Zurs

Founding and Early Settlers

The history of Zürs differs from classic urban chronicles. This settlement in the Vorarlberg region was not founded by a ruler's decree or as a military outpost. Its origins trace back to the migration of the Walser people—mountain folk who arrived from the Swiss Canton of Valais in the 13th and 14th centuries. Initially, the territory was used primarily as high-altitude summer pastures (alps), as the harsh climate and heavy snowfall made permanent residence extremely difficult.

Key Factors in Its Development

The evolution of Zürs from a seasonal pasture to a permanent settlement was driven by several important factors:

• Geographic Isolation: Located at an altitude of over 1,700 meters above sea level, the settlement was cut off from the outside world during the winter months for a long time.
• Transport Breakthrough: The turning point was the construction of the Flexenstraße. Opened in 1897, this road, partially carved into the cliffs, provided year-round access to the Arlberg and connected Zürs with the valleys.

Early Economy and Culture

In its early period, the settlement's economy was based exclusively on high-altitude agriculture and livestock. The culture of the local residents was shaped by Walser traditions, known for their hard work and adaptability to mountain life.

However, by the early 20th century, the direction of development shifted radically. Zürs became one of the pioneers of winter tourism in the Alps. In 1906, the first skiing courses for locals and guides were organized here, laying the foundation for the transformation of a modest village into one of Austria's most prestigious ski centers.

Early History and Foundation

• 14th Century — Settlement of the territory by Walser migrants, who used the local lands primarily as high-altitude summer pastures.
• 1897 — Completion of the Flexenstraße road, providing year-round connection between the settlement and the valleys.
• 1906 — The first skiing course held under the leadership of ski pioneer Viktor Sohm, marking the beginning of winter tourism.

Development of Ski Infrastructure

• 1920s — Active transformation of farmhouses into hotels and guesthouses to accommodate the first tourists.
• 1937 — Launch of Austria's first drag lift (Schlepplift) on the Kleine Seekopf slope, created with the involvement of engineer Emil Doppelmayr.
• 1938 — Expansion of the ski area with the installation of the lift on Hexenboden.
• 1950s — Final establishment of Zürs' image as an elite resort, attracting international aristocracy and celebrities.

Modern Era

• 2016 — Opening of the Flexenbahn cable car, connecting Zürs with Stuben and St. Anton, completing the Arlberg ski circuit.
• 2017 — The unified Ski Arlberg area, of which Zürs is a part, officially becomes the largest ski region in Austria.

Key Milestones: From Alpine Meadows to a World-Class Resort

The history of Zürs is a prime example of how a remote high-altitude area was transformed into one of the most exclusive corners of the Alps through enthusiasm and technology. Below are the key stages that shaped the modern character of the village:

• Walser Migration (14th Century)
  The settlement of these lands by migrants from the Canton of Valais laid the cultural and architectural foundation of the region. The significance of this stage lies in the formation of a unique dialect and traditions of timber craftsmanship that persist in the Vorarlberg region to this day, despite modern tourism development.
• Breaking the Isolation: Flexenstraße (1897)
  Until the end of the 19th century, Zürs was only accessible in winter on foot via dangerous passes. The opening of the road, protected from avalanches by galleries, was the primary economic prerequisite for tourism development. This transformed the settlement from a seasonal pasture into a community accessible year-round.
• Paradigm Shift: Viktor Sohm’s Ski School (1906)
  The organization of the first professional skiing courses for locals became the starting point for the hospitality industry. This event marked the transition from an agrarian economy to a service economy, making Zürs the cradle of Alpine skiing.
• Technological Revolution (1937)
  The launch of Austria's first drag lift (Schlepplift) radically changed the concept of a mountain holiday. While skiers previously spent hours climbing for a single descent, mechanization allowed for a significant increase in tourist numbers and stimulated the construction of hotels instead of farms.
• Creation of "The White Ring" (Der Weiße Ring) (1950s)
  The formation of the legendary ski route connecting Zürs, Lech, and Zug was a brilliant marketing and planning move. This circuit unified scattered slopes into a single system, becoming a hallmark of the region and the site of some of the oldest ski races in the world.
• The Era of Exclusivity (Second Half of the 20th Century)
  During this period, Zürs consciously moved away from mass development in favor of maintaining its intimate atmosphere. Limiting the number of beds and focusing on top-tier hotels (4-5 stars) established the resort’s image as a private club for aristocracy and celebrities, ensuring its high economic prestige.
• Global Integration (2016–2017)
  The construction of the Flexenbahn cable car and the completion of the unified Ski Arlberg ski area finally secured Zürs' status as the central hub of Austria's largest ski region. This event ensured the resort's competitiveness in the global market for the 21st century.

