Then as now.

A winter in Warth-Schröcken begins with snow. Plenty of snow. It settles on the roofs, clings to the trees, transforms roads into winter trails and slopes into white playgrounds. It brings with it work, adventure, enjoyment – and that very special sense of anticipation for the next day on the mountain.

Yet up here, winter has always been more than just a season.

In the past, snow had an even more direct influence on everyday life. Paths had to be cleared with shovels, wooden sledge used, and long distances covered on skis. Today, modern cable cars transport winter sports enthusiasts comfortably to the top, snow groomers conjure up perfect conditions overnight, and high-tech skis turn every turn into a little feat of precision.

Much has changed today. Yet the feeling remains remarkably the same.

Because whether it’s wooden skis or carving skis, a toboggan or modern sports equipment, a ‘Snow Witch’ or a large Valtra machine with a snow blower and plough: In the end, it’s always about the same thing. Being outdoors. Experiencing the snow. Feeling the mountains.

And that’s exactly why it’s worth looking back.

A sledge is as much a part of winter as the snow itself.

In the past, it was a practical companion. Wooden sledges were used to transport things, travel distances or move materials across the snow-covered landscape. Today, when it comes to tobogganing, one thing takes centre stage above all else: fun.

Although ‘above all else’ is almost a bit of an understatement.

Because the moment you sit on two runners, childhood suddenly feels very close again. A little push, the first few metres, then the ride picks up speed. Snow sprays out to both sides, the bend draws nearer and, by now at the latest, it becomes clear who’s in control.

No high-tech. No complicated equipment. Just snow, runners and momentum.

Perhaps that’s precisely the beauty of tobogganing. It takes very little to create a perfect winter moment. And whether it’s a family outing or a thrilling ride with friends: the laughter at the end of the run sounds just the same, then as now.

As lovely as snow is – at some point it has to be cleared away.

What causes such excitement on the slopes can quickly become a challenge on roads, paths and roofs. And in Warth-Schröcken, people know exactly what it means when winter really kicks in.

In the past, snow clearance mainly meant a shovel, muscle power and stamina. Today, powerful snow-clearing vehicles are in use, ensuring that roads and paths remain passable despite heavy snowfall.

But one thing hasn’t changed: when Mother Holle really piles it on overnight, the working day starts early.
Clear the snow. Clear it again. Clear it once more.

And whilst the first tracks are already being made in the fresh snow up on the mountain, down below many helping hands and machines have long been busy keeping winter in check.

Because a snowy winter doesn’t just mean fun in the snow, but also a great deal of hard work.

And it is precisely this snow that has always defined Warth-Schröcken.

Skiing has a long tradition in the Arlberg.

The first skiers had to make do with far less comfort. Heavy skis, simple bindings and a technique that bore little resemblance to today’s carving style. Anyone who wanted to get up the mountain back then needed stamina, skill and, above all, a healthy respect for the terrain.

Today, the journey to the top is much more comfortable. Modern cable cars whisk winter sports enthusiasts up the mountain quickly, whilst light and precise skis ensure that the descent is a pleasure.

But as soon as the skis touch the snow, it all starts again.

You look down. The edges bite into the snow. Your body moves into position.
And then comes the first turn.

For a brief moment, it doesn’t matter which decade the skis come from. Snow beneath the edges simply feels like winter.

Whether it’s a leisurely, enjoyable run, a sporty descent or a dynamic carving turn: the technique may have changed. But the thrill of the descent remains the same.

Speaking of turns.

Anyone familiar with old skiing films will quickly realise just how much skiing technique has changed. The stem turn, the parallel turn, the short turn – every generation has developed its own style. On top of that, there have been ever-changing ski designs, materials and methods.

Today, sidecut skis enable dynamic carving turns. The edge grips, the ski cuts through the turn and, with a bit of practice, that special moment arises when technique and movement suddenly become one.

In the past, a lot had to be achieved through physical effort. Today, modern equipment helps you control the ski with precision.
But the aim has remained the same: reading the mountain, finding the right moment and pulling off a really good turn.

Because that’s exactly what skiing is all about. Not just speed. Not just technique. But that feeling when suddenly everything falls into place.

And anyone who has experienced the perfect turn on a freshly groomed slope knows: Sometimes all it takes is a few metres of snow to have a really good day.

But as lovely as a freshly groomed run is – sometimes you’re drawn to places where there’s not a single track in sight.
To places where the snow lies untouched.

What used to be simply called ‘off-piste’ skiing is now referred to as freeriding. The name may be new, but the fascination is not.

After all, the longing for untouched snow has always been part of winter sports on the Arlberg.

Today, there are specialised skis, modern safety equipment and an ever-growing awareness of the dangers of the Alps. Freeriding means freedom – but it also means responsibility.
Anyone venturing into open terrain needs experience, skill, knowledge and the right preparation.

Once everything is ready, the real adventure begins.

A turn in the powder. A cloud of snow. The next slope.

No piste markings set the pace. The mountain dictates the line.

And for a moment, only one thing matters: the next turn.

Even the strongest legs get tired eventually.

Then it’s time for a break.

And here, too, it becomes clear that not much has actually changed.

Then as now, stopping off means: Snow outside, warmth inside.

After a long day in the mountains, a cosy room, good food and time to catch your breath await. Perhaps some Kaiserschmarrn. A portion of Kässpätzle. A hearty soup. Accompanied by a hot drink – and a view out over the snow-capped mountains.

The huts may have changed. The cuisine continues to evolve. But the ritual remains.
Arrive. Warm up. Savour. Share stories.

Because a stop-off is more than just a break from skiing. It’s part of the mountain experience.

And sometimes, this very moment is the best of the whole day.

Who actually says that a day’s skiing ends with the last run?

In the old days, people used to pop into a pub after skiing. They’d meet up in a cosy, warm room, chat about the day’s runs and let the winter’s day draw to a gentle close.

Nowadays, in many places, this is known as après-ski.

The concept, however, has remained remarkably similar.
Skis are taken off, jackets are draped over the backs of chairs, and stories from the mountain are recounted once more.
Where was the snow at its best? Who had the fastest turn? And who took that last bend a bit too optimistically?

All this is accompanied by music, a great atmosphere and people who are just as reluctant to call it a day as you are.

Whether cosy or exuberant: après-ski is an extension of the winter’s day.

A day on the mountain doesn’t always end with the last run down to the valley.

Perhaps that is precisely what makes Warth-Schröcken so fascinating.

The region has changed. Naturally.

The ski lifts are more modern. The skis are lighter. The technique is more precise. The possibilities are more varied. The wooden sledge has become a leisure activity, off-piste skiing a discipline in its own right, and the traditional stop for refreshments a vibrant après-ski culture.

But the essence has remained the same.

It’s that moment when the first rays of sunshine fall on the snow-covered mountains in the morning.
The crunch beneath your ski boots.
The first turn.
A fresh track in the deep snow.
The exhilarating ride on two skis.
The Kaiserschmarrn after a long descent.
The warm glow of a mountain hut whilst the snow falls outside.
And that feeling when, after a cold night, a thick blanket of snow lies on the mountains once more and it’s clear:

Today will be a fine winter’s day.

Then as now.

Warth-Schröcken thrives on snow – and on all the stories that spring from it.

Technology may evolve. The mountains remain.
Winter remains.
And the feeling, of course.