Skip to main content

Skiing History Week heads to Lech am Arlberg, Austria

Lech am Arlberg

The International Skiing History Association (ISHA) will hold its 2027 Awards Banquet and related events in Lech and neighboring St. Anton, in the Tirol and Vorarlberg regions of Austria.

With sponsorship from the lift manufacturer Doppelmayr, ISHA plans a full week of meetings, museum visits and cultural events, along with plenty of skiing on the 85 lifts of the Ski Arlberg network, the largest in Austria.

Five villages make up the Arlberg region’s heart and soul: St. Anton is known for its sporty and lively atmosphere, and vibrant après-ski scene. Lech is Arlberg’s epicurean brain, with the highest density of award-winning restaurants and luxury hotels in the country. Zürs, the only place in Austria that offers heli-skiing, has a history of attracting the international jet set to its slopes. St. Christoph has the longest-standing history of hospitality, thanks to a hospice dating back to 1386. The village of Stuben tempts with an idyllic, quiet atmosphere high up in the mountains and is the birthplace of iconic Alpine skier Hannes Schneider. All of the villages are interconnected via a lift system and free bus service.

Discounted airfare will be available to Zurich, with ground transportation included. Details regarding transportation and lodging packages will be announced soon. ISHA members are encouraged to arrive early and stay late in order to maximize skiing time.

If you would like to join us, please indicate your interest via email to janet@skiinghistory.org.

Tentative schedule

Monday, April 5

• Arrival

Tuesday, April 6

• Skiing the White Ring, the network of lifts and trails linking Lech, Zurs, Zug and Oberlech.

• Welcome Reception in Lech.

Wednesday, April 7 

• Ski or bus to luncheon party at the Museum St. Anton-am-Arlberg

• Film Festival

Thursday, April 8

  • Bus to Doppelmayr tour, Head factory, or
  • ski to lunch on mountain.

Friday, April 9

  • Skiing, lunch on mountain  
  • John Fry Lecture by historian Christof Thöny: Arlberg, cradle of Alpine skiing

Saturday, April 10

• Skiing

• Sister Resorts reception at Lechwelten Center

• Film Festival

Sunday, April 11 

• Skiing

• ISHA Board of Directors dinner with ISHA Award winners

Monday, April 12

• ISHA Board of Directors meeting

• Author reception at Lechwelten Center

• Awards Banquet at Lechwelten Center

Monday, April 13

  • Historians' Colloquium
  • Departure