155 km
700 m - 2430 m
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Test report Silvretta Montafon
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Silvretta Montafon
Total result: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Test Silvretta Montafon
The review Silvretta Montafon was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Further evaluation criteria
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In detail: Test report for ski resort Silvretta Montafon
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Since the connection of the Hochjoch to the Nova, Silvretta Montafon is the largest ski resort in Vorarlberg. On 08.12.2011, the connection of the two resorts was celebrated.
Runs/slopes
Additional runs
25 km Marked ski routes
Altitude difference
1730 m (Valley 700 m - Mountain 2430 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
37
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 9 ← 5
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 9 ← 5
The Silvretta Montafon ski resort offers a perfect mixture of runs from all difficulty levels: sporty slopes, wide deep snow areas and gentle hills. Silvretta Montafon offers a ski landscape that guarantees one thing will remain constant: the variety.
Runs/slopes
Total 155 km
Easy
82 km
(53 %)Intermediate
53 km
(34 %)Difficult
20 km
(13 %)
Additional runs
Marked ski routes
25 km
There are ski routes on the Hochjoch and in the Nova.
Longest run
12 km
Run location
above tree line, under tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run available
- Speed measurement course offered
- Public race course with time measurement
Since the 2011/2012 season, the Grasjoch lift connects the Hochjoch to the Nova. The new Hochalpila lift brings winter sport enthusiasts up to the highest point at 2430m. In the ski resort itself, there are modern chair lifts, some with weather covers and seat heating. The feeder lifts, with the exception of the new Grasjoch lift, are on the list for renovation in the coming years. On the Hochjoch, in addition to the 8 person Seebliga lift with bubbles and the new Hochalpila lift, there are only double chair lifts and two feeder lifts from Schruns.
Number of ski lifts
37
Total capacity
63768 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
40.5 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
2
7
18
8
2
Additional
3
An average of 10 metres of snow falls every winter in Silvretta Montafon. Below 2000 m, the majority of the slopes have snow-making capability. Optimal conditions usually exist throughout the entire winter. The ski resort is normally the first ski resort to open in Montafon.
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
130 Snow canons
55 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
- The valley run is often open.
Season 2008/2009
140 Days open
140 Days when valley run open
140 Days when valley run open
Season 2009/2010
140 Days open
120 Days when valley run open
120 Days when valley run open
Season 2010/2011
135 Days open
120 Days when valley run open
120 Days when valley run open
Photos
The slope preparation is excellent.
The grooming team works every day almost around the clock. There are 23 snowcats in operation daily.
Tip: By new snow, an optimal slope prepartion is not always possible, even with a large effort. In addition, the new snow can not combine with the snow lying underneath and moguls are created quickly. For safety reasons, usually no slope preparation is possible during operating times.
Photos
Further evaluation criteria
3800 free parking spaces are available at the valley stations. The access is unhindered and even possible from the Rheintal expressway without snow chains. Traffic jams can occur through Montafon until Schruns. Few parking spaces are available at the Hochjoch lift - there is a larger parking lot at the Zamang lift.
Access via Rheintal-Autobahn/Arlberg-Schnellstraße, Ausfahrt Bludenz-Montafon
- Hochjochbahn 1 (Schruns)
Distance: 11 km · approx. 12 Minutes driving time
Roads: Highway, Side road, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: limited amount available, Tarred parking lot, for a fee - Zamangbahn (Schruns), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 12 km · approx. 11 Minutes driving time
Roads: Highway, Side road, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, Grass parking lot, free of charge
- Silbertalbahn (Silbertal), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 15 km · approx. 15 Minutes driving time
Roads: Highway, Side road, well-developed
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Stone parking lot, free of charge - Valisera/Grasjochbahn (St. Gallenkirch), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 18 km · approx. 16 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
- Garfreschabahn (St. Gallenkirch), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 20 km · approx. 18 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
- Versettlabahn (Gaschurn), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 24 km · approx. 22 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
Winter Closure
The Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse (high alpine road) is closed in the winter.
The Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse (high alpine road) is closed in the winter.
Trail map and overview maps:
The trail map depicts the entire Silvretta Montafon resort very well. The new connection is highlighted on the trail map. Lifts, slopes and all significant information are included. On the back of the map, there is a map of the whole Montafon region and the daily events. For two of the runs, the direction could be indicated and a few of the lifts are missing names.
The trail map depicts the entire Silvretta Montafon resort very well. The new connection is highlighted on the trail map. Lifts, slopes and all significant information are included. On the back of the map, there is a map of the whole Montafon region and the daily events. For two of the runs, the direction could be indicated and a few of the lifts are missing names.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
A completely new trail guidance system has been developed and implemented for Silvretta Montafon in the 2010/2011 season. You will find familiar elements such as the slope numbers in blue, red and black but also many new features. A quick look at the direction boards will not only tell you where the slope leads, but also which facilities are found on the way. The lifts that are located on this slope are shown as well as the facilities and lifts that can be accessed from the slope. This makes is easier and quicker to orient yourself and to utilise the many possibilities offered at Silvretta Montafon. The new three dimensional panorama boards provide a better view of the topography of Silvretta Montafon and have been significantly enlarged in order to improved the readability. There are also electronic displays at the main locations that deliver current slope, webcam and safety information.
