A ski trip in Austria without your own gear might sound unusual at first. I wanted to find out whether it could still feel relaxed and enjoyable. So I packed only a single backpack and set off for Lech and Zürs. In this article, I’ll share how I prepared for the trip, what to keep in mind when renting ski equipment, and what surprised me most along the way.
Contents: Ski Trip Without Your Own Gear in Austria
How Does a Ski Trip Without Your Own Gear Work?
A ski trip without your own gear is absolutely possible if you plan it well. I packed everything I needed into a single backpack and rented the ski equipment on site. It saved space, reduced stress, and worked especially well for a short getaway.
What goes into the backpack?
For my four-day ski trip, I packed only the essentials. Along with underwear, a few T-shirts, and two pairs of pants, I added two warm sweaters for layering. Ski socks, gloves, ski pants, my ski goggles, and a winter jacket also went into the bag.
Instead of bulky items, I focused on what I truly needed. Even toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant, and sunscreen fit in without any trouble.
In the end, everything fit into my backpack, and I even had room for a large water bottle for the drive. It was easy to carry and I didn’t have to drag anything behind me.
Downloadable Packing List
Curious about what exactly I packed? If you want to hit the slopes with minimal luggage, download my compact packing list as a PDF here. It includes everything I brought for four days of skiing without my own gear.
By Train and Rental Car to Lech and Zürs, Austria
The trip started early in the morning at Berlin Central Station. I took the ICE train to Munich, which takes around four hours. For me, it was a more relaxing option than flying, and I used the time to read. The Wi-Fi on board was a bit weak, but a good podcast kept me entertained.
In Munich, I picked up a rental car. The route to Vorarlberg leads through the scenic Arlbergstraße, offering beautiful views. The closer you get to the mountains, the more snowy and alpine the landscape becomes. From the Lechtalstraße onward, the ski resorts start lining up – and the excitement builds with every kilometer.
Tip: You can pay by card almost everywhere in Lech and Zürs – even at ski rentals and mountain huts. A free credit card with no fees for payments in euros is very handy. You can compare travel credit cards for Austria here.
Renting Ski Equipment on Site: My Experience
Lech and Zürs have several well-equipped sports shops that offer ski rentals. I rented my boots, skis, poles, and a helmet from Skishop Brändle. The selection was large, the staff was friendly, and the advice was helpful.
Unfortunately, the first pair of boots didn’t work for me. They pressed hard on my heel, and already during the first run the pain made skiing unpleasant. I went straight back to the shop and got a different pair. After that, everything fit well and I could enjoy the day.
Tip: If your boots start to hurt, don’t wait too long. It usually gets worse, not better. Go back to the rental shop early and ask for a better fitting pair.
What Can You Expect from a Ski Trip Without Your Own Gear?
Even without bringing my own ski gear, the trip to Austria felt complete. I didn’t have to sacrifice anything and even found some aspects more relaxed than usual. Traveling light made everything easier.
Skiing in Lech and Zürs: Great Conditions Despite Little Sun
It had snowed heavily in the days before I arrived. During my stay, I was lucky to have fresh snow at night and dry conditions during the day. That meant fresh powder every morning and perfect skiing conditions.
The sun unfortunately stayed hidden, but visibility was still good and the slopes weren’t crowded. I got in plenty of great runs and often had lots of space around me.
Mountain Hut Stop with Kaiserschmarrn: My Favorite
A real highlight was the Tritt Alpe, a rustic hut in the middle of the ski area. You can only reach it by skiing there. There’s no road and no lift, yet it’s still quite popular.
We stopped there to enjoy the view and ordered Kaiserschmarrn. It was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – just how it should be.
Relaxed Evenings Instead of Après-Ski
We did take a quick peek into the après-ski scene. It was loud, crowded, and full of energy. Honestly, it’s not really my thing. After a full day on the slopes, I prefer to relax first, enjoy a good meal later, and spend the evening in peace.
My Highlight: Riding in a Snow Groomer
I was in for a real surprise that evening. Some local friends had arranged a ride in a snow groomer for me. At night, with huge snowflakes in the headlights, we drove across freshly covered slopes.
I even got to take the wheel for a moment. Of course, under close supervision. It’s the kind of experience you can’t just book—and one I’ll never forget.
My Conclusion: Ski Trip Without Your Own Gear
Taking a ski trip with just a backpack worked surprisingly well for me. I didn’t have to leave anything essential behind and didn’t miss any comfort during the journey. On the contrary, without a suitcase or bulky gear, everything felt easier, faster, and more relaxed.
The gear I rented on site was high quality, and with a little patience, I found ski boots that fit well. I enjoyed lots of great runs, good food at the huts, and even a one-of-a-kind snow groomer experience.
For short ski trips, traveling with light luggage is a great alternative. If you’re open to renting gear at your destination, you can skip the hassle and focus on the experience itself.
Watch the Trip on Video
You’d rather see than just read about the trip? Then check out my video on YouTube. I’ll take you to Lech and Zürs, show how I traveled light, and what it was like riding in a snow groomer at night.
If you’re also interested in other winter destinations in Austria, take a look at our article on Salzburg in winter. You’ll find tips, highlights and plenty of personal impressions.
Helpful Travel Resources
Here are the main platforms we personally use and recommend for planning our trips:
- Tours and activities: We always start our search for experiences on this platform*. If we don’t find what we’re looking for there, we also check this alternative*.
- Accommodation: We usually book our stays via this website*, which offers a wide selection and fair prices.
- Car rental: For car rentals, we use this comparison tool* to stay flexible and travel safely.
- Travel credit cards: A free credit card with no foreign transaction fees is a must-have. You can compare travel credit cards here*.
I’m Joshua, and my focus is road trips and round trips. I provide detailed travel information, planning tools, and practical tips for driving abroad. Together, we’ll make your next road trip perfectly organized and unforgettable