This year, we really wanted to get to know the Montafon in winter. This beautiful valley in Vorarlberg has plenty of adventures in store for you, especially in winter. First-class ski resorts such as Silvretta Montafon, Golm, Gargellen, and Kristberg await you. With a variety of slopes for all skill levels, there’s something for everyone. If skiing isn’t your thing, you can explore the breathtaking winter landscape of the Montafon on a winter hike. There are numerous marked hiking trails that lead through snow-covered forests and picturesque villages.

And after a day on the slopes or in nature, you can relax and let yourself be pampered in one of the wellness hotels in the Montafon. Enjoy saunas, steam baths, and massages to revitalize your body and mind. Not to forget the regional cuisine of the Montafon! Try local specialties such as Käsknöpfle, Riebel, and Montafon cheese and indulge in the flavors of Vorarlberg. Feeling inspired? In the following article we will show you everything you can experience in Montafon in winter.

• Overview – The Montafon
• Activities & Highlights in the Montafon in winter
  • 1. Winter hike on the Kristberg in the Silbertal
  • 2. Skiing & Snowboarding in the Golm ski area
  • 3. Snowshoe hike in the Brandnertal
  • 4. Tobogganing in the Brandnertal
  • 5. Cross-country skiing on the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe
  • 6. Skiing & Snowboarding in the Gargellen ski area
  • 7. Ice climbing in the Montafon
  • 9. Skiing & Snowboarding in the Silvretta Montafon ski area
• Rent equipment on site
• WildPass Montafon Brandnertal
• Accommodations in the Montafon
• Montafon in Winter – Our Conclusion

Overview – The Montafon

The 39-kilometer-long valley with its 11 villages offers all the amenities for a truly successful mountain holiday. Here, you’ll find not only impressive peaks and passes, but also lush valleys and forests, picturesque mountain lakes, roaring waterfalls, idyllic alpine meadows, and breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you’re a connoisseur, nature lover, sports enthusiast, or adrenaline junkie – there’s something for everyone in Montafon.

Look forward to 297 kilometers of slopes, well-groomed winter hiking trails, 33 cross-country ski trails, some great toboggan runs, snow parks, race areas, 35 lifts, and much more. Apart from the famous Silvretta Montafon ski area, you’ll also find the Gargellen, Golm, Kristberg, and Silvretta-Bielerhöhe areas in Montafon. We also visited the Brandnertal, which is right next door. In the following article, we’ll show you what awaits you in all these areas.

The 11 Montafon towns: St. Anton i. Montafon, Vandans, Bartholomäberg, Schruns, Taschagguns, Silbertal, Gargellen, St. Gallenkirch, Gortipohl, Gaschurn, and Partenen.

Activities & Highlights in Montafon in Winter

After having visited Montafon twice in the summer, we wanted to explore this diverse region in winter. We were looking forward to varied adventures, snow-capped peaks, and plenty of sunshine (after all, the weather forecast before the trip looked very promising). In the following section, we present some activities you can experience in Montafon in winter.

1. Winter hike on Kristberg in Silbertal

After a relaxing journey, we reached the beautiful Montafon in the early afternoon in perfect weather. Since we still had a little time before checking into our accommodation, we headed straight to our first activity. Our program included a relaxing winter hike on the Kristberg in Silbertal. This area is the smallest in the region, but is ideal for families with children (4.5 km of daily groomed slopes with 4 lifts). We parked the car right at the Kristbergbahn valley station (free of charge), grabbed our backpacks, and headed up.

We took the Kristberg cable car from 889 meters to 1444 meters in just under 4 minutes. Once at the top, we were greeted by a snow-covered landscape and a bright blue sky. Our winter hike began right at the mountain station. We opted for the “Large Kristberg Loop,” which promised many great views and idyllic landscapes. The trail led us along the panoramic cross-country ski trail into the valley, through easy forest sections, and past mountain pastures. The approximately 4-kilometer circular hike took just under 2 hours.

Shortly before the end of our hike, we reached the Knappastoba am Kristberg. We made ourselves comfortable on the terrace, enjoyed the sun, and ordered apple strudel and a shandy. There were also a few deck chairs, but they were already occupied. The Panoramagasthof Kristberg, which we passed just 5 minutes earlier, offers a bit more choice and space. It was a bit too busy for us there, so we decided to go to the Knappastoba.

