The legendary ski race pushes participants to their limits. Starting at Rüfikopf and finishing in Lech, the event thrills both competitors and spectators alike for true goosebumps moments! Set against the stunning backdrop of Lech Zürs, it creates a unique atmosphere that captivates and inspires every year.
The Alps’ most legendary ski circuit
The White Ring
The Alps’ most legendary ski circuit
The White Ring
For over 60 years, The White Ring has defined the skiing experience in Lech Zürs am Arlberg, standing as a legendary ski circuit and an icon of winter sports. The route links Lech, Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech via some of the most spectacular runs in the ski region, set against the dramatic mountain backdrop of the Omeshorn.
The legend of Lech Zürs
The highlights of The White Ring
Exploring the Alps’ most legendary ski circuit
The White Ring in Lech Zürs
Starting points:
Winter sports enthusiasts can access the ski circuit from nearly all slopes in Lech Zürs. Key start points are marked with dedicated pillars:
- at the Rüfikopfbahn cable car in Lech
- at the Seekopfbahn and Zürserseebahn cable cars in Zürs
- at the Zugerbergbahn cable car in Zug
The ski circuit is fully signposted for easy navigation. The distinctive “The White Ring” symbols along the ski runs provide orientation.
The White Ring
Photo points along the ski circuit
Unforgettable vistas await at the Rüfikopf viewing platform and the Madloch natural platform. These places are ideal for souvenir photos with an Alpine background.
Facts and figures about the ski circuit
| Cable car/ski run | Length (in m) | Difference in altitude (in m) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Rüfikopf I + II | 2,131 | 890 |
| 2. Steinmännle (#181) | 1,634 | 366 |
| 3. Schüttbodenlift | 590 | 155 |
| 4. Schüttboden-Zürs (#185) | 1,607 | 248 |
| 5. Trittalp | 920 | 288 |
| 6. Hexenboden Direct (#125) | 1,798 | 466 |
| 7a. Seekopf | 1,548 | 514 |
| 7b. Zürsersee | 1,587 | 491 |
| 8. Madloch | 1,520 | 285 |
| 9. Madloch Zug (#170) | 4,187 | 954 |
| 10. Zugerberg | 1,443 | 615 |
| 11. Balmengrat | 222 | 5 |
| 12. Kriegeralpe-Petersboden-Oberlech-Lech (#200) | 4,236 | 644 |
| Total | 21,688 | 5,439 |
The race course
Ski Arlberg App
Tracking and competition
With the Ski Arlberg app, take your “The White Ring” skiing experience home with you. By tracking your ski day using the Ski Arlberg app, you can collect and save your data – and even enter weekly prize draws for exclusive White Ring belts designed by Luis Trenker.
Everything about The White Ring
Frequently Asked Questions
The White Ring is the Alps’ most legendary ski circuit. For over 60 years, it has linked Lech with Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech, blending nature and technology.
The White Ring is a half-day challenge, covering approximately 22 kilometres and 5,500 vertical metres, while also offering a scenic tour on easy to intermediate ski runs.
Winter sports enthusiasts can access the ski circuit from almost any slope in Lech Zürs. The main starting points are clearly marked with starting poles:
- at the Rüfikopfbahn in Lech
- at the Seekopfbahn or Zürserseebahn cable cars in Zürs
- at the Zugerbergbahn cable car in Zug
The entire ski circuit is fully signposted, with the distinctive The White Ring symbols along the slopes providing clear guidance.
The skiing experience on The White Ring varies with the season and snow conditions. Our tip: In late winter, the ski runs in Lech and Oberlech are the first to turn into spring snow, while the Zürs and Zug areas provide equally enjoyable skiing later in the day.
The live info provides up-to-date details on the lifts and ski runs.
With the Ski Arlberg app – which includes a prize competition!
Yes, the brochure is available at all cash desks – or can be downloaded from the Ski Arlberg website.
“The White Ring – The Race” in Lech Zürs am Arlberg enjoys international cult status. Each year, over 1,000 dedicated winter sports enthusiasts take part in the public ski race, competing in an event watched with great excitement by numerous spectators.
The next "The White Ring - The Race" will take place on 17 January 2026.
You can register for "The White Ring - The Race" via the link below.
This ranking combines the results of the two Arlberg races: “The White Ring – The Race” in Lech Zürs am Arlberg and “Der Weisse Rausch” in St. Anton am Arlberg.
In summer, the legendary White Ring ski circuit takes on a whole new perspective: explore The Green Ring on the three-day stage hike.
