SNOW LIKE CRÈME BRÛLÉE

A LIVING SKI LEGEND

Erich Mair and snow is a big love affair. He has been working as a ski instructor and guide for 47 years. Erich has tried pretty much everything on skis: from the slopes of Colorado straight into the hot springs, over desert sand to the indoor ski hall in Dubai. It never even crossed his mind to leave the Arlberg: “There is simply nothing better. Nowhere else in the world do you have groomed slopes and fluffy deep snow in one location.”

ERICH AND THE BURG

Erich has been closely connected to the Burg his entire life. Friends with the Burg proprietor for more than 40 years, he watched Christian Lucian grow up. Erich has celebrated many legendary New Year's Eve parties - and of course accompanied many prominent Burg guests as both a teacher and guide.

TOO OLD? NEVER!

Erich lived on the slopes day and night as a teacher and guide; even skiing with some celebrities like Veronika Ferres and Caroline of Monaco. Nowadays, he only skis with his regular guests for work. But he's certainly not thinking about retiring from skiing: “You can ski at any age, there are no limits.”

ERICH'S 9 ARLBERG RECOMMENDATIONS

1. FREE-RIDING FOR EVERYONE...
“When people used to ski on narrow skis that were over 2 meters long, you had to be experienced to ski in deep snow. Today, the sport is more accessible with wide skis because you don't sink as easily.”

2. ... BUT NEVER GO ALONE!

The most important thing about off-piste skiing? “Never go out alone. You definitely need to know the area, the avalanche report, and have the ability to assess wind and weather conditions properly.”

3. SKI-IN SKI-OUT

“The Arlberg is unique: ski-in ski-out, great gastronomy – being able to move so effortlessly between the slopes, refreshment breaks, and the hotel is an extremely luxurious situation.”

4. FOR OBERLECH-HOMIES

“To experience an adventure? We would go steeper and further away from the slopes. The Gamsroute or the Karhorn are beautiful.”

5. FOR OBERLECH NEWBIES

“What would I do with a beginner? First, we would ride the ‘White Ring’ together up to the Rüfikopf and to Zürs. This way you get a nice impression of the area immediately.”

6. FLYING THE SLOPES

Lech-Zürs is the only area in Austria where heli-skiing is allowed. “The helicopter drops you off at Mehlsack or at Schneetäli and then you float on skis over the deep snow – this is an indescribable feeling of freedom.”

7. FROM PUSHING OFF TO TEEING OFF

“This is only possible here: in spring, you can ski on firn snow until midday and then go to the golf course and hit a few afternoon balls with alpine views.”

8. THE RIGHT SKI

“These days, skiing is a science in itself. My rule of thumb: in good conditions, you can really go far with an all-mountain ski, even in deep snow. If the slope is hard and icy, I definitely recommend carving skis with sharp edges for good grip.”

9. ON FOOT IN SNOW

“If you’re not a skier or the conditions aren’t ideal, snowshoe hiking is a great alternative. The Zugertal, for example, offers varied terrain.”