Information about the winter hike on the Kristberg

• Start and finish: Kristbergbahn mountain station
• Difficulty: WT2 moderate, medium
• Duration and length: 2 hours | 4.3 kilometers | 177 meters elevation gain
• Refreshments: Panoramagasthof Kristberg & Knappastoba on the Kristberg
• Kristbergbahn travel times: daily (see exact times here)
• Prices: Round trip 22 € for adults (we recommend the WildPass)

2. Ski & Snowboarding in the Golm Ski Area

Another highlight awaited us on the second day of our trip. For this day, we decided on the Golm Ski Area, where we finally wanted to go skiing and snowboarding again. While Marco skied skillfully down the slopes on his snowboard, I was ready for another ski course. I really wanted to improve and refresh my beginner skills, so I booked a two-day course (10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.). Up to this point, I had only logged 4 hours of skiing.

Golm boasts a variety of slopes with 44 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes, numerous activities for children, a practice area, a family slope, a natural toboggan run, and even a challenging World Cup course. The great thing about this area is that there are 13 km of blue slopes and 12 km of red slopes. So even beginners get their money’s worth. In addition, six restaurants await you directly in the ski area. Perfect for a thoroughly enjoyable day in the mountains in winter in Montafon.

We took the Golmerbahn I and Golmerbahn II from the valley station (650 m) up to the mountain station (1890 m), covering an elevation gain of 1240 meters. The ski course started at 10:00 a.m., meeting in front of the Grüneck Panorama Restaurant. We began by reviewing the basics of skiing in a small group before continuing to work on our technique on the practice hill. After the 4.5 hours of instruction, I was already making some progress in parallel skiing. It was a lot of fun again, even though I was completely exhausted afterwards.

Information about the Golm ski area

• Start: Mountain station at the Panorama-Restaurant Grüneck
• Golmerbahn ride times: daily (see exact times here)
• Prices: Day ticket from €55 (we recommend the WildPass)
• Slopes: 13 km blue, 12 km red, 2 km black, 17 km ski routes
• Refreshments: e.g., Sonna Hüsli, Panorama-Restaurant Grüneck, Berghof Golm,
• Special feature: longest run with 9.2 km and 1,460 m elevation gain
• Ski course: Snowsports School Golm (day course only €95 per person)

3. Snowshoe Hike in the Brandnertal Valley

After a long day of skiing and snowboarding, the next day was a leisurely affair. We drove from Schruns to the Brandnertal Valley, about 30 minutes away. This approximately 12 km long valley is a true winter paradise, boasting a wide range of recreational activities and breathtaking natural scenery. In addition to first-class ski areas, perfectly groomed slopes, and modern lifts, we were also treated to picturesque winter hiking trails, magnificent views, and cozy huts.

At the valley station of the Palüdbahn we borrowed We rented snowshoes for the day at Mountain Base (€10 per person). We took the Palüdbahn cable car from 1070 meters to 1608 meters to the Palüdbahn mountain station. There we began our leisurely winter hike. The ungroomed winter hiking trail was in very good condition, so we didn’t even need our winter boots. After just a few minutes, we reached the idyllic Palüdhütte, where many skiers and snowboarders were taking a break.

We continued hiking directly and made our way through the forest towards the Niggenkopf Terrace. The winter hike is quite short at 2.9 km, but promises many great views. We were able to fully enjoy the sun and fresh mountain air during the hike. After about 40 minutes, we reached the Niggenkopf Sound Terrace (restaurant & bar), which boasted a fascinating panoramic view of the surrounding Rätikon mountains. Here, we made ourselves comfortable in large beanbag chairs, ordered delicious drinks, and relaxed. We returned via the same route.

Information about the snowshoe hike

• Start and finish: Palüdbahn mountain station
• Difficulty: WT2 moderate
• Duration and length: 1.5 hours | 2.9 kilometers | 140 meters elevation gain
• Refreshments: Niggenkopf Terrace and Palüdhütte
• Brandnertal cable car operating times: daily (see exact times here)
• Prices: Day pass for pedestrians from €29 (we recommend the WildPass)

4. Tobogganing in the Brandnertal

Originally, we planned to take a really cool hike to a hut that day and then toboggan back down to the valley. Unfortunately, the hut was closed that very day, so we couldn’t have gotten a sled. All other toboggan runs were also closed. But perhaps you’ll have better luck on your trip and be able to try this tour. The hike to the Schattenlagant Hut takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. After a leisurely stop for a snack, you’ll then head back down to the valley by toboggan. You can find all the information about this activity here: Schattenlagant toboggan run | Brand

Generally, there are three toboggan runs in the Brandnertal:

• Löcher toboggan run in Bürserberg
• Schattenlagant toboggan run in Brand
• Eggen toboggan run in Brand

Every Tuesday and Friday, the popular night tobogganing event takes place in the Brandnertal. Then you can race down the mountain on illuminated slopes. Tickets cost €23 per person (€13.80 for children). You can rent toboggans for €6 at the valley station of the Dorfbahn cable car or from R-Sport (depending on the toboggan run). You can find all further information here: Tobogganing in the Brandnertal.

