Everything before your first turn.
Anything not answered here — ask Nina directly.
Ask a questionWho guides boutiq.ski trips?
Most Arlberg experiences are guided personally by Nina Gigele, a fully certified Austrian ski instructor and ski mountain guide, ski coach (C-Trainer) and author of Inside the Arlberg. Her qualifications allow her to run her own ski school and to guide off-piste, freeride, heliski and ski touring terrain. If Nina isn't available, guests ski with a guide of the same standard or an IFMGA-certified mountain guide.
Does Nina guide every trip?
Arlberg experiences are guided by Nina or her team, and Nina also guides Niseko, Portillo and Sail & Ski Finnmark in person. Partner expeditions are run with the leading local experts in each region (Deplar Farm, Andes Heliboarding, SEABA, Northern Alpine Guides, Moondance) and guided by their certified guides. Nina curates each one personally and tailors it to your group, dates and goals.
Why book a private guide with boutiq.ski rather than another Arlberg guide?
Nina Gigele wrote Inside the Arlberg, and researching the book took her far beyond the ski runs: the region's history, its huts and restaurants, and the corners most visitors never find. She plans the whole day, not only the skiing: the right runs for the conditions, the right lunch spot at the right time, and extras like torchlight hikes.
How does booking work?
Set dates and guiding days are booked and paid online at boutiq.ski, with instant confirmation. For anything tailored, Nina works as your concierge and builds the trip around your inquiry. Details are then arranged directly with Nina, usually via WhatsApp.
What is the cancellation policy?
Bookings are generally non-refundable, because each trip is reserved in advance with guides, hotels and partners. Full conditions are in our terms and conditions.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Every guest needs travel insurance with cancellation cover, plus cover for mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation. In the Arlberg, the Arlberg Safety Card (€30 for up to 8 days) helps cover helicopter rescue costs.
How do I get to the Arlberg?
The nearest airports are Innsbruck (about 1 hour), Zurich (about 2.5 to 3 hours by train) and Munich (about 3.5 hours), depending on where you stay. boutiq.ski can arrange the Arlberg Express or a private transfer.
When is the Arlberg guiding season?
From the lift opening on 2 December 2026 until the end of April 2027. In late spring, Nina guides in Svalbard, Norway and other parts of the Alps.
Can I give a boutiq.ski experience as a gift?
Yes, with a digital gift voucher from €100, valid for 12 months.