Small ski resorts in Austria are the ski destinations that mile-eaters prefer to ignore. No excess piste kilometres, just a handful of slopes. But they are perfect for beginners and families with small children. Moreover, these ski areas are usually far less crowded, and queues for the ski lifts are rare. Are you looking for a small ski resort in Austria? You'll find 12 recommendations in this article.
Skiing in small ski resorts in Austria
Not everyone enjoys a large ski area with many kilometres of pistes. In fact, there are plenty of skiers who avoid such destinations on purpose. Instead, they prefer small ski resorts with only a handful of lifts and slopes. Well-organized and manageable ski areas with a cosy atmosphere, plenty of space to practice and no masses. A place where everyone can have a good time without getting lost. You will find plenty of small ski resorts in Austria. Read on for our recommendations.
1. Sonntag-Stein: 7 km of slopes
Sonntag-Stein is located in Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal in Vorarlberg. It boasts two slopes with a total length of 7 kilometres. You will also find a ski trail and toboggan run. From the valley, a cable car takes you to the slopes in about 7 minutes. There you'll find another lift that accesses both slopes. This resort is very popular with families and winter hikers.
2. Mutterer Alm: 15 km of slopes
Are you staying near Innsbruck? Then you can access 13 different ski areas with the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai - Innsbruck, among others, the Mutterer Alm near Mutters and Götzens. This small and cosy Austrian ski area boasts some 15 km of slopes, set in a wooded area. This is a wonderful place to be when there's a fresh layer of snow, as you can see in the picture below.
3. Schetteregg: 11 km of slopes
Centrally located in the Bregenz Forest region (Bregenzerwald), the Schetteregg ski resort offers around 11 km of slopes. Families will find attractive options for affordable winter holidays with children here. In Schettiland, children can playfully learn how to make their first turns. With more experience, they can soon move on to the rest of the area, where you'll regularly bump into each other because the resort is so small.
4. Fendels: 15 km of slopes
With 15 km of slopes, Fendels is one of Austria's smaller ski resorts. Located at the beginning of the Kaunertal valley, the ski area is an ideal destination for families with young children and beginners. The slopes reach an altitude of 2,000 metres and are very snow-assured. The little ones can learn their first turns in BIBI-Land. In the surroundings, you can take beautiful hikes or make a trip to the Kaunertal Glacier. With one ski pass, you can access both ski areas (Fendel and the Kaunertal Glacier), which makes this resort a little bigger.
5. Karkogel: 9 km of slopes
The Karkogel ski area is located on the outskirts of Abtenau village. It features 9 km of slopes, offering something for everyone. There are two black runs, a beautiful red valley run and a handful of blue runs. If you get bored with these, you can head to the nearby Skiregion Dachstein-West.
6. Filzmoos: 20 km of slopes
Filzmoos is a small but cosy ski resort, located between the villages of Neuberg and Filzmoos. It offers around 20 km of slopes, spread across the Roßbrand and Großberg mountains. It is part of Ski amadé, one of Austria's largest ski regions with over 750 km of slopes. Filzmoos is very popular with families with children. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are also excellent cross-country skiing and winter hiking opportunities.
7. Planneralm: 16 km of slopes
From Styria's highest mountain village, you can access the Planneralm ski area with some 16 km of slopes. This very convenient ski destination is particularly suitable for families. All accommodation is located on or near the slopes, so you never have to lug your ski equipment very far.
8. Innsbrucker Nordkette: 10,7 km of slopes
From Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, you'll reach Nordkette in no time. This panoramic mountain is part of the Karwendel Nature Park. It boasts stunning 360° views of the city and its surroundings. With 10,75 km of slopes, the Nordkette definitely belongs on the list of Austria's smallest ski resorts. However, this ski area is small but challenging! You'll find mostly ski routes here, including one of the steepest ski routes in Europe, the Haflekar.
9. Postalm: 12 km of slopes
The Postalm ski resort is situated in the heart of the Salzkammergut region, close to lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee) and just a short hour's drive from Salzburg. The ski area is small but incredibly pleasant, featuring just 12 km of slopes and six lifts. It's a wonderful place for children and beginners to learn to ski in a peaceful environment. You can also try the numerous fine mountain huts and explore the beautiful area on foot. Ski passes are slightly cheaper here - another plus point for this resort.
10. Vent: 15 km of slopes
If you drive a bit further from Sölden, you will come across the exit to the cosy village of Vent. It's not a very crowded destination, so it's a perfect choice for families and those looking for peace and quiet. The Vent ski area has 15 km of slopes, accessed by four ski lifts. Moreover, it offers stunning views of Tyrol's highest mountain, the Wildspitze.
11. Rauris: 32,5 km of slopes
Rauris boasts just over 32 km of slopes and is thus one of the bigger resorts on our list. It is known for its convivial character and varied pistes, suitable for all levels. Moreover, it is ideal for families and beginners. The resort's highest point reaches an altitude of 2,175 metres. On a clear day, you can also see the Großglockner, Austria's highest mountain.
12. Patscherkofel: 18,6 km of slopes
Patscherkofel is another small ski area, located about 6,5 km from Innsbruck. It offers 18,6 km of slopes and owes its fame to the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. While skiing there, you can follow in the footsteps of all the ski stars who've ever competed in Patscherkofel. Most pistes are marked red.
About Nina Jan
I grew up in Slovenia, close to the Julian Alps. Early on, my parents put me on skis and skates, and the winter sports enthusiasm hasn't left me since. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and have been a keen snowboarder for the past 20 years.