice Strolz, which is easily the nicest and most luxurious ski rental shop I’ve ever visited. There you can be fitted for standard rental equipment for the current snow conditions, or choose to demo the newest, top-of-the-line skis based on guidance from Skiservice Strolz’ expert staff. Conveniently store your equipment in Hotel Gasthof Post Lech’s spacious ski room, where you can gear up and wind down before and after your day on the mountain.

Visiting winter destinations around the world and checking off “bucket list” mountain experiences has been a fun and memorable way for me plan my ski travels. Three bucket list ski activities that are accessible from Lech and can be easily arranged and navigated with your guide from Ski Schule Lech are:

Der Weiße Ring: The White Ring Ski Circuit
The legendary circuit for intermediate skiers follows 22km of groomed trails through Lech, Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech in Arlberg. Scenic views are plentiful across the slopes, and the half-day circuit can be completed just in time for lunch beside the pistes or back at the hotel.

Skyspace Lech: James Turrell Art Installation
Pending weather conditions and opening hours, an immersive art installation by renowned American Artist James Turrell is a highlight in Lech, and is located just beside a ski piste near Oberlech. While the Skyspace experience focuses on a light-art concept at that occurs at sunrise and sunset, it is certainly still memorable to simply “ski-in/out” of the architectural installation any time during opening hours while you are spending the day on the slopes.

Heliskiing in Austria
In all of Austria, there is only one region where heliskiing in permitted: Arlberg. The exclusive experience of taking a helicopter to ski Schneetäli or Mehlsack in Arlberg offers untouched slopes, unforgettable memories, and a guaranteed adrenaline rush. Heliskiing in Arlberg, Austria is dependent on conditions and availability, and you can contact Ski Schule Lech directly to coordinate your experience.

Ski Arlberg: Comparing Lech and St. Anton am Arlberg

Ski Arlberg’s terrain is expansive, and there is certainly something for every level of skier: from beginner and family-friendly to advanced and expert, and everything in-between. The beauty of Ski Arlberg is that the terrain between Warth, Lech, Oberlech, Zürs, Zug, Stuben, St. Christoph, and St. Anton is all connected, so visiting skiers can be sure they will never tire of the seemingly endless terrain to be discovered (though discovery of the terrain itself may be physically tiring!). With Hotel Gasthof Post Lech as our base, we skied all around Lech, Oberlech, Zürs, and Zug, and we dedicated a day to venture to St. Anton by taking a 15 minute taxi to St. Christoph. After skiing into St. Anton from there, we explored the scenic trails that connected all the towns as we headed back toward Lech on skis.

This visit to Arlberg was my first, and I found that the reputations of Lech and St. Anton rang true: that Lech was chic and more refined, while St. Anton was a bit more casual and laid back. St. Anton certainly has a reputation for its legendary après scene, but I found Lech to also be lively, and its après scene was personally more in-line with my tastes. Plentiful après options in Lech seemed to be found both beside the slopes and in the center of town, on spacious outdoor terraces and indoors in bars and restaurants. If you are looking for a ski holiday in an elegant yet inviting destination, Lech am Arlberg is for you.

Shopping and Dining in Lech am Arlberg, Austria

Ski Rentals - Strolz Skiverleih Lech – As I briefly mentioned earlier, this is the nicest ski rental facility I’ve ever seen. The expert staff can help you choose the perfect ski set-up based on your preferences, abilities, and the conditions. The rental gear available here seemed brand new, and the staff uses top-of-the-line technology and equipment to get you fitted and ready for the slopes.

Strolz Sport & Modehaus – Just a few steps away from Post Lech and across the street from the Strolz ski rental facility, Strolz Sport & Modehaus is a multi-level superstore and concept store that offers everything from local souvenirs and interesting gifts to the latest in high-end ski fashion for women, men, and kids.

Sagmeister Die Boutique – Conveniently located in the ground floor of Hotel Gasthof Post Lech, the selection of womenswear at Sagmeister Die Boutique is swoon-worthy. I could even say this boutique is a girls’ trip destination in its own right!

Postblick Panorama Restaurant – A feature in Hotel Gasthof Post Lech’s façade, the Panorama Restaurant offers stunning views and equally spectacular meals. Breakfast is served here for hotel and à la carte guests, and reservations can be made for dinner service in the Panorama Restaurant as well. For dinner, I highly recommend the Tafelspitz as a main course, paired with a glass of white wine from Schloss Gobelsburg, one of Austria’s oldest wineries.

Jägerstube – Our dinner in the Jägerstube was a true highlight during our stay at Post Lech. Created by Executive Chef Michael Volcanjsek, the gourmet menu is a blend of Austrian tradition and modern cuisine. It was inventive, inspiring, and I was simply stunned that each delicious dish served throughout the course of the evening was even better than the last. This meal was where Sommelier Miroslav Kalinic’ talents truly shined, with expert wine pairings that highlighted and balanced the intricacies of each course. Of course you can also request Mr. Kalinic’s suggestions from any restaurant at Hotel Gasthof Post Lech, but the gourmet menu dinner and pairing experience in the Jägerstube is not to be missed. Advance reservations are recommended.

Emostube – The traditionally designed restaurant in Hotel Gasthof Post Lech is warm and welcoming, and is the perfect setting to enjoy an equally comforting Fondue Chinoise, an Alpine-style hot-pot meal that is perfect after a wintry day spent outside exploring Arlberg. Advanced reservations are required for Emostube’s Fondue Chinoise experience, so be sure to plan ahead during your visit to Post Lech.

Kutscherstube – Hotel Gasthof Post Lech is known for their legendary Wiener Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn, and our stay would not have been complete without trying them there. I find that together, these classic Austrian dishes are truly the perfect meal, and while the Kutscherstube is Post Lech’s casual dining space, everything about the experience is still elevated. Considered the “inn” of Post Lech, hotel and à la carte guests can make reservations here for lunch or dinner, as well as grab a drink at the Bemelmans Bar.

Getting to Hotel Post Lech in Arlberg, Austria

Hotel Post Lech in Arlberg, Austria is located 2 hours from Zurich, Switzerland by car or by train to Langen or St. Anton stations, then a 20-minute drive to the hotel. Alternatively, you can fly into the Innsbruck, Austria airport which is 1.5 hours to Lech by car or by train. Parking is available at Hotel Post Lech, and if you prefer to drive yourself to the property be sure to make note of winter road closures in Austria that may be overlooked by navigation apps. Regardless of how you get there, Hotel Post Lech is ready to warmly welcome you like family.

Ask your SmartFlyer travel advisor about planning your ski trip to Hotel Post Lech in the Austrian Alps. If you don’t already have a SmartFlyer travel advisor, reach out to me directly at carina@sheisnotlost.com and I can put you in touch!

To say that we thoroughly enjoyed our girls’ trip to Hotel Post Lech in Arlberg, Austria would be an understatement. The experience was impressive from the moment we arrived, and I’ll long remember the warmth with which we were welcomed. Our visit to Post Lech will forever be one of my favorite skiing experiences.

Are you planning a girls’ ski trip to Lech am Arlberg and wondering if Hotel Post Lech is a great choice for you? If you have any questions about my personal experience visiting and skiing in Arlberg, Austria, let me know in the comments below!

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About the author

Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:

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