Schruns, Tschagguns and Silbertal
Schruns is the main town of the Montafon and the end of the valley railway from Bludenz. The Hochjoch gondola climbs from the centre into the Silvretta Montafon ski area, and Ernest Hemingway spent two winters here in the 1920s. Tschagguns, across the river, has access to the Golm. Silbertal, in its own side valley, has the small Kristberg area, good for beginners. Zurich airport is around two hours away, Innsbruck around an hour and a half to two hours.
Best for: Families who want a small town with shops, a station and lifts nearby
Not for you if: You want ski-in, ski-out: most homes here are a walk or bus ride from the gondola.
St Gallenkirch and Gortipohl (mid-valley)
Together these have more of our Montafon homes than anywhere else. St Gallenkirch has lifts up into the Silvretta Montafon area, which links over to Schruns and up to Gaschurn, so you can ski most of the valley from here. Gortipohl is a smaller village a few minutes up the road, part of St Gallenkirch. Both work well in summer as walking bases, with marked trails up to the alpine pastures. Zurich airport is around two hours away.
Best for: Skiers who want the middle of the big linked area
Not for you if: You want a lively village centre: both are spread along the main road and quiet at night.
Gaschurn and Partenen (upper valley)
Gaschurn sits below the Versettla lifts on the steeper, higher side of the Silvretta Montafon area. Partenen, at the head of the valley, has the Vermuntbahn, the summer route up towards the Silvretta reservoir and Piz Buin. The Silvretta High Alpine Road is closed on the Montafon side until 2030 after rockfalls, so drive round via the Paznaun or use the lifts. Zurich and Innsbruck airports are each around two hours away.
Best for: Keen skiers and summer walkers heading for the Silvretta
Not for you if: You want a short transfer: this is the far end of the valley, two hours or more from the airports.
Gargellen (side valley)
Gargellen is the highest village in the Montafon, at the end of a side valley that leaves the main road at St Gallenkirch. It has its own ski area, with good snow for its size, and is the start of the Madrisa round tour, a guided ski tour into Switzerland and back. There are a few hotels and restaurants and not much else, which is the point. St Gallenkirch is around 20 minutes down the valley road.
Best for: Snow-sure skiing in a small, quiet village
Not for you if: You want a big lift network from the door: Gargellen's own area is compact, and the main valley is a drive away.
Vandans, St Anton im Montafon and Lorüns (lower valley)
These villages sit near the mouth of the valley, closest to Bludenz and the motorway. The Golm gondola leaves from Vandans, with family slopes and steeper race runs in winter, and an alpine coaster and rope park in summer. St Anton im Montafon (not the Arlberg resort) and Lorüns are small and quiet, with only a few of our homes between them. Zurich airport is around an hour and three quarters away.
Best for: Families who want the Golm and the shortest transfer
Not for you if: You want to ski the whole valley every day: Silvretta Montafon is a drive or bus ride away.
