From EPIC Slopes to Local Soul – Why U.S. Skiers Feel at Home at the Mondschein

From EPIC Slopes to Local Soul – Why U.S. Skiers Feel at Home at the Mondschein
From EPIC Slopes to Local Soul – Why U.S. Skiers Feel at Home at the Mondschein

From EPIC Slopes to Local Soul – Why U.S. Skiers Feel at Home at the Mondschein

15.11.2025

For many American skiers, the word “EPIC” brings to mind some of the world’s greatest resorts and unforgettable alpine experiences. From the Rockies to the Alps, the EPIC Pass has connected passionate skiers to a global community of adventure. But for those who travel across the Atlantic to the Austrian Alps, there is one place where this global network meets genuine local soul and that’s Hotel Mondschein in Stuben am Arlberg.

Here, the energy of the Arlberg meets the warmth of Austrian hospitality. It is a place where U.S. skiers not only find world-class snow but also a sense of belonging. From first-time visitors to Olympic athletes, many Americans have discovered that the Mondschein feels like home from the moment they arrive.

The EPIC Connection: America Meets Arlberg

The EPIC Pass has transformed the way American skiers explore the world. With access to over 70 premier resorts globally, including Lech, Zürs, St. Anton, and Stuben am Arlberg, it allows seamless skiing without extra lift tickets. For U.S. travelers, this means that the same pass they use in Vail, Breckenridge, or Park City opens the doors to the legendary Arlberg region in Austria.

For Hotel Mondschein, this connection is more than just a marketing advantage. It represents a bridge between continents, cultures, and shared mountain passion. The Mondschein is one of the very few Austrian hotels located within the EPIC network’s reach with a distinction that makes it especially appealing to American guests looking for authenticity within familiar access.

When an American skier arrives in Stuben, they discover that the slopes may be new, but the feeling of community is instantly recognizable.

Stuben am Arlberg: Authenticity in the Heart of the Alps

Unlike the large, bustling resorts of Lech or St. Anton, Stuben retains its quiet charm. It is a small alpine village where traditions are still alive, where people greet you by name, and where the mountains rise close enough to touch. This setting offers something that many U.S. skiers crave: authenticity.

Here, there are no crowds or flashy après-ski scenes. Instead, there is a deep sense of place which wooden houses dusted with snow, winding paths through centuries-old chalets, and the steady hum of nature. The Albona slopes, just minutes from the Mondschein’s doorstep, offer some of the best freeride terrain in Austria, with direct lift access to the entire Arlberg ski area.

For American skiers used to the vast scale of Vail or Heavenly, Stuben offers a refreshing contrast. It is intimate, local, and quietly luxurious in its simplicity.

From EPIC Slopes to Local Soul – Why U.S. Skiers Feel at Home at the Mondschein

The Mondschein Experience: A Home with History

Walking into Hotel Mondschein feels like stepping into a living story. Established in 1739, the house has welcomed travelers, mountaineers, and athletes for nearly three centuries. Yet it is far from a museum and the Mondschein blends old-world charm with modern comfort in a way that feels both timeless and personal.

American guests often describe the experience as “coming home to Europe.” The staff remember names, the meals celebrate local ingredients, and the atmosphere invites connection. Whether you are chatting with fellow guests over breakfast or sharing stories by the fire, it is easy to feel part of the community.

The owner and team at the Mondschein take pride in creating an environment that reflects the essence of Arlberg hospitality that is grounded, creative, and full of genuine warmth. It is not just about excellent service but about creating moments that stay with you long after your ski boots are off.

Familiar Faces: U.S. Skiers Who Found a Second Home

The Mondschein has long been a favorite among international athletes and adventurers, and many of them come from the United States. Travis Ganong, a U.S. World Cup downhill racer, often trains in the Arlberg and calls the Mondschein his European base. He once said, “The Mondschein is pure Arlberg energy. This place feels like home before race day.”

It is easy to see why. The relaxed, family-like atmosphere allows athletes to recharge between intense training sessions, while the proximity to world-class terrain provides ideal conditions for performance and focus.

The same energy that draws champions like Travis also resonates with everyday travelers from the U.S. who come for the snow but stay for the soul. Whether it is the quiet mornings, the cozy evenings, or the creative mix of guests, there is something about the Mondschein that feels instantly familiar.

