In Arlberg, Austria, men still wear boiled-wool jackets and women wear dirndls in the quaint mountain villages. The steeples of 16th century churches proudly touch the sky above modern ski lodges, both with an Austrian flare. Old World charm melds with modern sport here. And there’s a hefty 65,000 skiable acres served by 84 lifts! St. Anton alone has 5,400 skiable acres—larger than Vail, Colorado. It’s a skier’s nirvana. Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

ARLBERG TRAVEL PLANNER:

WHEN TO GO: Early December through mid-April, though the best snow is typically in February and March.

GETTING THERE: Zurich, Switzerland is the closest international airport. Take the train to Langen am Arlberg, then bus or taxi to Lech, or rent a car at the airport. The three-hour drive through St. Gallen to Feldkirch then over Flexen Pass is an eye-popper.

LODGING: Options range from grand hotels to charming pensions (inns). Rates vary greatly by property and depending on your meal plan (breakfast only or breakfast and dinner). www.ski-austria.com/lech/hotels

SKI GEAR. Bring your ski boots, but rent the rest for less luggage logistics and lower airline baggage fees. You can rent high performance gear at Sporthaus Strolz on the main street in Lech (www.strolz.at), and other local ski shops.

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS:

Fux Restaurant: A hip steakhouse in Lech with an incredible wine cellar – over 50,000 bottles from around the world. http://www.fux-mi.net/

Hagen’s Dorfmetzgerei: A butcher shop and restaurant on the Main Street in Lech serves exceptional lunches with the freshest meats in town. http://www.hagens.at/?lang=en

Bergkristall: Ski to this Oberlech hot spot but expect to spend a couple hours enjoying its Mediterranean, Austrian and French gourmet fare in its elegant dining room. www.bergkristall-lech.at/