When it comes to ski areas in Tyrol, names like Ischgl, Kitzbühel or Sölden quickly come to mind. There is snow there almost all winter long, there are modern lifts, well-groomed slopes and a lot to experience. However, something similar is also offered elsewhere: in places that are still considered a real insider tip.
Particularly an area in the Alps has everything winter fans love. It is located away from the hotspots, is smaller, quieter, honest and, on top of that, surprisingly cheap.
Little-known ski area in Tyrol
It is surrounded by mighty three-thousanders in the Hohe Tauern National Park, in the east of Tyrol, not far from the border with South Tyrol. From Lienz or Kitzbühel you can get there in just over an hour, from Munich in about four. The main town has 1000 inhabitants and attracts with nice hotels, good restaurants and all kinds of offers Winter sports and a lot of comfort.
Breathtaking panorama, extensive and not overpriced slopes: this ski area offers it all
In St. Jakob in Defereggental the clocks are also ticking Skisaison a little slower.
Affordable slope paradise
The ski area has been awarded the Tyrolean piste quality seal, offers around 25 kilometers of pistes from easy to difficult, seven lifts (chair lifts, drag lift, gondola lift) and wonderfully wide slopes up to a height of over 2,500 meters. There is none there Crowd at the elevatorthere are no traffic jams on the valley road and still perfect snow from December to April.
Families in particular appreciate the clarity of the area: anyone who takes the kids to ski school can practically watch them learn from the sun terrace at the valley station. And while elsewhere in the Alps the ski pass in high season is often 80 to 90 euros per day costsadults in St. Jakob only pay 70 euros and children pay half.
St. Jakob is idyllically located in the Defereggental
Hotels often have bargains too
Hotels and family-run guesthouses are also significantly cheaper than in the Winter-hotspots. If you book in time, you will get a centrally located double room for 80 euros. Even for a short one Vacation Comfortable accommodation can now be booked over Christmas, sometimes for well under 200 euros per night. The cuisine is also down-to-earth: there are cheese dumplings, Gröstl, donuts and Kaiserschmarrn at moderate prices.
Lots of snow and space, plus sun: this is what an ideal ski area looks like around St. Jakob
More nature and sun, less hustle and bustle
What makes St. Jakob particularly special is its tranquility. No après-ski escalation, no mass tourism. Instead: snow-covered forests, glittering peaks and the feeling of being in the middle of the real Tyrol. And if you need a break from skiing, you can go winter hiking or snowshoeing.
Because the valley is south-facing, it receives many hours of sunshine and is still considered snow-sure. The microclimate on the main Alpine ridge ensures dry powder snow, while the sun warms the terraces.