Skiing in winter doesn’t always have to be on a grand scale; sometimes, smaller is better. After all, away from the well-known ski hubs such as Ischgl, Tignes, Sestriere and Arosa, there are small ski resorts that turn out to be real hidden gems. With a compact range of slopes, plenty of peace and quiet, an authentic atmosphere and fair prices, these places offer exactly what many snow lovers are looking for: a skiing holiday without the crowds. SnowTrex knows exactly where winter sports enthusiasts can expect skiing fun combined with cosy huts and shorter lift queues, and reveals where ten of the best small ski resorts in the European mountains are located.
An overview of 10 of the best small ski resorts
| Ski Resort | Country | Slope Kilometers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reinswald Ski Resort | Italy | 22 | up to 2,460 m |
| Schwemmalm Ski Resort | Italy | 27 | up to 2,625 m |
| Oberstaufen Ski Resort | Germany | 53 | up to 1,708 m |
| Pinzolo Ski Resort | Italy | 30 | up to 2,101 m |
| Silvapark Ski Resort | Austria | 37 | up to 2,300 m |
| Avoriaz Ski Resort | France | 53 | up to 2,225 m |
| Rauris - Hochalm Ski Resort | Austria | 33 | up to 2,175 m |
| Skiarena Bergeralm | Austria | 29 | up to 2,180 m |
| Fichtelberg - Oberwiesenthal Ski Resort | Germany | 16 | up to 1,215 m |
| San Martino di Castrozza Ski Resort | Italy | 60 | up to 1,215 m |
Reinswald Ski Resort (Italy)
- Slope length: 22 km
- Altitude: up to 2,460 m
- Highlights: a sunny family ski resort in the Sarntal valley at an altitude of up to 2,460 m, with 22 km of slopes and a peaceful atmosphere away from the major Dolomite ski resorts.
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Tucked away in the South Tyrolean Sarntal valley, Reinswald is one of the sunniest ski resorts in the region and is perfect for families. This cosy ski resort stretches from 1,570 m to 2,460 m in altitude, with a total of 22 km of slopes served by four lifts. And it is precisely in this peaceful atmosphere that winter sports enthusiasts with children can enjoy a relaxing break amidst the unspoilt mountain landscape of South Tyrol, far away from the hustle and bustle of the major Dolomite ski resorts. The Reinswald ski area offers a variety of slopes which, thanks to their sunny location, are ideal for carving turns in the snow in peace, whilst the day’s skiing is rounded off in rustic alpine huts with South Tyrolean delicacies. A true skier’s dream, especially for parents with children!
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Schwemmalm Ski Resort (Italy)
- Slope length: 27 km
- Altitude: up to 2,625 m
- Highlights: a real hidden gem in the Ulten Valley with 27 km of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,625 m, guaranteed snow all winter round and offering wide runs for families and leisure skiers alike.
The picturesque village of St. Walburg lies in the unspoilt Ulten Valley in South Tyrol and is a real hidden gem for skiers seeking peace and quiet both on and off the slopes. The Schwemmalm ski area itself boasts a total of 27 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,625 metres, ensuring guaranteed snow cover throughout the entire winter. The dense forests, snow-covered alpine pastures and views of the Ulten mountain range create an idyllic Alpine atmosphere perfect for relaxation. The ski resort itself also impresses with its predominantly wide, gentle runs, making it ideal for leisurely skiers and families. Here, you can experience the authentic South Tyrol away from mass tourism, including local specialities such as the Ultner Bauernkrapfen, which are, of course, served in the mountain huts.
Oberstaufen Ski Resort (Germany)
- Kilometres of slopes: 53 km
- Altitude: up to 1,708 m
- Highlights: Ski network in the Allgäu with 53 km of slopes across four sub-resorts at altitudes of up to 1,708 m, offering not only varied skiing fun for families and beginners but also night skiing and the Hochgrat run for advanced skiers.
The Oberstaufen ski resort in the Allgäu combines four smaller ski areas in one. With the “Oberstaufen PLUS Card”, winter sports enthusiasts gain access to the Sinswang, Hochgrat, Hündle/Thalkirchdorf and SkiArena Steibis ski resorts, which together offer 53 kilometres of slopes. The start of the highest run is at an altitude of 1,708 m. Families and beginners in particular appreciate the ideal conditions offered by the Allgäu ski quartet, with wide yet easy to moderately difficult slopes, where night skiing is also available in winter. However, deep-snow experts will also find plenty to enjoy here in the Alpine foothills, for example on the steep Hochgrat run, which is up to 6 km long. And for those who successfully tackle it, a charming town centre with cosy après-ski options awaits in Oberstaufen after a long day’s skiing.
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Pinzolo Ski Resort (Italy)
- Slope length: 30 km
- Altitude: up to 2,101 m
- Highlights: a charming ski resort in Trentino with 30 km of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,100 m, which, with its gentle slopes and children’s programme, is ideal for families and beginners, whilst also being more affordable than the neighbouring Madonna di Campiglio.
