The history of Arlberg abounds in pioneering spirit. It was the passion and unabated innovative force of some unforgotten pioneers that made the world-famous ski resort what it is today: the cradle of Alpine skiing.
The history of the Arlberg
The cradle of Alpine skiing
The foundation for this was laid at the end of the 19th century – with the opening of the Arlberg railway tunnel, which brought the first guests to the region. Over the years, Ski Arlberg has become the largest connected ski resort in Austria, one of the most important locations in the history of Alpine skiing, and the epicentre of the ski sport.
Milestones in the history of skiing
1885
The Arlberg tunnel brings the first guests to the region.
Emperor Franz Joseph I inaugurates the Arlberg railway tunnel. The train connection from Bludenz in Vorarlberg via Langen am Arlberg to Landeck in Tyrol brought the first guests to the Arlberg region.
1890
A pioneer is born.
Johann (Hannes) Schneider is born in Stuben – later, he went down in history as a gifted ski racing champion and inventor of the "Arlberg technique". He begins his career as a ski instructor in St. Anton and, later, becomes the founder and managing director of the ski school there.
1894
The first pair of skis on Arlberg
A small step for Father Müller from Warth – and a big step for the history of skiing: In 1894, the priest brings the first pair of skis to the western Arlberg to make his commute between Warth and Lech a lot easier.
1901
The hour of birth of the Ski Club Arlberg
Six friends, one project: "Ski Club Arlberg" is founded at Hotel Hospiz in St. Christoph.
1904
On your marks, get set, go!
On 5 June 1904, the time has finally come: The first ski race is held on Arlberg – still without ski lifts or groomed ski runs!
1906
The first skiing lessons
Learning from a professional: Viktor Sohm teaches the first ski lessons in Zürs. Initially, only locals take part but, from the early 1920s on, guests participate as well.
1921
Ski School
The first ski school opens its doors – founded by Hannes Schneider in St. Anton am Arlberg.
1937
The first tow lift
Premiere for Austria's first tow lift in Zürs. Three years later, the first ski lift in Lech follows.
1937
Summit ascents by cable car
Galzigbahn in St. Anton is the first cable car in the world designed exclusively for winter operation. It has a transport capacity of up to 120 people per hour.
1955
Austria's highest cable car
The new Vallugabahn transports winter sports enthusiasts up to an elevation of 2,811 metres above sea level, which makes it Austria's highest cable car at the time.
2004
The world’s first heated chairlifts
The world's first heated chairlifts in Lech and Schröcken provide more comfort for winter sports enthusiasts.
2006
A revolution in cable car construction
For the funitel system of the new Galzigbahn, the cabins are connected to a pair of two parallel overhead cables. This enables passengers to board and exit them level with the ground.
2013
A new connection
A further milestone is the connection of Lech Zürs with Warth-Schröcken via the Auenfeldjet cable car.
2016
Inauguration of the Flexenbahn
The construction of the Flexenbahn connects Zürs with Rauz/Stuben and makes Ski Arlberg the largest connected ski resort in Austria.
