wine, women & the alpine experience

Ski, Wine, and Alpine Elegance: My Journey to Lech and Zürs

By Senay Ozdemir

Let me say this first: you don’t need much to enjoy the Alps. Literally nothing… not even wine. 🙂 Sometimes, all it takes is fresh mountain air, a quiet moment, and a view that makes you pause. On my recent trip to Lech and Zürs, I discovered that the true magic of the Alps isn’t just in the slopes or the après-ski—it’s in the simplicity, the space to breathe, and the moments that make you feel fully present.

As a fervent ski lover, I’ve explored most of the Alps, yet each country and region has its own character—and this trip felt particularly special. Wherever I travel, whether in summer or winter, I make it a point to explore local wine regions, tasting wines and visiting vineyards whenever I can. In this case, my journey began in Innsbruck, framed by snow-capped peaks, before taking the train to the Arlberg region—a route that invites travelers to slow down, breathe, and savor the landscape.

Lech and Zürs are part of the legendary Arlberg ski area, offering world-class skiing in an environment defined by refinement rather than excess. Wide slopes, reliable snow, and serene landscapes make skiing here feel elegant, precise, and harmonious with the surroundings. The area combines adventure and calm: the kind of place where skiing is a pleasure, not a race, and where moments on the slopes naturally flow into wine and food experiences.

Staying at Hotel Edelweiss

I stayed at Hotel Edelweiss, a jewel in Zürs that blends tradition, modern luxury, and the playful energy of its new concept, Stay Sexy. The hotel (140 years old) has been carefully renovated while keeping its Alpine character, and each room is unique—a private retreat with views that make you pause and breathe. My room, on the third floor with two windows perfectly framing the hotel’s name (as you can see in the picture), was super spacious and elegantly designed, overlooked the slopes, and waking up to those panoramic snowy peaks made me wish I could stay forever.

And then there was breakfast. Oh, the breakfast! I have never eaten so much smoked salmon in one sitting. The freshly brewed coffee with natural milk, served with care, and the hot tea from delicate porcelain teapots made every morning feel like a ceremony. The Edelweiss Frühstück offered a mix of buffet staples and surprises, including the Egg of the Day, fresh juices, and local delicacies. Every meal here felt considered, nourishing, and indulgent.

What I loved most was the seamless ski experience. I could take the ski bus to Lech in the morning, glide through the pristine trails, and then take the bus back to Zürs in my ski boots. The hotel’s ski rental service is exceptional: I had my own private ski box, where my boots and equipment were ready for the day, and everything was returned without a hassle. It’s little touches like this that transform a ski trip from ordinary to indulgent.

The spa and wellness facilities offered the perfect way to unwind. After a long day on the slopes, I booked a massage, letting the expert hands of a young female physiotherapist from Belgium—who combined her studies with freelancing across Austria, hopping from one resort to another to meet clients’ needs—melt away the cold and tension.

Evenings at the hotel were a highlight. The food and wine selection were extraordinary: menus changed daily (but of course always a schnitzel, and it surprised me it was beef!), showcasing regional flavors alongside international classics, paired with wines that ranged from local Austrian varietals to rare, high-quality bottles. Service was impeccable—attentive without ever being intrusive. Every detail felt curated, from the presentation to the thoughtful recommendations for wine and local specialties.

Skiing in Lech and Zürs

The Arlberg ski area is legendary—most of the European royals come here to ski, and for good reason. Skiing here is a blend of adventure and elegance. Wide, well-groomed slopes offer options for all levels, and the scenery—the forested valleys, snowy ridges, and distant peaks—makes every run unforgettable. The slopes feel luxurious not because of flashiness, but because every detail—the lifts, the signage, the trails—is thoughtfully designed for comfort and enjoyment.

Whether carving turns on the slopes or navigating the quiet backcountry, Lech and Zürs offer a perfect combination of adventure, culture, and indulgence. And when it was time to return to Zürs, the bus ride with ski boots on reminded me how effortless travel can feel when logistics are handled with care. Ski, return, relax—repeat.

Alpine Wine Moments

After a full day on the slopes, my favorite ritual was pausing on the terrace of Hotel Edelweiss with a glass of crisp Austrian Grüner Veltliner in hand. The panoramic views of snowy ridges and forested valleys, paired with the fresh alpine air, made every sip feel like a celebration. Even in a ski resort, good wine is never far away—Hotel Edelweiss, the surrounding restaurants, and local mountain huts all celebrate Austrian wines, particularly Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Sankt Laurent. Cool-climate conditions at high altitude shape the grapes in subtle ways—crisp, fresh, aromatic—and they pair beautifully with alpine cuisine: rich cheeses, hearty soups, and delicate fish dishes.

Prost! To the slopes, to the sunsets, and to the next adventure.

From the snowy slopes of Lech and Zürs to the intimate dining rooms of Hospiz Alm, alpine wine experiences are brought to life by people with passion and precision. In the next story of Wine, Women & the Alpine Experience, meet Katharina Köberl, a young sommelier whose love for high-altitude wines and dedication to hospitality transform every meal into an unforgettable journey. Discover how she navigates rare vintages, alpine conditions, and the evolving role of women in wine—while creating moments that linger long after the last sip.