Events in Montafon
We have carefully hand-picked the most exciting highlights of the year for you so that you don't miss any of these special moments. From cultural events to unique experiences - you shouldn't miss these events on your Montafon holiday.
Ski Opening Montafon
November*
The winter season in the Silvretta Montafon ski area is open! Strap on your skis and plunge into the snow - exciting pistes and first-class conditions await you. Pure anticipation!
*Weekend operation from mid-November, depending on snow conditions; subject to further changes.
to the current opening hours
Montafon Winter Magic
just before Christmas and into the New Year!
The most beautiful and contemplative time of the year becomes a musical experience in Montafon. Atmospheric concerts enchant the Christmas season. Enjoy the festive anticipation and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the snow-covered Montafon - the Montafon Winter Magic with its special charm is perfect for this. Christmas markets in Montafon in Tschagguns, Bartholomäberg and the large ‘Silbriga Sunntig’ market in Schruns, nativity scene exhibitions and well over 50 events are also on the programme.
Brass ensembles, solo artists and various bands play in exciting locations such as churches, chapels, Alpine SPA, cultural stages and open-air venues, bidding a contemplative farewell to the old year and welcoming in the New Year.
Funken Burning
1st weekend after carnival
On Funken Sunday, the first Sunday after carnival, the Funken (huge bonfire) is traditionally lit to drive away the winter. In the various villages in the Montafon, you can experience the traditional construction of the impressive spark tower up close - along with a freshly baked Funkenküachli (Fri & Sat). Or support the Funken Guard (Sat) with a warming hot wine. On Sunday (occasionally also Sat), the event culminates in a festive spectacle when the tower goes up in flames to the cheers of the crowd and lights up the night.
FIS Snowboard Cross Weltcup
March
At this year's FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup, the world's snowboarding elite will gather for thrilling competitions on the challenging piste at Grasjoch in the Silvretta Montafon ski area. The riders compete on a challenging course full of steep sections and tight bends, ensuring breathtaking action and exciting duels.
Sports enthusiasts can watch the spectacle free of charge at the edge of the piste and cheer for the ski and snowboard crossers coming from Montafon.
FIS Snowboard, Freestyle & Freeski World Championship in Montafon
11th to 22nd of March 2027
The Montafon is proud to be the host of the 2027 World Championships in Snowboarding, Freestyle, and Freeskiing! Together with the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV), in cooperation with the Ski Club Montafon, the local municipalities, the state of Vorarlberg, Montafon Tourism, and the Montafon Cable Cars, the World Championships will be organised. According to Roman Kuss from the ÖSV, the goal of the championships is to give a strong boost to winter sports. The aim is to "bring children back to the mountains," said Kuss. Manuel Bitschnau, Managing Director of Montafon Tourism, described the World Championships as a "milestone" for the Montafon. The successful bid is a confirmation of the region's expertise in winter sports.
All the villages in Montafon are on board! The venues are spread across the entire valley.
Summer Solstice: Mountain Fires in Montafon
weekend around the 23rd of June
When the longest day meets the shortest night, mountain fires light up the darkness in Montafon. Traditionally, the summer solstice is celebrated on the weekend around the 21st of June, the longest day of the year. On Saturday, 21st June, mountain enthusiasts set off to higher altitudes with torches and plenty of wood to keep the tradition of the solstice bonfires alive as night falls.
Glowing peaks and blazing mountain ranges! As early as the Middle Ages, people held large celebrations, hoping that watching the flames would bring luck, blessings, and healing. However, in earlier times, the summer solstice did not hold the same significance as it does today. Instead, on the night of 24th June, St John's Day, the so-called St John's fires were lit.
Montafon Arlberg Marathon
3rd weekend in June
The Raiffeisen Montafon Arlberg Marathon offers a spectacular running experience with 42.195 km and 1,250 metres of elevation gain through the Alps. The route runs from St. Anton am Arlberg over the Winterjöchle to Silbertal, passing through the impressive Natura 2000-area Verwall. In addition to the main marathon, there are also routes for beginners, hikers, and a children’s trail. Supported by Raiffeisenbank Bludenz-Montafon and Raiffeisenbank Arlberg Silvretta.
Silvretta Classic Rally Montafon
1st July Weekend
Every year on the 1st July weekend, the hearts of classic car enthusiasts race faster in Montafon.