A Gateway to the EPIC Arlberg Experience

For U.S. visitors using the EPIC Pass, staying at the Mondschein offers the perfect balance between convenience and discovery. From Stuben, guests can ski directly to Zürs, Lech, and St. Anton without additional lift tickets or complicated transfers. The entire Arlberg area becomes your playground, with terrain that rivals and often surpasses the best in North America and brings the best of your European holidays in the Alps.

But unlike the mega-resorts of the U.S., here the experience remains grounded. There are no long queues or overwhelming crowds. Instead, there are wide-open runs, deep powder, and the quiet satisfaction of skiing in the birthplace of the sport.

The Mondschein provides the ideal home base for exploring it all. Whether you are chasing deep snow, tracing history, or simply enjoying a relaxed alpine rhythm, everything starts and ends here, under the soft glow of the Austrian moonlight.

Bringing Home the Spirit of the Arlberg

What makes the Mondschein truly special for American guests is the balance it strikes between the international and the intimate. You can ski the same EPIC slopes you know from home, yet experience them through a new cultural lens. You can meet athletes, artists, and locals who share your love for the mountains but express it in their own unique ways.

In the evenings, when the fire crackles and laughter fills the lounge, conversations often turn to what skiing really means freedom, community, and respect for nature. These are the same values that unite skiers across oceans, from Colorado to the Arlberg.

For those who come from far away, the Mondschein offers something rare: a genuine connection. It is not just a stop on a ski trip but a place where memories take root, where stories unfold, and where the global and the local meet.

From EPIC Slopes to Local Soul – Why U.S. Skiers Feel at Home at the Mondschein

The EPIC Advantage with a Personal Touch

While the EPIC Pass gives access to the mountains, it is the people and the atmosphere that make the experience truly memorable. The Mondschein team helps guests with everything from local recommendations to guiding connections, ensuring every skier finds their perfect adventure.

For families, couples, and solo travelers alike, this combination of world-class skiing and heartfelt hospitality makes every visit unforgettable. Many American guests return year after year, drawn not only by the snow but by the friendships and traditions they find here.

The EPIC Pass may open the doors, but it is the local soul of the Mondschein that makes people feel at home. 

FAQs

  1. What is the EPIC Pass and how does it work in Austria?
    The EPIC Pass gives skiers access to top resorts worldwide, including Lech, Zürs, St. Anton, and Stuben am Arlberg. Holders can ski here without extra lift tickets.
  2. Is Hotel Mondschein part of the EPIC Pass network?
    While the hotel itself is not owned by EPIC, it is located in Stuben, one of the Austrian villages within the EPIC Pass access area, making it ideal for pass holders. So it is definitely a YES! 
  3. Why is the Mondschein popular among U.S. skiers?
    American guests love its warm atmosphere, historical charm, and direct access to the Arlberg ski area. It combines world-class skiing with genuine Austrian hospitality.
  4. Can I use my EPIC Pass to ski in Stuben and nearby resorts?
    Yes. With the EPIC Pass, you can ski freely in Stuben, Zürs, Lech, and St. Anton without purchasing additional lift passes.
  5. How far is the Mondschein from the slopes?
    Hotel Mondschein is only a short walk from the Albona lift, which connects directly to the Arlberg ski circuit.
  6. What makes skiing in the Arlberg special for Americans?
    The Arlberg offers deep snow, diverse terrain, and authentic alpine culture. It is also considered the birthplace of modern skiing.
  7. Are there American athletes connected to the Mondschein?
    Yes. U.S. World Cup skier Travis Ganong often stays at the Mondschein during training seasons and calls it his home in the Alps.
  8. How does Stuben compare to larger resorts like Lech or St. Anton?
    Stuben is smaller and quieter, offering a more intimate, traditional experience while still being connected to the full Arlberg ski network.
  9. What kind of atmosphere can guests expect at the Mondschein?
    The hotel combines historic charm with a relaxed, creative vibe. Guests often describe it as friendly, artistic, and full of mountain spirit.
  10. Why do many guests return to the Mondschein year after year?
    Because they find more than great skiing — they find connection, community, and a sense of home that makes every visit unforgettable.

From EPIC Slopes to Local Soul – Why U.S. Skiers Feel at Home at the Mondschein

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