A completely new trail guidance system has been developed and implemented for Silvretta Montafon in the 2010/2011 season. You will find familiar elements such as the slope numbers in blue, red and black but also many new features. A quick look at the direction boards will not only tell you where the slope leads, but also which facilities are found on the way. The lifts that are located on this slope are shown as well as the facilities and lifts that can be accessed from the slope. This makes is easier and quicker to orient yourself and to utilise the many possibilities offered at Silvretta Montafon. The new three dimensional panorama boards provide a better view of the topography of Silvretta Montafon and have been significantly enlarged in order to improved the readability. There are also electronic displays at the main locations that deliver current slope, webcam and safety information.
Ski buses circulate according to schedule in the entire Montafon region. The use is free with a valid ski pass. They place a high value on the use of local products and there are expansive forest and animal protection areas.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- Train connection
The Montafon Railway leads to Schruns. - Comprehensive ski bus network
- Scheduled busses
Photos
The staff is friendly and are sometimes helpful to guests entering the t-bar lifts.
Silvretta Montafon offers first-class catering services with high quality menus and cozy ski huts. You can usually choose between self-service or wait service. Large sun terraces and umbrella bars throughout the ski resort round off the offering.
16 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Gastronomy tip
-
Nova Stoba
At the mountain station of the Versettla lift
This unique and largest mountain restaurant in the Alpine region is located at 2010 m above sea level near the Versettla lift. Whether the service restaurant with terrace on the upper level or in the self-service restaurant with sun terrace on the ground floor, the excellent kitchen provides a rich selection of wonderful national and international delicacies. With music, fun and atmosphere under the open sky, the well-known Sternbar will enchant all Après Ski fans.
-
Valisera Hüsli
At the mountain station of the Valisera lift
The traditional log construction near the mountain station of the Valisera lift offers the right ambiance to make you feel comfortable with its ceramic ovens. The tasty homestyle cooking and traditional specialties also help to enhance this feeling. You can enjoy your meal either inside or on the sunny terrace.
-
Bella Nova
At the mountain station of the Valisera lift
Are you due for a small culinary trip through Italy while in the middle of the mountains? Then visit the Bella Nova next to the mountain station of the Valisera lift at 2100 m above sea level. You can also enjoy the breathtaking panorama view at the sunny outdoor bar and Après Ski with fun disco music right at the edge of the slope.
-
Kapellrestaurant
At the mountain station of the Hochjoch lift at 1850m
The Kapellrestaurant offers self-service as well as the Rotisserie serviced restaurant on the 1st floor. Let yourself be spoiled with culinary highlights from near and far. Surrounded by captivating mountain scenery, the Sonnenbar invites you to enjoy the end of your ski day with Après Ski featuring hot rhythms or to just relax in the sun on the large sun terrace.
Mountain hut tip
-
Brunellawirt
On the Garfrescha at 1500m altitude
Rustic mountain hut with large sun terrace and typical regional specialties
-
Lamm Hütta
On the valley run to Gaschurn
Rustic ski hut with Après Ski, sun terrace and a good atmosphere
-
Wormser Hütte
At almost 2300m, below the Kreuzjoch
This hut offers skiers a cozy accommodation possibility in the winter with an incomparable view of the surrounding mountain panorama.
Photos
There is always something going on at Silvretta Montafon. Umbrella bars in the ski resort are ready for guests. Before you go down to the valley, you can start celebrating on the sun terrace at the Nova Stoba. The Casa Nova in the Valisera lift valley station has not only received a makeover on the outside, there have also been significant changes to what's offered. Pure Après Ski with a DJ, dance floor and a cozy bar!
-
Edelweiss Alm
At the Valisera valley station
First stop in the valley and Willi shots for only EUR 1.50 before you continue the party at Limo
-
Limo
At the Valisera valley station
Welcome to the smallest village in the world. Après Ski every day and good atmosphere until deep in the night.
-
Brunellawirt
On Garfrescha at 1500m altitude
Every Tuesday and Thursday hearty homestyle food and live music. Afterwards, you can swoosh down the floodlit toboggan run to the valley. -
Grasjoch Schirmbar
The Grasjoch umbrella bar is located near the mountain station of the new Grasjoch lift.
The last station before you ride down to the valley with the Grasjoch lift. Then you can continue the party in St. Gallenkirch.
-
Kapell Schirm
At the mountain station of the Hochjoch and Zamang lifts
The umbrella bar with a good atmoshpere before you ski down or take the lift to Schruns.