5. Cross-country skiing in the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe

This time we definitely wanted to try cross-country skiing. For our first experience, we chose the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe area, where there are several cool cross-country ski trails. We drove to the valley station of the Vermuntbahn cable car in Partenen. We parked our car there for free and took the train up to the Vermuntbahn mountain station.

From there, we continued directly to Bielerhöhe by shuttle bus. In winter, the Silvretta High Alpine Road is closed to public traffic, which is why this is the only way to reach Bielerhöhe. The journey there is really cool, though, as you pass through two long tunnels along the way. Important information: This train and the bus transfer are included in the WildPass.

After a scenic journey, the bus stopped just before the Piz Buin mountain inn. There, we strapped on our cross-country skis, put on our sunglasses, and hit the ground running. Vorarlberg’s highest cross-country ski trails awaited us at 2,032 meters above sea level at the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe. We started with the 2-kilometer Dam Trail and then ventured onto the long 4-kilometer Silvretta High-Altitude Trail. After some initial difficulties, we got the hang of it and enjoyed cross-country skiing through the breathtaking winter landscape.

That day, we skied a total of 10 km (once on the dam trail and twice on the high-altitude trail) and felt more and more confident over time. We ended up lying in the snow a few times because we couldn’t handle the curves and the speed downhill. But that’s always the way it is: every beginning is difficult. It was still incredibly fun! Afterwards we rewarded ourselves with delicious spinach dumplings at the Piz Buin mountain inn and a view of the surrounding mountains.

Information about cross-country skiing in the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe:

• Start and finish: Silvretta-Bielerhöhe
• Difficulty levels of the trails: easy, medium & difficult
• Duration and length: depending on the trail, between 0.5 and 2 hours
• Refreshments: Piz Buin mountain inn, Silvretta-Haus and Madlenerhaus
• Travel times for cable cars & Buses: daily (see exact times here)
• Prices: Day pass for pedestrians from €39 (we recommend the WildPass)

All trails at a glance:

6. Skiing & Snowboarding in the Gargellen Ski Area

On the last day of our winter trip through the Montafon, we hit the slopes again. This time we chose the Gargellen Ski Area, which we had already visited in the summer. There are two really great via ferratas nearby that you should definitely try out. But back to the ski slopes. In Gargellen, snow is guaranteed up to an altitude of 2,300 meters. The picturesque views are an additional highlight for all visitors. The variety of slopes ranges from child-friendly to challenging routes, suitable for families as well as beginners and experienced winter sports enthusiasts.

We set off from the valley station of the Schafbergbahn Gargellen (1,438 m). This took us up to the mountain station at almost 2,130 meters above sea level in just 6 minutes. While the sun was still shining in the valley, the snow flurries and fog gradually increased in the mountains. But we didn’t let that deter us and immediately hit the first slopes. The Schafberg plateau, with its blue slopes, is ideal for beginners. In total, there are 28.3 kilometers of slopes and 3 kilometers of ski routes for skiers and snowboarders.

If you are a beginner skier, we recommend slopes 2, 3, 3a, 2a, and 2b. Please note, however, that some sections are quite steep, so you should definitely have a good grasp of the technique. Pistes 2a and 2b, as well as 6 and 6a, lead down to the valley station. Marco has skied the red piste No. 1 in particular and can recommend it.

Information about the Gargellen ski area

• Start: Mountain station at the Schafberg Hüsli mountain restaurant
• Gargellen cable car operating times: daily (see exact times here)
• Prices: Day ticket from 55 € (we recommend the WildPass)
• Slopes: 19.3 km blue, 6 km red, 3 km black, 3 km ski routes
• Refreshments: e.g. Schafberg Hüsli mountain restaurant, Obwaldhütte Gargellen, Kessl Hütte
• Special feature: very suitable for families with children and beginners
• Ski course: Gargellen ski school (3-day ski course from 203 € per person)

7. Ice Climbing in Montafon

Actually, ice climbing was on our agenda this time, but unfortunately, it didn’t fit into our schedule. We’ll definitely make up for it next time. Grab your ice axe and crampons and head to the newly constructed ice climbing garden on the Silvretta. Here, beginners can practice climbing on ice. For advanced climbers, there are partially vertical ice columns that provide lots of fun and adrenaline.

The climbing garden is located right next to the Madlenerhaus. It’s best to book a taster course with an experienced mountain guide, who will explain the most important techniques on the artificial ice wall. The course takes place every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during the season (December 26, 2023 – February 20, 2024). The price is €105 per person for 4 participants. You can find all the important information about this adventure here: Ice Climbing in Montafon.