The idyllic town of Pinzolo in Trentino, northern Italy, is often unfairly overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Madonna di Campiglio. After all, the Pinzolo ski resort not only boasts its own unique charm, but also 30 kilometres of manageable slopes at altitudes of up to 2,100 metres. Here, families and beginners can enjoy ideal snow conditions in winter. The gentle slopes on the Doss del Sabion are perfect for those first turns, and a dedicated children’s programme ensures that the little ones are well looked after whilst their parents hit the slopes. What’s more, Pinzolo is easier on the wallet, with prices often lower than in the more upmarket Madonna. And for those who still want more variety on the mountain, there is of course the larger Madonna di Campiglio ski area (60 km of slopes) right on the doorstep to explore.
Silvapark Ski Resort (Austria)
- Kilometres of slopes: 37 km
- Altitude: up to 2,300 m
- Highlights: a family-friendly ski resort in the Paznaun Valley with guaranteed snow and 43 km of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,300 m, which is quieter than neighbouring Ischgl and features easy-to-navigate slopes and facilities for children.
Galtür is the highest-altitude ski village in the region, situated at the end of the Paznaun Valley in Tyrol. The Silvapark ski area extends up to an altitude of 2,300 metres and boasts 43 kilometres of slopes. As a family ski resort with guaranteed snow and a destination for beginners’ skiing holidays, it is thus significantly quieter than neighbouring Ischgl. In addition to clearly laid-out slopes and facilities for children, parents and their little ones in Galtür also appreciate the relaxed atmosphere without long queues at the lifts. Overall, the ski resort is divided into different sectors for beginners, advanced skiers and leisure skiers, ensuring that every winter sports enthusiast gets their money’s worth. From easy, wide slopes to challenging runs and even ski routes, everything is on offer.
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Avoriaz Ski Resort (France)
- Ski runs: 53 km
- Altitude: up to 2,225 m
- Highlights: Surrounding the car-free ski village in the French Alps are 53 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,225 m. The resort is best known for its ski-in/ski-out facilities, charming architecture and snow parks for freestylers.
Nestled in the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil ski region (580 km of slopes), Avoriaz is a car-free ski village situated at an altitude of 1,800 m. Consequently, horse-drawn sleighs rather than cars characterise this village, which ranks among the snowiest ski resorts in France. Yet the connection to the Avoriaz ski area is so good that winter sports enthusiasts can ski straight from many of the accommodation options through the village and on to the valley stations. A total of 53 kilometres of slopes await here, reaching altitudes of up to 2,225 metres. And despite its location within this mega-ski region, Avoriaz has retained the charm of a small ski resort, as its distinctive architecture of wood and slate blends harmoniously into the mountain landscape; after a day’s skiing, a spectacular water park and cosy bars and restaurants beckon. With several snow parks, the resort is also an insider’s tip for freestylers.
Rauris – Hochalm Ski Area (Austria)
- Kilometres of slopes: 33 km
- Altitude: up to 2,175 m
- Highlights: a compact ski resort in the Salzburg region with 32 km of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,175 m, which is ideal for families thanks to its easy to moderately difficult runs and also impresses with its unspoilt atmosphere away from mass tourism.
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The tranquil village of Rauris is situated in the Salzburg region, in the heart of the Rauris Valley, and boasts its very own local ski resort, Rauris – Hochalm, which comprises around 32 kilometres of slopes and 10 lifts, reaching altitudes of up to 2,175 m. Families and leisure skiers in particular love the predominantly easy to moderately difficult runs, whilst advanced skiers also get their money’s worth here, for example on the 5 km-long valley run or on deep-snow routes. Overall, Rauris offers a pleasantly quiet and unspoilt atmosphere compared to the major ski resorts, as the ski area lies far away from the mass tourism of the large ski resorts in the Salzburg region, such as Zell am See-Kaprun or Maria Alm.
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Ski Arena Bergeralm ski resort (Austria)
- Slope length: 29 km
- Altitude: up to 2,180 m
- Highlights: a compact Tyrolean ski resort with 29 km of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,180 m, combining family-friendly facilities with a children’s area, sporting challenges with the extremely steep ‘Manni-Pranger’ slope, and night skiing on 9 km of floodlit runs.
The Skiarena Bergeralm ski resort in Steinach am Brenner impressively demonstrates that, when it comes to Tyrolean ski resorts, small and versatile are not mutually exclusive. A total of 29 kilometres of slopes await visitors in this compact, family-friendly ski resort. Here, parents can enjoy the sun on the panoramic terrace whilst their children let off steam in the practice area with the magic carpet or during a ski lesson. Ambitious skiers, on the other hand, are likely to feel most at home in Steinach around the summit of the Nösslachjoch, where several challenging black and red runs begin at altitudes of up to 2,180 metres, including the legendary ‘Manni-Pranger’ run, which, with a gradient of up to 46 degrees, is one of the steepest runs in the world! Another highlight for winter sports enthusiasts in the Wipptal is night skiing, as with more than 9 km of floodlit slopes, the Bergeralm is one of the largest night-skiing areas in Europe.
