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Winter in Liechtenstein

© James Foster Robinson

It is December in Liechtenstein and the snow is falling, creating for some a “winter wonderland.” For others it hardship, danger or a nuisance.

Temperatures hover around 20 F/-3 C November to March except atop the highest mountains. The Fohn, a warming wind from the south, sometimes brings a quick thaw. Usually three to five feet of snow falls on the mountain slopes. This "white gold" makes for excellent winter sports and Liechtensteiners make good use of it. Liechtenstein is also a favorite for many Europeans as well as England’s Royal family.

There is one ski area in the country at Malbun in the Samina Valley, 17 kilometres up in the mountains from Vaduz, Liechtenstein's capital village. While not a favorite of extreme skiers, it offers good skiing for families and beginners as well as excellent scenery and a serene pace far from the maddening crowd. Situated around 2,000 metres/6,560 feet, it has a vertical drop of 396 metres/1,300 feet as well as seven lifts (two chairs and five surface). The Hocheck lift, on the right side of the Malbun valley, will take you to some moguls and a steep drop called Steilhang. Only expert skiers should attempt it. Cross-country enthusiasts can enjoy twenty kilometers of trail. Snowboarders can try out their new boards on the half pipe in a special park. There are eleven hotels in the area to choose from for warm lodging. If you just want to skate a bit, there are also a number of skating rinks.

The village of Steg, lower down the mountains from Malbun, is also a good area for skiing. For the toboggan enthusiast, there is a lighted, one-kilometer toboggan run.

It is not all fun in the snow. Though road safety standards are high, many of the Principality’s roads are mountainous and winding. In winter they are snow covered and chains on vehicles are necessary. During the winter holidays there is a great deal of traffic. Try taking the post bus to the mountains. Liechtenstein’s public transportation is excellent and relatively cheap.

Avalanches are a danger in winter. On December 30, 2001, two backcountry skiers from Triesenberg were caught in an avalanche below the "PfŠlzer" mountain hut. Despite the efforts of the Liechtenstein Mountain Rescue and the Swiss Air-Rescue, the two experienced skiers died at the scene. On February 14, 1997, an avalanche swept down into a race area in Malbun where thirty people, mostly children and teens, were getting ready for a ski championship. The snow swept a number of children and their coaches for close to fifty metres. All were rescued alive. Some had minor injuries.