So, you’re looking at the Lech Austria snow forecast and wondering if those legendary Arlberg dumps are actually going to show up for your trip. Honestly, everyone obsesses over the "new snow" number for tomorrow, but if you’ve spent any time in the Vorarlberg region, you know the real story is usually hiding in the base depths and the wind direction.
Right now, as of January 17, 2026, the situation on the ground in Lech is... well, it’s interesting. We aren’t seeing a massive "Stau" (that's the local term for those heavy, stalled snow clouds) hitting us today. Instead, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
The Current Vibe on the Mountain
Today, Saturday, we’re looking at a high of 40°F and a low of 28°F. It’s partly sunny out there, which is great for visibility but a bit "warm" for the purists. The current temperature is sitting at 29°F, though with the wind coming from the southeast at 4 mph, it actually feels closer to 23°F.
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If you were hoping for a fresh foot of powder this morning, you might be a tad disappointed. The chance of precipitation today is holding steady at 10% for both day and night. Basically, don't expect the goggles to get buried just yet.
Why the Arlberg is "Snowsure" (Usually)
Lech and its neighbor Zürs are famous for being some of the snowiest spots in Europe. We’re talking an average of about 434cm of snow annually. Even when the forecast looks lean, the microclimate here is a beast.
- Mountain Depth: 155 cm (roughly 5 feet of base)
- Valley Depth: 65 cm
- Last Real Snowfall: January 11, 2026
- Surface Quality: Packed powder (it's held up well despite the sun)
The Arlberg weather expert, Thomas Pichler, often talks about how the "South Foehn" wind can mess with our temps. We’re seeing a bit of that right now. It keeps things sunny but nudges the snowline up. Today, that snowline is hanging around 2300 m. If you’re skiing the higher runs like Zuger Hochlicht, you’re golden. If you’re sticking to the lower valley runs, it might feel a bit spring-like by 2:00 PM.
Looking Ahead: The Next 7 Days
If you're tracking the Lech Austria snow forecast for next week, Sunday (tomorrow) looks even clearer. We’re expecting "mostly sunny" skies with a high of 37°F.
The real shift starts hitting around Tuesday and Wednesday. The temperatures are going to drop. We’re looking at lows of 18°F on Tuesday and a crisp 14°F by Wednesday. While the skies stay sunny, that cold air is vital. It firms up the base and lets the grooming teams work their magic.
The Mid-Week "Deep Freeze"
By Thursday, Jan 22, the "partly sunny" labels return. But look closer at Friday, Jan 23. We’re seeing a 25% chance of snow showers in the evening. It’s not a blizzard, but in the Arlberg, a 25% chance can easily turn into a surprise 10cm dusting if the clouds snag on the peaks correctly.
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What Most People Miss About Lech Snow
A lot of tourists see "sunny" and think the skiing will be bad. In Lech, sun on a 155 cm base is actually incredible. Because the resort has such high-tech snowmaking (covering about 60% of the pistes), they don't need a fresh dump every day to keep the runs fast.
The avalanche danger is currently at a Level 3 (Moderate/Considerable). This is a big deal. Even though it hasn't dumped snow in a few days, the wind can create "snow slabs" that are tricky for off-piste fans. If you’re going beyond the ropes, check the daily report at the Flexenbahn or Rüfikopf stations.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
If you are heading out this week based on the current Lech Austria snow forecast, here is how to play it:
- Ski High Early: With highs of 40°F, hit the Trittkopf or Steinmähder early. The snow stays "packed powder" up there much longer than near the village.
- Watch the Friday Night Shift: Keep an eye on the Friday (Jan 23) evening forecast. If that 25% chance of snow turns into a reality, Saturday morning will be the best skiing of the week.
- Check the Road Report: The road between Lech and Warth (L 198) is currently closed. Don't try to loop around that way; stick to the Flexenpass route but make sure you have winter tires or chains—winter equipment is officially recommended for the Arlbergpass and Zürs areas.
- Use the "Live Info" App: Download the Ski Arlberg app. It updates the open lift status (currently 79 out of 85 are running) in real-time.
Basically, it’s a "bluebird" week. It’s not a powder hound’s dream right this second, but with over a meter and a half of snow on the mountain, the carving is going to be world-class. Pack the lighter lens for your goggles—you’re going to need it for all that sun.
Check the mountain stations at Schlegelkopf or Trittkopf II for the most accurate "on-the-spot" temperature readings before you layer up.
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Next Step: You should check the live webcams at Rüfikopf right now to see if the morning fog has cleared before you buy your day pass.