Fichtelberg – Oberwiesenthal Ski Resort (Germany)
- Slope length: 16 km
- Altitude: up to 1,215 m
- Highlights: Surrounding the highest-altitude spa town, 16 kilometres of slopes await at altitudes of up to 1,215 m, where the ski resort shines with a family-friendly children’s area, a challenging FIS race course and 100 snow cannons ensuring reliable snow cover.
Situated at an altitude of 914 m, Oberwiesenthal in the Ore Mountains is Germany’s highest spa town and home to the Fichtelberg – Oberwiesenthal ski resort. With the InterSkiregion Fichtelberg/Klínovec ski pass, winter sports enthusiasts here have access to 16 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 1,215 m. Most of the runs are easy to moderately difficult, making the ski resort particularly popular with families. For the little ones, there is a children’s area with a magic carpet and a ski kindergarten, whilst experienced skiers can try out the 1.2 km long FIS race course on the Fichtelberg. A modern snowmaking system with over 100 snow cannons also ensures that the slopes never run out of snow in winter. The village of Oberwiesenthal also offers a cosy atmosphere and the charm of the Ore Mountains.
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San Martino di Castrozza Ski Resort (Italy)
- Ski runs: 60 km
- Altitude: up to 2,357 m
- Highlights: a charming ski resort in the Dolomites with 60 km of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,357 m, offering a free ski bus as well as gentle runs for beginners and super-difficult descents for experts.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomites, with the Pala Group (reaching 3,192 m) and thus on the border with Trentino, lies the charming ski resort of San Martino di Castrozza. The San Martino di Castrozza ski area is a hit with winter sports enthusiasts thanks to its compact layout, offering just around 60 kilometres of slopes at a snow-sure altitude of 2,357 m. Visitors can then make use of the free ski bus, which connects the slopes at Passo Rolle, in the Alpe Tognola Ski Arena and at Col Verde. There is something for all ability levels here, from the wide, leisurely runs on the sunny Passo Rolle to the black run ‘Direttissima’ from Cima Tognola.
And if that’s not enough, San Martino is part of the world’s largest ski area, Dolomiti Superski, with almost 1,200 kilometres of slopes! In the village itself, however, the atmosphere is a little more relaxed, whether you’re strolling through the centre with its shops and cafés or enjoying hearty Trentino cuisine in rustic restaurants.
ski-resorts-with-free-ski-passes-for-children“>Ski resorts with free ski passes for children
Small ski resorts are generally considered quieter and therefore more family-friendly. But where in the Alps are there ski resorts that offer free ski passes for children? A question that SnowTrex can answer in full. Our range includes no fewer than 65 ski resorts where, under certain conditions, the little ones can actually ski for free! And this is available in Austria, Italy, France or Germany, not only in small ski resorts but also in large ski areas such as the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental (270 km of slopes), the Dolomiti Superski ski region (1,200 km of slopes), Les 3 Vallées (600 km of slopes) or the Garmisch-Classic, Zugspitze ski resort (60 km of slopes).
FAQ on small ski resorts
What are the advantages of a small ski resort?
Small ski resorts score highly mainly for their compact size and tranquillity. This is because there are rarely queues at the lifts, the slopes are less crowded and the atmosphere is often more personal and cosy. They also impress with their authentic charm, friendly atmosphere and often more affordable prices for ski passes and accommodation.
Who is a holiday in a small ski resort suitable for?
A skiing holiday in a small ski resort is ideal for families, beginners and those seeking relaxation. Parents appreciate the clearly laid-out piste areas, where children are less likely to get lost, as well as the children’s play areas that are often available. But couples and winter sports enthusiasts seeking peace and quiet also feel at home in small ski resorts, as away from the crowds they can enjoy the mountain idyll to the full. And last but not least, budget travellers get their money’s worth here too, as smaller resorts are usually more affordable.
Are ski passes cheaper in small ski resorts?
Yes, as a rule, the prices for ski passes and often the additional costs are lower in smaller ski resorts than in large ones. For example, SnowTrex offers attractive package deals in many smaller ski resorts, such as accommodation including a ski pass or family offers. Thanks to these attractive prices, small ski resorts are particularly suitable for holidaymakers who want to keep an eye on their budget without having to miss out on fun on the slopes.
Do small ski resorts offer enough variety for experienced skiers too?
Here too, the answer is ‘yes’, as many small ski resorts offer real challenges even for advanced skiers. These come in the form of individual black runs, special freeride routes and fun parks. Furthermore, winter sports enthusiasts can generally ski their favourite run more often in smaller resorts, as there are fewer crowds, meaning they automatically spend more time skiing than queuing. For very ambitious skiers, it’s also worth checking out combined ski pass options before your trip. This is because small ski resorts are often part of larger ski regions, meaning you can explore several resorts with a single ski pass.
