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The small state of Liechtenstein shares its borders with Austria and Switzerland, with the southern part of the state playing host to Malbun and Steg. Both Malbun and nearby Steg are popular on the international ski circuit, with the larger town of Malbun being the country’s most popular resort.

Services and accommodation at the two resorts are limited, mainly due to their size. The resort town of Malbun (1,600m) maintains a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, with the smaller town of Steg (1,300m) lying below it.

The prepared pistes of Malbun and Steg total 21kms, with the focus of the runs being on beginner and intermediate abilities of skier. Seven ski lifts traverse the slopes, carrying a maximum of 6,800 skiers every hour.

Close to the slopes at Malbun are 12 hotels with only 700 beds available; nearby another 600 beds can be found. The capital city of Valduz and the town of Triesenberg offer a more comprehensive selection of accommodation. One nightclub, along with the hotels and restaurants of Malbun and Steg resorts, are where the après-ski takes place.

Triesenberg (south of Vaduz) is a scenic mountain village worth visiting; one attraction of note is the Valais Heritage Museum. For the top attractions in the principality, Vaduz is the place to explore. The Royal Castle and the splendid State Art Collection, as well as the Postage Stamp Museum and Prince’s wine cellars, showcase Liechtenstein’s main industries.

Cheap deals to the area can be had prior to Christmas and after New Year; Malbun and Steg’s ski season runs from December to March. The most practical method to reach the resort is by flying to Zürich, from where train and bus transfer is necessary.

Skiing in Malbun Steg

Situated in the southeast of Liechtentein, the small resorts of Malbun and Steg are home to 21kms of prime pistes. Being the number one ski resort in the country, Malbun has the best of the pistes, while Steg has quality cross-country trails.

Beginners have 50 per cent of the total 21kms prepared for them, 40 per cent remain for intermediate levels, and 10 per cent are reserved for advanced skiers. The longest of the runs is two kilometres. Two chairlifts, four draglifts and a pony lift can move 6,800 people per hour. A three-kilometre lighted trail is the highlight of four cross-country loops at Steg.

The ski season at Malbun and Steg starts in December and finishes in March. Cheaper weeks are available before the Christmas holidays and in mid-January. The best snow conditions can be had in February.

The most convenient route to the resort is to fly to Zürich International Airport and hire a car. Another method from Zürich is to go via Sargans and Vaduz, using a train/bus transfer.

Apres-ski in Malbun Steg

Apart from skiing, other winter pursuits include: snowboarding (a terrain park and half-pipe), a one-kilometre toboggan run, ice-skating (natural), snowshoeing, sleigh riding and winter walking paths. Indoor facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna and solarium. Limited to Malbun town, the après-ski is based around the hotel and restaurant scene, but also includes a nightclub.

Malbun and Steg, while relatively small resorts, still contain more than enough quality skiing to keep beginners, intermediates and especially cross-country skiers happy. Shops and services at the two resorts are not what you would find at larger resorts, however, the good sporting facilities are all here.

Transportation to Malbun Steg

Liechtenstein’s premier resort, Malbun, and its neighbour Steg, are situated in the southeast part of the country. No airports or railways exist in the state; therefore, car and bus remain the only choices for travel to the resorts. The simplest and most convenient choice of travel is to fly into Zürich and hire a car.

By car from Calais, the best route takes you on major motorways via Reims, Metz, Strasbourg, Basel, Zürich and Sargans (96kms; nine hours). From Zürich International Airport, the resorts of Malbun and Steg are 1 hour, 30 minutes away by hire car. From Zürich, the route takes you along the A-3 to Sargans and the A-13 east to Malbun (130kms).

By train from London, the journey is long and inconvenient, taking between 15 to 20 hours, with four to five changes. The best connection is the Eurostar from London (Waterloo) to Paris (l’Est) at 17:42, from where an overnight train takes you to Landquart. Another change is needed to get to Sargans, where the last leg of the journey is by bus to Vaduz and on to Malbun.

Zürich International Airport is the closest major airport to Malbun - Steg resort. Trains from here can get you as far as Sargans. From Sargans, the journey by bus to Vaduz and then on to Malbun – Steg resort, will take a total time of three to eight hours, depending on connections. A hire car is by far the quickest option for this journey.

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