Liechtenstein Skiing

The fourth smallest country in Europe, Liechtenstein is a compact but mountainous place with just one major ski resort at pretty Malbun, just 30min drive from the capital Vaduz. Wedged between Switzerland & Austria, one assumes the skiing can be only one thing - quite good!

The Rhine River (a wide, glorified drain at this point in its journey to the sea) forms the western border of Liechtenstein with Switzerland. The river flats at less than 450m a.s.l. quickly give way to mountains to the east of the country, rising up to a highest point of 2,599m on Grauspitz. Despite its location between Austria & Switzerland, the climate in the low elevation river lands in relatively mild in winter and often snowless. Up in the mountains expect full-blown winter conditions.

The capital Vaduz is neat and clean but without much in the way of spark. By all means visit Liechtenstein and ski Malbun, but unless staying at the ski resort, we recommend staying in the nearby Austrian city of Feldkirch, rather than Vaduz.

Whilst buses are useful heading up into the mountains via Vaduz from Feldkirch and neighbouring Swiss train stations, if driving through the tiny nation, stick religiously to the speed limits. There seem to be speed cameras everywhere. Perhaps it is a major source of income!