Skiing the "White Ring"

In the winter of 2005/2006, the Arlberg put together the first White Ring race to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this famous ski circuit. This infamous race sees 1,000 racers compete every January to see who will be the first to cross the finish line. Starting on the Rüfikopf mountain, every 100 seconds groups of 20 dart across the Omeshorn mountain to Zug via the Schüttbodenlift. Skiers then make their way down the Trittalalpbahn and Madloch ski runs, to finally take the chairlift up to the Balmengrat and complete the last stretch down to Lech and over the finish line.

Along this route, skiers must take on five downhill runs as well as five ropeways, a challenging ascent and a backcountry ski run. The course record for the White Ring is 44:10:75 and has been held by Markus Weiskopf since 2010. Taking place over the final section of the White Ring on Balmen 134, the Speed Race is held two days before the White ring race, with 300 skiers taking on this 2 km stretch. With a 550 metre descent, speed is at the forefront of this race with competitors all attempting to finish the race in the fastest time.

Immortalise your experience along the White Ring by stopping at photo points and taking free photos to document your time in the Arlberg. From the Hinterwies lift in the race area to the Babylift in Zürs, all photos taken can be found online, free of charge.

Whilst the White Ring has signs along the ski circuit to aid skiers in navigating the ski area, you can also use the Ski Arlberg App free of charge for further information. By tracking the White Ring via the app, you will also be entered automatically into a competition! Make sure you also stop at the viewing platforms of Rüfikopf and Madloch during your White Ring adventure and take in your breathtaking surroundings!