Review Date
March 19, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
Once

Reviewed by: geoffc, Advanced, from London, England

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:
nice big resort with plenty of variety.....snow holds well for Austria due to altitude

Review Date
November 8, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Countless

Reviewed by: H-man, Double Diamond, from North Conway NH

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:
Being fortunate enough to have family from St. Anton, I have been skiing this area for 24 years, since I was 10 years old. The resort is loaded with fantastic terrain for good skiers. It is not suited for beginners, as most reviews will agree. One of the best parts about St. Anton is that if you have a game plan and a certain destination in mind, once you get through the lower lift lines you can ski on to most lifts. Even though a considerable amount of the terrain will be closed quickly in heavy snow falls, you can always find some place to ski the goods in the lower regions. This early closure, while possibly annoying, is just, since avalanches are a real possibility. One who plans to ski out of bounds should be equipped and knowledgable about avalanches and companion rescue. Once the areas are re-opened, you are in for the time of your life!!!!

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
April 5, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Once

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Bart Eykmans, Advanced, from Brussels

Summary:
I went there the last week of March 2001 : all ski resorts in Europe were week or even had no snow --- while in Stanton I've had powder -- icy snow --- bumps (weak watery snow ) : up 3 meter and in downtown still 30 cm ... this was pretty nice compared to the rest ...

Review Date
April 4, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
Once

Reviewed by: Steve, Advanced, from London UK

Summary:
I have never skiied the same resort twice. Ever. But with St Anton I might just make an exception. This without a doubt is amongst the best. To take advantage of it you need to be an average to good intermediate and above. The better you are the more fun you will have. For Austria, this is a tough resort, though no tougher than some of the more challenging Franch stuff. The only easy runs are the middle section (Galzig blues) which are incredibly busy or a few runs on Rendl (3 and 4 blue). Would advise first timers or timid intermediates to stay away - just like the guide books say, although for novices you cant beat blue 3 on Rendl. We had a mixed ability group and the beginners/low intermediates struggled. There are no easy wide cruising pistes. Some of the lower blue runs are steep enough to get moguls late on. Some of our group were not happy with the ski school, but I suspect that this may be in part due to the fact that terrain is limited for novices after you come off the nursery runs. But for average to good skiers or those with confidence to burn, this place is a dream. The skiing is never easy, with few manicured pistes (if you like courchevel-like pistes you may be disappointed), and most of the reds and the few blacks can get bumpy by afternoon. But if you head for the blacks (there are some still)and try the ski routes, the progress can be unlimited. For adventure without going completely off the beaten track try the ski routes 33/34, 15 and 16 at the top of the Kapall and Valluga or over on Rendl beneath blue 3 or above red 9.
They are steep, have moguls but the snow can be surprisingly good - and they are empty, most people preferring to keep to the prepared stuff. So even if you make a fool of yourself, only the birds have a laugh - but dont attempt these without company unless you are an expert.
The run down to Stuben is fun, if a little bumpy and the pistes around Albona are deserted. The mens downhill (or parts of it are accessible) taking the black 35 (Kandahar run) and joining the fang run lower down. This is a great run, finishing near the championship grandstand and the Fang chair. The long run down from the Rendl beach to the gondola is exhillerating, especially if you take black 1 half way down where there is a 66% gradient - but it can be schussed.
The piste map is crap, so its a good job that the on-mountain marking is better. It's also easy to lose people on the mountain and difficult to meet up again cos if you go the wrong way you often have to ski right down to town. The middle lift interconnectability around Fernhudel/Zammermoos/Galzig leaves alot to be desired and the Cable car up to Galzig seems to take an age - what's wrong with a gondola?
We stayed in Nasserein and you can ski out from there to the Gondola which is very convenient. You can also ski back but if you come down to the St Anton side below the Krazy K you have to keep very high, traversing across the pistes where necessary. It's knackering to say the least.
Try lunch at the Rodelalm (off Fang run, which can be got to on either blue or black), at the Hospiz Alm in St Christoph - great in the sun. Avoid the happy valley blues like the plague as you need eyes in the back of your head, and beware pissed up skiers coming out of the Krazy Kanguruh for a manic ride down to town.
Party time starts early and finishes late. Krazy Kanguruh and Moosewirt are worth a visit and the Underground/Black Hole are a must. For later on the Piccadilly and Kartouche are manic.
Try the Alt St Anton for a cosy meal with great food and unrivalled atmosphere.
For quieter apres ski try the Alibi pub, near the church - great local bar where you can get a seat at least.
For a day out would recommend the White Circle tour from Zurs to Lech and back to Zurs. We went with our ski company and had a fantastic day.
Overall if you combine the skiing, apres ski, partying and atmosphere you would have to look very hard to beat this amazing place

Review Date
March 22, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Once

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: michael, Intermediate, from vienna, austria

Summary:
went to st. anton in mid march. had some bad weather and most of the upper pistes were whiteout. found the terrain a bit boring and too crowded. i liked lech and zurs better. like the previous reviewer said, when the snow is good...it is an awesome offpiste place. but the avalanche conditions must be safe in order to gain access without hiking.