The picturesque Austrian ski village of St Anton, which is part of the vast Ski Arlberg region, is more than just another cookie-cutter ski resort. Along with some of the world’s best skiing opportunities, its charming village ambience, sensational après ski, and fantastic amenities and accommodation, it has another string to its bow — a very important history.
St Anton is known as “the cradle of Alpine skiing”, for the vital role it has played in raising the profile of the sport to international renown. The village holds fast to its reputation, and the heritage of the region is incredibly well defined and preserved in the excellent Museum of St Anton am Arlberg. Whether you’re coming to St Anton for a few days or two weeks, you really should make time to visit the museum to gain a fascinating insight into the evolution of skiing.
Contents:
- Step into Ski History in St Anton
- St Anton’s Historical Connection to the Art of Skiing
- The Museum of St Anton am Arlberg: Bringing Local History to Life
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Step into Ski History in St Anton
Anyone with even a passing interest in discovering more about why millions of people all over the world attach a couple of bits of wood (or carbon, titanium or fibreglass!) to their feet and hurtle down a mountain, will find a lot to enjoy in St Anton. The gorgeous village streets and traditional Alpine architecture hold a wealth of history within their charming embrace, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the local pride for the part the village has played in developing the sport of skiing to a vast tourism audience.
St Anton’s Historical Connection to the Art of Skiing
A gentleman named Hannes Schneider, a born and raised local of St Anton, is credited with developing the “Arlberg technique”, a downhill method that revolutionised skiing and helped establish it as something that could be enjoyed by the masses, not just the elite and the daring.
But, in fact, we need to go a little further back to discover the real roots.
It was in the 1880s that a Norwegian engineer working on the famous Arlberg Tunnel first introduced the somewhat bemused locals to a quirky mode of transport, by heading off to work every day with two pieces of wood strapped to his feet to glide over the snow. He utilised the Nordic telemark style, where the heel is not attached, allowing ease of movement to navigate tight turns and both up and down hill.
It wasn’t until several decades later the idea started to catch on with the locals, with the original Ski Club Arlberg established in 1901, and still operating to this day. When Hannes Schneider came along at the tender age of thirteen with his innovative technique that involved squatting and the redistribution of his body weight to turn the skis, it caught on like wildfire. Guests and tourists came from all over the world to attend his ski school. In turn, Hannes began training people up to become instructors and his ground-breaking technique was irrefutably established.
The Museum of St Anton am Arlberg: Bringing Local History to Life
By the time you’ve been in the village an hour, someone will probably have recommended a visit to this excellent museum, it represents such a vital part of the heritage. A huge number of visitors would be completely unaware of the role this humble village has played in the way they ski on their annual holiday without its presence.
In addition to the superb information and exhibits housed within, this might just be the most picturesque museum you’ll ever visit. Set in a traditional, hundred-year-old, wood-beamed timber chalet called Villa Trier, the building sits on a gentle elevation, affording spectacular views over the mountains.
Villa Trier dates back to 1910 and has been serving as the museum for some three decades. The permanent collection includes artefacts and documents from the Middle Ages, right through to photographs and films of more modern times. The collection draws from a deep well of history to paint a fascinating archival picture. (In addition to Hannes Schneider’s ski technique, the village was once again instrumental in developing the ski industry by constructing one of the first gondolas in the Alpine region.)
Along with the permanent collection, there is an ever-changing rotation of temporary historical exhibitions, including work from local artists and live theatre performances. The museum is supported by their non-profit “Friends and Supporters”, a group of locals dedicated to preserving and curating the village’s important history.
Once you’ve spent a couple of hours wandering around and enjoying the offering of the museum, you can relax in the onsite restaurant with a coffee or full meal.
Come for the Skiing, Stay for the History!
Clearly the real reason you book a ski break in St Anton is to experience the world-class skiing on offer. But who says all the fun to be had is out on the slopes? For any true ski enthusiast, a visit to the Museum St Anton am Arlberg offers a genuinely fascinating insight into this much-loved sport and how modern skiing has evolved from the most humble of beginning.
Where to Stay
Valluga Hotel: With a picturesque setting, beautiful, well-appointed rooms, and a great range of amenities, this stylish hotel puts everything on the doorstep. Just 5 minutes’ walk from the centre of town and the ski area, you’ll have access to the onsite spa centre, as well as a hearty buffet breakfast and quality dining in the restaurant. There’s a ski bus stop right outside the door so you won’t have to waste any of your precious ski time getting to the slopes.
