Zurs resort guide - a general overview
Zurs is a popular ski resort with the international glitterati and generally caters for a well-heeled crowd. There are very few 3-star hotels but a large collection of excellent 4 and 5 star properties. Zurs is linked with the resort of Lech and both resorts form part of the massive Arlberg ski region. Snow is guaranteed in Zurs which is good for beginners and intermediates, but the ski area doesn't offer too much for the advanced skier or boarder, although there is some great steep and deep off piste to be found, and it is also possible to go heli-skiing.
The village is rather purpose built in nature, and not the prettiest. Off the mountain there isn't very much to entertain you. There are a handful of bars in Zurs but the atmosphere and quality of these venues more than makes up for the lack of variety. For a bit of history and knowledge, Zurs was the first ski resort in Austria to have a recognisable skiers' lift built.
Resort stats
305km
1,720m - 2,450m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Friedrichshafen
- 1hr 15mins
- Innsbruck
- 1hr 30mins
- Zurich
- 2hrs 30mins
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The whole Arlberg area (which includes Zurs) has a 1st class snow record
- Good for all standards of skier. On piste for beginners and intermediates
- Heliski drops are great for experts looking to explore the wide back country areas
Cons
- Not much in the way of budget, or even good value, accommodation
- Piste skiing is a bit limited for expert skiers with not much in the way of steep slopes
- The main road runs through the middle of the resort which rather detracts
Restaurants
Zurs Resort Restaurants
There is a high proportion of internationally recognised gourmet restaurants in Zurs, with three listed in the top international restaurant guides. One of the more popular is the Chesa. Also high on any diner's hit list are the restaurants at the following hotels: the Hirlanda, Zurserhof and also the Lorunser. For an authentic mountain atmosphere Toni's Einkehr provides excellent fondues and other local Austrian dishes. Authentic Italian fare is served at the Walsersube in the Hotel Alberghaus. The Zurserhof Hotel restaurant has a varied menu of international cuisine from around the world. Alternatively, there is the traditional restaurant at the Schweizerhaus.
Zurs Mountain Restaurants
The Balmalp mountain restaurant at the top of the Zugerberg chairlift (the one from Zug) comes into its own in March and April when the large terrace is a popular eating venue. The table service offers Italian fare (including a large sharing pizza). The views are impressive from this contemporary alpine construction. The Rud-Alpe is a traditional and charming restaurant made up of several small dining rooms. This restaurant also offers an extensive wine list as well as great mountain views - perfect for topping up your winter tan. Inside the Hotel Montana, Oberlech, is the Zur Kanne Restaurant presided over by Gault Millau award-winning chef, Marcus Winkler. A great venue for some more serious dining.
Zurs Apres Ski
Most of the après ski in Zurs is found in the individual hotel bars. The popular Bergwerk Bar is a popular place to kick things off with live music and cocktails. The Vernissage in Alpenrose Hotel, the bar at the Hirlanda and the Kaminstuble in the Schweizerhaus are all popular après venues for a drink before dinner.
Zurs Nightlife
Most venues after dinner have a 'monied' and cosmopolitan atmosphere - this is Zurs after all. The Vernissage Bar and Gallery is always popular for a cocktail and also offers a relatively lively nightclub. The house speciality cocktail is a Testa Rossa (Sekt with raspberry puree) so that should tell you something about the Ferrari owning clientele it's aimed at. The most popular disco is the Zurserl Pleasure Lounge in the Sporthotel Edelweiss. For those just looking to get a taste of the nightlife outside their ski hotel, Zurs offers the Hirlanda Bar, a locals' favourite. It has a great atmosphere, good service and tasty bar snacks. The Thurnhers Alpenhof Piano Bar is great for a chilled late night drink.
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Property