Architectural Identity: From Alpine Huts to Luxury Chalets

The development of Zürs is unique in that it lacks the classic historical core with a market square or town hall typical of most European towns. Zürs evolved as a Hoteldorf ("hotel village"), where the architecture is entirely dictated by the needs of hospitality and the harsh high-altitude climate. The village grew linearly along the Flexenstraße road and around the base stations of the ski lifts.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

• Vernacular Architecture (Walser Style)
  Era: Until the early 20th century
  Initially, only seasonal shepherd dwellings were built here. The Walser style is characterized by sun-darkened timber (log structures) set on massive stone bases to protect against snow. Roofs were designed with a shallow pitch and reinforced with stones to hold a layer of snow for natural thermal insulation. While few authentic huts remain in their pure form, this style became the visual foundation for modern hotels.
• Alpine "Heimatstil" and Early Tourism Architecture
  Era: 1920s–1950s
  With the arrival of tourists, old farms began to be converted into guesthouses. These buildings retained traditional features (wooden balconies, gabled roofs, shutters) but increased in scale. This style aims to create the cozy, romanticized image of an Alpine home that is so highly valued by resort guests.
• Understated 1930s Modernism
  Era: Interwar period
  A striking example is the construction of the village's main landmark—the church. During this period, architects sought to adapt modern forms to the mountain landscape, avoiding excessive decoration while maintaining a sense of monumentality.
• Contemporary Alpine Architecture
  Era: 21st Century
  The modern phase is characterized by the renovation of historic hotels and the construction of high-tech infrastructure. It features panoramic glazing, raw concrete, and natural wood. New cable car stations (such as the Flexenbahn) are examples of functional high-tech design harmoniously integrated into the mountain terrain.

Iconic Structures

Since Zürs consists primarily of private hotels, they are what define its character. However, one building stands out for its public significance and architecture:

• Church of Christ the King (Christkönigskirche)
  Built in 1936 based on a design by architect Hans Fessler. This building is a rare example of sacral architecture at such an altitude. It is distinguished by its concise forms, a high steep roof capable of withstanding meters of snow, and a massive tower. The interior is also designed in a minimalist yet warm style, matching the rugged spirit of the mountains.
• Hotel Zürserhof and Other Grand Hotels
  Large hotel complexes, such as the Zürserhof or Thurnher's Alpenhof, are architectural landmarks. They represent the evolution of the Alpine chalet into the proportions of a palace, combining a traditional exterior with luxurious interiors.

Key Figures in the Resort's History

The history of Zürs is inextricably linked to the names of pioneers who turned a remote Alpine area into a world-class skiing center, as well as the architects and athletes who brought fame to the region.

• Viktor Sohm
  Role: Skiing pioneer and instructor
  In 1906, he organized the first skiing course for locals and guides in Zürs. This event is considered the starting point for the winter tourism industry in the region. His enthusiasm and teaching methods laid the foundation for the creation of the famous Arlberg Ski School.
• Emil Doppelmayr
  Role: Engineer and entrepreneur
  In 1937, he designed and installed Austria's first drag lift (Schlepplift) on the Kleine Seekopf slope in Zürs. This technical achievement was revolutionary, marking the beginning of the era of mechanized skiing in the Alps.
• Sepp Bildstein
  Role: Athlete and inventor
  A prominent skier of the early 20th century, he was one of the driving forces behind the construction of the first lift. He is also known as the inventor of the spring ski binding, which significantly improved safety and control during descents.
• Hans Fessler
  Role: Architect
  The designer of the Church of Christ the King (Christkönigskirche), built in 1936. He succeeded in creating a building that became the village's main visual symbol, harmoniously blending strict modernism with traditional Alpine resilience to the harsh climate.
• Ernst Skardarasy
  Role: Hotelier and visionary
  For many years, he managed the Zürserhof, transforming it from a modest guesthouse into one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. His approach to service and exclusivity largely defined the elite status of the entire Zürs resort.
• Gustav Thurnher
  Role: Founder of a hotel dynasty
  The creator of Thurnher's Alpenhof, which became a benchmark for Alpine hospitality. Along with other hotelier families, he shaped the unique concept of Zürs as a top-tier "hotel village" without mass development.
• Patrick Ortlieb
  Role: Alpine skier, Olympic Champion
  A famous native of the Arlberg region, he won the gold medal in the downhill at the 1992 Olympics. His sporting success strengthened the reputation of the local slopes as a place where the world's best skiers are trained.