Damüls-Mellau Resort Overview
Located in the heart of the Bregenzerwald mountain range, Damüls-Mellau sits at an elevation of 1,430m with the highest ski lift soaring to 2,020m. The resort links the villages of Damüls and Mellau, creating one of the largest ski areas in the Vorarlberg region of Austria.
Established in the 1930s and expanded in 2009, the resort offers a host of accommodation options, from traditional wooden chalets to modern, luxury ski-in-ski-out hotels. With an average annual snowfall of over 9 metres, Damüls-Mellau is reputed to be ones of the snowiest villages in the world and generally guarantees excellent skiing conditions from December to April.
Skiing in Damüls-Mellau
Damüls-Mellau offers a fantastic skiing experience for all skill levels. The resort provides access to 29 lifts and over 109km of pistes, ensuring that there is a variety of terrain for everyone to enjoy.
For beginners, there are gentle, broad slopes and snow parks where they can hone their skills. The Mellau side of the resort is particularly suitable for beginners and early intermediates, offering a variety of blue runs and wide, open spaces perfect for practising turns.
For intermediate and advanced skiers, Damüls-Mellau offers a wealth of red and black runs, including the challenging Hasenbühel and Walisgaden runs. The off-piste skiing opportunities are also plentiful, with some excellent deep snow and tree skiing available.
Snowboarders and freestyle skiers are well catered for with the Damüls Snowpark, featuring a variety of fun boxes, rails and jumps.
Is Damüls-Mellau Family-friendly?
Damüls-Mellau is an excellent ski resort for families, with a range of family-friendly accommodation options and a wealth of activities on and off the slopes. The car-free centre of Damüls ensures a safe environment for children, and the resort offers a host of amenities including a sledging hill, a children’s ski area and an ice skating rink.
Après-Ski Scene in Damüls-Mellau
Damüls-Mellau boasts a vibrant après-ski scene with numerous cosy mountain huts and bars. The umbrella bar at the base of the Uga Express lift in Damüls is a popular spot for a sundowner, while the Sternenbar in Mellau is renowned for its lively atmosphere and live music.
Dining in Damüls-Mellau
Damüls-Mellau offers a variety of dining options, both on the mountain and in the village. For a traditional Austrian experience, try the Gasthof Walisgaden, a mountain hut with panoramic views and hearty local dishes. The Berggasthof Elsenalpstube is another excellent choice for those in search of local cuisine and a cosy, rustic atmosphere.
How to Get to Damüls-Mellau
The three closest airports to Damüls-Mellau are Friedrichshafen (1h 30m), Memmingen (1h 45m) and Zurich (2h). Regular shuttle services run from these airports to the resort. If you prefer to drive, Damüls-Mellau is easily accessible via the A14 motorway and offers ample parking facilities.
Damüls-Mellau Insider Tips
- Head to the top of the Ragazer Blanken lift for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Experience the thrill of night skiing on the floodlit piste at the Uga lift every Wednesday.
- Take a break from skiing and try winter hiking or snowshoeing on the many trails around the resort.
- Don’t miss the traditional Vorarlberg specialities at the Hohes Licht mountain restaurant.