Classroom lesson 路 Malbun Ski Village馃嚤馃嚠 Liechtenstein

Malbun Ski Village

Liechtenstein's only ski resort - high up in the Alps

Snow-covered slopes and chalets in the mountain village of Malbun

Photo 路 Wikimedia Commons

What is it?

Malbun is a small village tucked into the mountains at the eastern end of Liechtenstein, and it is the only place in the country where you can ski. Every winter the slopes fill with snow and people ride chairlifts up to ski back down. In summer, the same mountains become brilliant walking trails.

Tell me more

Malbun sits at about 1,600 metres above sea level - high enough that clouds sometimes float right through the village! The surrounding peaks reach well over 2,000 metres, and on a clear day you can see far into Austria and Switzerland from the top of the lifts.

The ski resort is quite small compared to the huge resorts in neighbouring Switzerland and Austria, which makes it a friendly place for families and beginners. Children who are learning to ski for the first time often come to Malbun because it is relaxed and not too crowded.

In summer, Malbun transforms completely. The green alpine meadows around the village are full of wildflowers, and hikers come from all over to walk the mountain trails. The Liechtenstein Trail - a long route that crosses the entire country - passes right through Malbun on its way from the north to the south.

In the classroom

Walk your class through this in 15 minutes.

Talk together

Discussion prompts

  1. 01How does the same place look and feel different in winter and summer? Think of somewhere near you that changes with the seasons.
  2. 02Malbun is a good place for beginners. Why is it important to have places where you can try new things without feeling rushed?
  3. 03If you could spend one day in the mountains, would you choose winter skiing or summer hiking? Why?
Try this

Classroom activity

Fold a piece of paper in half. On one side, draw Malbun in winter (snow, skis, chairlift). On the other side, draw it in summer (green grass, hikers, wildflowers). Compare what stays the same and what changes.