9. Skiing & Snowboarding in the Silvretta Montafon Ski Area

Another highlight in Montafon in winter is definitely the sporty Silvretta Montafon ski area. It is the most famous and largest ski area in Montafon and awaits you with perfectly groomed slopes (141 km in total), countless powder runs, modern lifts, Vorarlberg’s longest valley run with a 1,700 m vertical drop (“HochjochTotale”), an 800 m long freeride cross, a snow park, black slopes with gradients of up to 81%, and sunrise runs three times a week before the official ski season opens.

Your culinary well-being is catered for in the Silvretta Montafon with 11 huts and mountain restaurants. The Hochjoch, Zamang, or Grasjoch cable cars take you to the Hochjoch ski area, and the Valisera, Garfrescha, or Versettla cable cars take you to the Nova section. Incidentally, the Grasjoch cable car is the longest cable car in Europe, with a length of approximately 4,343 meters. The ride on this cable car alone is a real highlight and promises breathtaking views.

Information about the Silvretta Montafon ski area

• Start: various starting points throughout the area
• Silvretta cable car operating times: daily (see exact times here)
• Prices: Day ticket from €58 (we recommend the WildPass)
• Slopes: 60 km of blue, 45 km of red, 36 km of black slopes, 28 km of ski routes
• Refreshments: e.g. Kapellrestaurant, Nova Stoba, Wormser Hut, Grasjoch Hut
• Special feature: 50% of the slopes are above 2,000 meters
• Ski course: Ski schools in Schruns, St. Gallenkrich & Gaschurn (1 day from €89 per person)

Rent equipment on site

In Montafon, you can rent equipment in almost every ski area. You’ll not only get the latest models on site, but also expert advice. Whether ski equipment, snowshoes, helmets, clothing, cross-country ski sets, toboggans, or snowboards – you can rent almost everything in Montafon. We paid just around €25 per person for our cross-country equipment (boots, skis, poles) at Intersport Schruns.

You can rent a toboggan from as little as €6. The longer you book the equipment, the cheaper it usually becomes. If you want to store your equipment dry and safely on-site, you can also book a depot.

WildPass Montafon Brandnertal

Instead of buying a day or multi-day ticket for every ski area in Montafon, we recommend the so-called Montafon Brandnertal Multi-Day WildPass. This gives you access to nine attractive winter sports areas in Montafon, Brandnertal, and Walgau. You can use a total of 79 lifts and enjoy 297 perfectly groomed slopes.

Also included is travel on the ski buses in the valley and the Montafonerbahn Bludenz-Schruns, as well as the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe tunnel bus. For us, the WildPass is simply the perfect ticket to the Montafon and Brandnertal.

Accommodations in Montafon

In Montafon, there are a variety of accommodations tailored to the needs of different travelers. These include hotels, guesthouses, vacation apartments, mountain huts, and campsites. The selection ranges from luxurious resorts to rustic, cozy mountain huts. In the following overview, you’ll find a few special accommodations that might be of interest to you. In winter, we particularly prefer accommodations that also have a sauna. For us, this is simply part of a successful winter vacation. Almost two years ago, we stayed at the Hotel Verwall, which we can highly recommend. You can find a detailed review here: Hotel Verwall im Montafon.

Last summer, we stayed at the fantastic 4-star Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon*. The pleasure and sports hotel awaited us with a spacious and stylishly designed junior suite. In addition to a comfortable double bed, a balcony, and a bathroom with a shower, we also had the pleasure of using a small sauna. Bathrobes, slippers, and a wellness bag were already provided for us. The hotel also impressed us with a magnificent 2,000 square meter wellness area, which included various saunas, an indoor pool, a fitness room, a tepidarium, relaxation rooms, and much more.

Wellness Hotels & Resorts

• Falkensteiner Family Hotel Montafon*
• Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon*
• Romantik Hotel Verwall*
• Sporthotel Bachmann*
• Hotel Bradabella – Montafon*
• TUI BLUE Montafon*

Self-catering accommodation

• Alm-Lodges Montafon*
• AlpinResortMontafon GARNI*
• Chalet-Resort Montafon*
• Sporthotel Chalet*
• Tante Anna Apartments*
• Adler Alpen Apartments*

Montafon in winter – our conclusion

We love the Montafon – no matter what time of year. Winter in Montafon offers a diverse and impressive range of activities and experiences. With its first-class ski resorts, picturesque mountain landscapes, and cozy villages, the region is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The well-groomed slopes and trails attract skiers and snowboarders from all over the world, while cross-country skiers and winter hikers can explore the untouched beauty of the landscape.Away from the slopes, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ice climbing offer further opportunities to experience a magnificent winter in the Montafon.