FROM FREESTYLE TO FOXTROT

For those looking for something more from the slopes this season, the small Austrian town of Lech has a programme of cool, quirky and slightly bizarre events, taking place in March and April. From wine tasting in gondolas through to1920’s jazz festivals, there’s never a dull moment in this snowy town.

Boutique hotel Kristania Lech is a small family-run hotel; the perfect place to stay when exploring this charming town. From the outside it appears a traditional ski chalet but once inside an Aladdin’s cave of treasures is revealed. The hotel has 29 unique guestrooms, incredible views of the mountains, and the largest collection of Schnapps in the Arlberg region, book butlers, ski nannies, and a spectacularly curated contemporary art collection to rival any world-class museum.

WINE TASTING IN GONDOLAS
Experience wine tasting with a difference in Lech’s wine-gondolas. Take advantage of the newly launched gondola, which connects the skiing areas of Lech Zürs and Warth-Schröcken. The gondola offers guests a chance to enjoy the views of the meadow fields of Degustation whilst sipping on local Austrian wine. Enjoy the wine more than skiing? Don’t worry; a train is available to take guests to the base of the gondola so non-skiers can take part in the experience as well. 
HOW: Entry costs €15 per person from 11.30 to 15.30.

FREESTYLE COMPETITION ‘CLOSE TO HEAVEN’ – 07 MARCH 2015
This season, Lech will give keen snowboarders and freeskiers the chance to compete in the Close to Heaven Freestyle Competition. Held at the impressive Snowpark Lech, with 20 obstacles on almost four acres, this event is set to be one of the most memorable competitions in the Alps. Visitors will have the chance to watch participants compete against each other in four different categories including Skiers, Snowboarders, Girlies and Rookies. Other highlights include the Slopestyle contest, a jam session and the grand-finale, before the event finishes off with the big after-show party.
HOW: Entry costs €18 per person including food and drinks.

TANZCAFE ARLBERG FESTIVAL – MARCH & APRIL 2015
For the third year running Lech will be home to the Tanzcafé Arlberg festival, a celebration of jazz, swing and the golden age of the 1920’s. Lech has long been the resort du jour for the rich and famous, once a sleepy mountain town until the roaring twenties brought decadence, parties, and a new avant-garde clientele. Glamorous visitors would attend parties and masked balls, dancing the night away to jazz and swing bands. The festival is the perfect opportunity for guests to swap skis for dancing shoes and celebrate the end of another successful season. Concerts will take place in and around the Kristiania, putting guests in the heart of the action. Confirmed acts include Dutch artist Giovanca, known for her soul & jazz classics, who is scheduled to play at Kristiania 09 April.
HOW: The Tanzcafé Alberg festival runs from 28 March to 12 April 2015. The festival is free of charge.

Double rooms at Kristiania Lech, start from €360 per night and €210 for a single on a B&B basis including bottle of champagne in room, complimentary mini-bar, wifi and snow shuttle van.