SKIING
This Mountain is all Yours
Lechner ski school guests come from all over the world: Denmark, Japan, Poland and the US. This is what makes a ski instructor’s job so exciting. Ski school director André Lechner reveals what today’s skier wants and which themes are trending on the slopes.
It’s been 80 years since my great grandfather started Lechner Ski School – one of the first back in 1937. Since then things have changed. The Zillertal Arena has grown into a large, international ski area, no way like the days before chair lifts and heated gondolas. Today, our ski school employs 18 full-time, state certified ski and snowboard teachers and in the high season, our team grows to 30. Every season we teach between 10,000 and 15,000 students of all ages.
Quality not Quantity
The slope side trends have taken a very interesting direction: today’s skiers want more space away from crowds, off the beaten path…and away from busy ski huts. In the past, people signed up primarily for group classes, but now private ski instructors and private instruction are popular. People treat themselves to a week with a single trainer who knows the quieter routes and the sweet spots. Our guests prefer to go to places on the mountain with fewer skiers and less traveled trails, and they want the intimate atmosphere of smaller huts. People often book private, guided ski tours as well as off-piste skiing with our instructors. Skiers want something special, individual and unique to them. Skiing is one of the best ways to engage your body, release endorphins and zen out.
Find the Sweet Spot
Today’s guest prefers quality. The playboy ski instructor who partied with his students is a legendary cliché. In the past, people took classes simply because of the fun and entertainment, but this approach is fading. Our skiers take classes because of the performance we offer and to improve their skills. We are a team of highly trained snow sports instructors who teach everything from nordic to free-riding and telemarking. Of course, we still know how to have fun – but first and foremost – it’s about the sport. Another fact is that ski equipment is always improving. The first snowboard created a super powder experience, but now with today’s wide skis, you can float in the deep snow just as well, which is what customers want. There's hardly a guest interested in getting to the finish as fast as possible…they simply want to feel good and have fun.
The biggest ski valley in the world…the only year-round ski area in Austria with 100% snow guarantee…the longest ski run in Austria. Winter vacation in the Zillertal is a huge number: 515 kilometers of trails within four ski areas, 179 lifts and gondolas, 125 kilometers of nordic, 400 kilometers of groomed walking paths and a vast amount of ski touring and snowshoe routes for all ages and abilities. The Zillertal Arena is only 3 minutes away from the DasPosthotel on the free ski bus. Guests staying at the HochLeger Luxury Chalet Resort find themselves in the heart of the Hochzillertal ski area. After a great day on the slopes, they ski directly back to their chalet.
What does a ski school leader do in summer? He remains connected to the mountain: André Lechner is not only an excellent ski instructor, but also a passionate sports climber. He runs the Mo's Esscafe & Musicroom in Mayrhofen which is open winter and summer.