Photos
There are a few accommodations with direct access to the runs in Gaschurn and Schruns. At the Valisera and Garfrescha valley station, there are no accommodations with direct access. You can stay the night directly on the slopes at Garfrescha in the Wormser Huette.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are some accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Towns/villages
- Gaschurn-Partenen
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km
Guest beds 4500 - Schruns
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km
Guest beds 3500 - Silbertal
Distance to ski resort 1-2 km
Guest beds 900 - St. Gallenkirch
Distance to ski resort fewer than 1 km
Guest beds 3400
Note: For the evaluation, only the accommodations which are located directly on the slopes and lifts, or have very easy access to the ski resort have been considered.
Evaluation criteria for special interests
The ski instructors and Graf Hugo help the kids with valuable tips for learning to ski in a playful way . Magic carpet and people movers make it easier to master the first curves before moving on to the blue slopes. There are some children's areas distributed throughout the ski resort. In addition to the 3 public magic carpets, there are also 13 magic carpets in the ski schools.
Information for families and children
- Kid's Land/ separated area for children
- Merry-go-round
- Wave ride for children
- Adventure course
- People mover
- Children's lifts
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
- Playground / park
- Mascot (Graf Hugo)
Special tips for children
-
Noviland
The lovingly decorated Noviland at the valley station in Gaschurn offers everything a child could wish for with a children's carousel, magic carpets and funny figures.
-
Children's area Bella Nova
The snow reliable children's area on the Bella Nova is an ideal area with a magic carpet at the mountain station of the Valisera lift.
-
Children's area Valisera Middlestation
At the midstation of the Valisera lift, there is a small children's area in a snow secure location.
-
Hugo's Colourful Mountain World on the Hochjoch
The ski instructors and Graf Hugo help the kids to learn to ski in a playful way with valuable tips. Magic carpet and people movers make it easier to master the first curves before moving on to the blue slopes.
-
Hugo's Colourful Mountain World at the Grasjoch and Valisera lift
Directly in the valley between the Grasjoch and the Valisera lift, the children can practice their first curves before going up on the mountain with the help of the magic carpet.
There are beginner's areas in Gaschurn and St. Gallenkirch with a ski school and practice lifts. There is a small, snow secure practice area with a rope tow at the mountain station of the Valisera lift. The runs at the Hochalpila lift and the Freda lift are also well-suited for beginners and easy to access from the valley via the Grasjoch lift.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Easy valley run
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
Ski schools on-site
Photos
Silvretta Montafon is distinguished by its varied freeriding areas. The runs down to Novatal are especially loved as well as the many ski routes. Under the motto: "Black Scorpions - are you ready for a cold sweat?" - you can experience the most beautiful, most difficult and steepest runs in Silvretta Montafon - as dangerous as a scorpion. The new Klettersteig Burg connects two beautiful freeriding areas.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- many freeride / deep snow areas
- some mogul slopes
- some extremely difficult, steep and unprepared runs (Double Diamonds)
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 155 km
Difficult
20 km
(13 %)Additional runs
Marked ski routes
25 km
There are ski routes on the Hochjoch and in the Nova.
Most difficult run
-
Steep slope Nova Nr. 55 · Length 1 km · Altitude difference 330 m
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
The Novapark is one of the largest parks in Vorarlberg.
Information for Snowboarders
- some cat tracks
- no runs with ascent
- the following runs are not suitable for snowboarders
Valley run to St. Gallenkirch, valley run to Silbertal and the ski tunnel.
- many freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- NovaPark
The NovaPark is one of the best XL snowparks in Europe. Adventurous people will get their money's worth on the expansive, daily groomed NovaPark.
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- Halfpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Wallride
- Corner / Hip
- Boardercross
- Waverides
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Chill area with music
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 90 km
Up to 90km of tracks are prepared daily in the valley when the snow is sufficient. In addition, there is the 6.5 km long floodlit Hochmontafon track from Gaschurn to St. Gallenkirch. Between Schruns and Silbertal, another track is prepared depending on snow levels.
Conclusion
Slope preparation, wonderful ski routes and difficult runs, deep snow runs, wide slopes, additional offerings such as Nova Exclusiv and riding on a snowcat, no deposit for day tickets
Some of the lifts close early, long flat trail to St. Gallenkirch, no valley run to the Zamang lift, no valley run to the Grasjoch lift, parking fee at the Hochjoch lift
Test Report issued on 2011-12-08
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Highlights
Highlights
Hotel Zimba
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Hotel Zimba - mountains ahead - in the heart of Schruns
6780 Schruns
400 m to ski resort Details »
Hotel Zimba - mountains ahead - in the heart of Schruns
6780 Schruns
400 m to ski resort Details »
Sporthotel Silvretta Nova
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Enjoy your vacation in a charming 4-star hotel
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600 m to ski resort Details »
Enjoy your vacation in a charming 4-star hotel
6793 Gaschurn
600 m to ski resort Details »
