It has been a known snow magnet for decades, so to actually ski Damüls Mellau in neck deep POW shouldn’t have come as a surprise. But it didn’t come easy. The most hectic January winter blizzard in years was on its way to burying Vorarlberg in 4m of snow. Avalanche dangers were cat 4 & 5. Storm force winds were limiting ski lift openings. Was fantastic!

Our first day saw us learn a hard lesson though. Driving up to Damuels in the blinding storm, our search for terrain led us across to the interlinked Mellau. When the gondola linking back to Damuels closed before lunch, our group was stranded on the wrong side of the vast resort area. With only 2 of the 4 intrepid skiers with climbing skins, the only option proffered by resort staff was the local bus service all the way back around the valley. Thankfully Austria has amazing local bus services that are free with a lift pass. It took 1.5hr but we got backs to Damüls & skied some stellar powder in the afternoon until last lifts. A very late lunch plus drinks in the Schwartenstadel Skihütte rounded out a fabulous day of adventure.

The following day was full on. Serious avalanche danger saw Damuels closed. Two of us gradually felt our way into more interesting terrain above Mellau & reaped a serious harvest of powder. Only a handful of other skiers were equipped to venture into powder, even though it was at deep & unsullied just next to any groomed run. Nothing makes one smile more than a fresh line in waist to neck-deep powder. Ah the joys of being Powderhounds.

The lifts & facilities across the resort are sensational. As good as anywhere in the world. Piste trails are a delight for novice to intermediate. The ski down toward the St Nikolaus church above the village at Damüls is a classic. The long 7km+ descent into Mellau will keep most happy. Everywhere else, typically well prepared Austrian groomed runs abound. Mountain restaurants are all good. Plenty of low-key après ski options around.

For advanced riders though, there are caveats to consider when visiting . Relatively short verticals off most lifts, relatively low elevation overall (below 2000m) & not a huge number of steeps (some notable exceptions).So doing a reconnaissance on a sunny day to scope the best terrain for powder will pay dividends. For everyone else, Damüls can be wonderful anytime.

Whilst some in our group did see the resort in sunshine, we did not but that’s OK. Our lasting images of Damuels Mellau will be a whiteout with blowing snow & skis disappearing into super-dry powder. Shall return one day in January to see what it all actually looks like & ski more neck-deep!
See our video here

This is a funny little place, that isn't little at all, it is a combination of funny little places that make it a huge ski area.
There were options for everyone and it was easy to find fresh powder beside the groomed runs.
Didn't have much competition for fresh snow and the lift lines were non existent.
Quirky little restaurants.
What fun:-)
See our video here

At the end of a long family European holiday the five of us ventured here and were not disappointed.

We pre booked our accommodation at the wonderful Haus Felder in Au which was a second floor fully self contained apartment within the Felder family home. This place is highly recommended for price and the friendly caring hosts who had never received guests from Australia before. What a treat! But beware, you will be plied with much schnapps from Mr Felder and it is rude to say no.

We had our own vehicle and it was just a short drive to the Damüls carpark but it is easily accessible by the free buses that run regularly between ski areas and villages. We spent 2 consecutive days here skiing between Damüls and Mellau after a massive snow storm dumped it across most of western Europe. The weather delivered up everything but the snow quality was excellent with plenty of powder to be found and fast piste runs for the less advanced amongst us.

This place caters for all standards so you can happily leave the others to their own devices while you get your powder fix. There are long cruisey trails amongst the trees as well and a ski tunnel to keep it interesting. If the weather clears, do yourself a favour and take in the stunning view from the top of the Gipfelbahn lift. Most rewarding indeed.

Day 2 was a bit windier and we got caught out in Mellau when the higher lifting gondola was put on hold. No drama though, just a bus trip back to Damüls with some extra unscheduled sight seeing. Once back there we played around the Sunnegg lift for a bit and finished the day at the gem of an eatery called Skihütte Schwartenstadel, situated at the bottom of said lift. Not much to look at from the outside but inside was very comfortable amid a rustic decor with very cheerful and accommodating staff and beer and dessert's to die for. Heaven in a skihütte.

The ski area is quite well priced for all the terrain on offer. In Damüls there are very good locker and change room facilities if you don't have your own vehicle. There are also a few good lunch restaurants to the right of the Uga lift and for crowds there wasn't much to speak of so happy days for us! Most of the lifts looked fairly new and in great order. The gondola's are a very relaxing ride and affords time to soak in the views and the weather shields on the chairs are appreciated when the wind whips through.

All up we loved the place for the great skiing and relaxed village life in Au and Schoppernau. Be sure to grab a drink in the bar of the Alpen Hotel Post in Au and enjoy the snow fluffing down from the balcony. But don't expect wild nightlife. This is traditional Austrian village life with locals who like it just the way it is. We were initially looking at accommodation in Bregenz then driving up to ski but it was far better to be in the villages plus a whole lot cheaper than the big smoke on the lake, as beautiful as that would have been.

Be sure to head to Damüls for your powder fix if it's puking because this place just sucks it in.
See our video here

Great area when there is powder.
See our video here