Winter Activities in Liechtenstein

The high-altitude resort of Malbun is a paradise for all kinds of wintersports.

Skiing and snowboarding
The high-altitude resort of Malbun is a paradise for all kinds of wintersports.

The winter resort of Malbun
Malbun lies behind the southern Alpine ridge in a small side-valley of the Saminatal Valley. Thanks to its snow-sure slopes, the resort is famous throughout Liechtenstein and beyond. Originally inhabited only during the summer months, when it was known for its invigorating mountain air, the resort of Malbun was created in the early 1960s with the construction of the first hotels and a chairlift connecting the village with the Sareis ridge at the top of the mountain.

The 1970s saw rapid development, with further hotels being build and new draglifts being installed to serve the improved network of pistes. Soon Malbun was known beyond the borders of Liechtenstein, not least thanks to the sporting success of its Alpine skiing stars. In recent years the lifts have been updated and a new concept has been developed, including the creation of more slopes. The resort’s long-standing commitment to providing services and facilities meeting the needs of families was recognised by the Swiss Tourist Board with its Family Destination Award.

Today Malbun is a successful, modern and family-friendly winter-sports resort offering 23km of pistes to suit all abilities. Three modern chairlifts – including one with heated seats and a retractable cover – as well as a two-man drag lift transport guests up to an altitude of 2000 metres above sea level. The Malbi Park Kinderland is located in the centre of the ski area and is the ideal place for children to take their first turns on snow or improve their technique.

Skiing in Malbun
With its well-prepared pistes and four lifts, including three chairlifts, Malbun is a great skiing location for all the family. The resort has 23 kilometres of slopes catering for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. As well as offering plenty to challenge experts, Malbun is also an ideal place for children to take their first turns in the Malbi Park Kinderland and to improve their technique on the gentle practice slopes nearby. The car-free resort is particularly popular with families and has a large number of hotels located directly next to the slopes. Malbun’s long-term commitment to family-friendly services and facilities has been recognised by the Swiss Tourist Board with its Family Destination Award.

Snowboarding in Malbun
Just as for skiers, Malbun offers snowboarders a wide range of well-prepared slopes catering for all abilities. The car-free resort is popular with families and has a large number of hotels located directly next to the slopes.

Malbi Park Kinderland in winter
Located in the heart of the village of Malbun, the Malbi Park Kinderland is packed full of fun and surprises for children of all ages.

Princely skiing vacation
Winter is fun in the mountainous regions of Liechtenstein. Participate in alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledging, skating, and much more.

Winter hiking in the Alps
Liechtenstein’s Alps are the ideal setting for hikes through the snowy landscape. Here are a few of the best walking trails during the winter months.

Winter hike Sassweg
The well prepared Sass path will be appreciated by anyone who wants to loose themselves in thought, or absorb themselves in conversation. Snow hikers can enjoy the roughly two hour round tour which winds between snow walls, fur trees and snow hollows. This favoured round tour begins at the beautiful Peace Chapel in Malbun. The highest point at 1725 m above sea level, can be reached in an hour. The tour continues over the Alp Sass and down to the ski lift in Schneeflucht, then from there back to the center of Malbun.

Schwemmiweg
The idyllic Maiensäss footpath has been well known for its cross country skiing and its adventurous sledge runs for a long time. But snow hikers will also appreciate the countryside which can best be enjoyed on the roughly two hour Schwemmiweg round tour. The round tour begins at the Gänglesee car park then proceeds through the woods (Winterwald) to the Sücka alp. From there you can reach the toboggan path back to Steg or better still, you can tear down with your sledge. And because high altitude mountain air is known to give you a good appetite the restaurants in Sücka and Steg, the Bergstübli or the Seerestaurant can cater for food and drink.

Cross-country skiing in Steg
The Valünatal Valley offers perfect conditons for cross-country skiing, including three cross-country skiing schools for beginners. The ‘Valünaloipe’ cross-country skiing trail in Steg (just after the tunnel) has both a large 15km loop and a smaller 4km loop. A 3km stretch of the trail is floodlit every evening until 9.30 p.m. Cross-country skiing equipment can be hired from nearby rental shops.

Types of trails available (suitable for both classic and skating techniques)
– 4km basic trail (easy)
– 15km Valünaloipe (hilly)
– 3km floodlit night trail (illuminated every evening until 9.30 p.m.)

More sports activities in winter
Liechtenstein offers plenty of great winter activities for guests who aren’t into skiing or cross-country skiing, as well as for those who are still hungry for more after a day on the slopes.

“Princess Day” winter adventure
A pleasurably ski day is waiting for women. Would you like to share an exclusive “Princess Day” with friends or work colleagues in the resort of Malbun 1600 metres above sea level? We have the perfect offer for you! After a ski lesson in the morning led by an expert instructor, settle down for a delicious lunch of traditional dumpling cheese. In the afternoon you can choose between more skiing or a relaxing drink at one of the cosy bars next to the slopes. The Princess Day is available on several dates in January and March.

Hike the Liechtenstein Trail in Winter
Since the highest point of the Liechtenstein Trail is only about 1100 metres above sea level, the entire route can usually be completed during the winter months. If weather conditions are not permitting, there are alternative sections that bypass the higher altitudes or you can take public transport. The Adventure Pass includes free ride with the public bus in Liechtenstein and gives visitors admission to more than 30 great attractions and sights along the Liechtenstein Trail. The best way to enjoy the Liechtenstein Trail is to travel light. We therefore offer a handy luggage transport service to move your bags from hotel to hotel.

Ice skating in Malbun
The new ice rink in the winter resort of Malbun is ideal for ice skating, ice hockey or ‘Eisstockschiessen’, a traditional game similar to curling. The rink is open during the winter season from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is floodlit in the evenings. Ice skates, ice-hockey sticks and all the equipment needed for ‘Eisstockschiessen’ can be hired.

Sareiserjoch ridge in winter
The Sareiserjoch is a mountain ridge near the top of the chairlift from Malbun. It serves as an ideal starting point for skiers and snowboarders to head back down into the valley on the excellent pistes. Alternatively, guests wanting to take a break from the action on the slopes can enjoy good food and magnificent panoramic views on the sun terrace at the nearby mountain restaurant.

Winter magic in the city
Stroll through Vaduz with a local guide, toast the Principality with a cup of mulled wine and enjoy the local cuisine with a 3-course menu. The Winter Magic Experience Package includes a guided city tour through Liechtenstein’s capital Vaduz. During the tour, you will learn interesting facts about the state form of the constitutional hereditary monarchy, the Princely Family, the political and economic development as well as the Liechtenstein people. This is followed by an aperitif (a glass of sparkling wine or mulled wine) at the “Vaduz on Ice” ice rink on the Town Hall Square. As a culinary conclusion of the evening, you will enjoy a 3-course menu in a selected gourmet restaurant in Vaduz.

Tobogganing in Steg and Malbun
Tobogganing is great fun for all the family. The two toboggan runs – one leading down from the Berggasthaus Sücka hut in Steg and one in Malbun – are the perfect way for parents and children to explore the snowy landscape. Both of the 1km toboggan runs are carefully maintained throughout the winter, and tobogganers in Steg can have a snack and a drink in the Berggasthaus Sücka before whizzing back down to the bottom. Parking spaces are available at both runs in Steg and Malbun. There is also a fenced practice slope for children available in Malbun.