Ullrhaus: Situated right next to the main ski lift, you’ll have everything at your fingertips in this ambient and welcoming hotel. Onsite you can make use of the extensive facilities, which include a restaurant, fitness centre, a bar, indoor pool, sauna, and ski hire. The spacious rooms and suites feature quality contemporary furnishings and decor, and the buffet breakfast in the hotel is outstanding — the perfect way to set up your day.
Hotel Grieshof: Offering spacious rooms with traditional decor and good quality appointments, this friendly hotel is located just steps away from the cable cars. Renowned for its warm welcome, the hotel features a spa area with sauna and steam bath, an onsite restaurant serving traditional local cuisine, and a cosy bar with an open fireplace. Home-from-home in St Anton!
How to Get There
Planning a trip to St Anton? The logistics are easy. From the UK you’ll fly into Innsbruck Airport, a journey that takes just under two hours. A range of airlines will get you there, with around 30 flights a week from carriers including easyJet, British Airways and Tui.
The most convenient way to ensure a hassle-free ride to your final destination is to pre-book an airport transfer from Innsbruck to St Anton with Shuttle Direct. A friendly driver will meet you at the airport, and whether you book a value for money shared shuttle or a private luxury transfer, you’ll enjoy a safe, comfortable ride in a modern vehicle.
Overview
UK to INN Flight Time: 1 hour, 58 mins approx.
INN to St Anton: 101 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 1 hour approx.
Types of Transfer
Shuttle Direct makes getting from Innsbruck Airport to St Anton very easy. As one of the most respected, value for money services on the market, our commitment to you is a friendly, professional airport transfer with something to suit everyone. When you pre-book with us, it’s not a one-size-fits-all service.
If you like the convenience of door-to-door but you don’t like standing in long taxi queues when you land, pre-book one of our local taxis to get you from Innsbruck to St Anton. Because you’ve booked in advance, your professional driver will be waiting as soon as you land so you’ll bypass the queues and get right on your way. Simple, convenient and cost-effective.
For the best value for money on the market, our comfortable shared shuttle buses make getting from Innsbruck Airport to St Anton a breeze. You’ll meet your driver at a pre-arranged spot at the airport, then board your clean, modern vehicle and travel with other passengers to a central drop-off convenient to your accommodation. Because you share and it’s not a door-to-door service you’ll save money, but it’s never a compromise on quality, safety and good service.
For those travelling with family or friends, you can kiss logistical nightmares goodbye when you pre-book a minibus transfer with Shuttle Direct. This is a door-to-door service in a larger capacity vehicle, which means everyone and all the luggage can travel together on an Innsbruck transfer that won’t cost the earth.
For the traveller looking for the ultimate in comfort and convenience, who doesn’t mind paying for the privilege, a private St Anton transfer will suit you down to the ground. Your professional driver will greet you in the terminal then escort you to a luxury vehicle. You’ll be on your way without delay, with no other stops except your own. A private St Anton airport transfer means you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery without a care in the world.
Choosing the Right Transfer
As the market leaders, Shuttle Direct understands everything there is to know about making our customers happy. That’s why we offer a range of different options to get you from Innsbruck Airport to St Anton. Only you can decide on the best one for your needs, but it will come down to how you prioritise cost and convenience.
Cost: Sticking like glue to a holiday budget to save money for the fun things? One of our shared services gives you everything you need in terms of punctuality and reliability, with one of the most cost-effective price tags around. You’ll travel in a comfortable vehicle with other passengers and be taken to a central drop-off point, making it cheaper than a private transfer.
Convenience: If your priority is door-to-door comfort and the luxury of travelling on your own, a private transfer from Innsbruck Airport to St Anton is the way to your heart. You’ll enjoy the services of a professional driver and high-end vehicle, with no other stops along the way.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct provides a huge range of quality airport transfer services to and from destinations all over the world. Renowned for our reliability, safety and great communication, you can count on us to offer value for money no matter how you like to travel. Our friendly professional drivers are punctual, helpful and courteous, aiming to get you to your final destination in the most comfortable way, with no delays. Book today and experience the best airport transfers on the market.