When the impressive vehicles from the 1920s conquer the Silvretta High Alpine Road, closely followed by the elegant luxury cars of the 1930s. When the engines of legendary sports cars and charming post-war everyday vehicles roar and purr, the history of the automobile becomes an immersive experience for both participants and spectators. It’s a rare opportunity to admire such icons of automotive history against a breathtaking scenic backdrop.
Montafon Totale Trail
1st July Weekend
At the Montafon Totale Trail, runners face the challenges of high alpine terrain. Hundreds of motivated runners from various countries will tackle 4 routes with distances of 10, 16, 33, and 47 km, elevation differences ranging from 1,200 to 4,200 metres, and 8 refreshment stations – these are the impressive facts about the Montafon Totale Trail.
Participants in the Montafon Totale Trail are not your ordinary trail runners: they welcome challenges, brave the whims of the weather, demonstrate great endurance, and relish technically demanding routes. With determination, they fight for every metre of elevation, always striving to go higher, faster, and further.
Montafon Totale Kids: The youngest budding runners are also an integral part of the Montafon Totale Trail. While the Bambini experience their first taste of mountain running on the course around the Nova Stoba, the Kids and Juniors have the opportunity to showcase their stamina on the longer route towards the Four Barga viewpoint. Each child receives a medal; the top three in each age group are also awarded a trophy. The largest group will be rewarded with an exclusive adventure day in Silvretta Montafon.
M³ Montafon Mountainbike Marathon Austria
Last July Weekend
The M3 Montafon Mountainbike Marathon takes place annually on the last weekend of July. The Montafon, with its stunning and varied alpine landscape, is a true paradise for (e-)mountain biking enthusiasts and thus the perfect venue for Austria's most popular mountain bike marathon.
In addition to the competitive events on the 45, 60, and 75-kilometre routes, the M³ Montafon Mountainbike Marathon also offers an E-Mountainbike leisure round with a culinary component, as well as an E-Mountainbike water power round. The latter provides participants with an exclusive insight into the generation of energy through hydropower in Montafon.
All Heroes:
M1: 1.300 metres of elevation – 45 km
M2: 2.050 metres of elevation – 60 km
M3: 2.500 metres of elevation – 70 km
Montafoner Resonanzen
August to early September
A personal musical experience in Montafon. Each year, from August to early September, weekends are filled with high-calibre musical performances across various genres. Montafoner Resonanzen brings renowned artists to the valley annually. Diverse styles are featured, ranging from brass, chamber music, and jazz to folk music, crossover, and organ. The festival has become a musical gem, regarded as a hidden treasure by both visitors and locals.
In the impressive high mountain landscape of the Montafon, extensive jam sessions and jazz performances take place. During this time, genre boundaries fall away: Baroque may blend with pop, and folk music with jazz.
A valley full of musical landmarks: The Montafon houses 16 organs from four centuries in a compact space, where organ music from Baroque to contemporary can be authentically interpreted and newly experienced.
Montafoner Sagenfestspiele
July & August
The open-air stage in the picturesque Silbertal is set in a dreamlike hillside location and surrounded by a wild and romantic natural backdrop. During the summer months, this venue transforms into a stage for the grand and mystical spectacle of the Sagenfestspiele. In summer 2024, the piece "Drusentor Seppeli" from the captivating world of legends will be performed here.
On the 20,000 m² open-air stage – one of the largest in Europe – you can expect over 15 authentically recreated buildings, including a hay barn, alpine buildings with a dairy, a small church, a chapel, a farmhouse, a lake, wells, pond basins, an impressive waterfall, and numerous charming details.
Alpabtrieb in Montafon
Early September
For centuries, livestock in Montafon has been grazed on high alpine pastures. In September, the cattle return to the valley well-fed. The Alpabtrieb (cattle drive) has always been a cause for celebration, as farmers gratefully welcome their healthy livestock back.
The parade of decorated animals - mostly cows but also include sheep, goats, and donkeys – known as the “Piefl” – is anticipated with food and drink, and often accompanied by live music. Particularly warmly welcomed is the “Milchstöfleri,” the cow that produced the most milk during the summer. She can be easily recognised by the largest and most beautiful “Maien,” the floral decoration. The timing of the Alpabtrieb depends on the weather, and may be brought forward in the event of early snowfall.
Typically, in early September, St. Gallenkirch, Valiserabahn, Alpe Zamang, and Alpe Nova come together in the valley for festivities, combined with refreshments and live music.
