Damüls–Mellau – Faschina (Schneereich)
Piste Overview
Blue
28 km (32%)
Red
50 km (57%)
Black
10 km (11%)
Ski Route
21 km
Total: 88 km
Lift System
Gondolas
Chairlifts
T-Bar Lifts
Aerial Trams
Total: 20 lifts
Slope Map
Resort Review
Large interconnected ski area in the Bregenz Forest with 109 km of pistes, plenty of red runs, and 21 km of ski routes. Strong freeride/park options; après-ski is more low-key.
Advantages
- 109 km of pistes plus 21 km of ski routes: plenty of variety for several days.
- An ideal set-up for mixed-ability groups: multiple access points and dedicated beginner/children’s areas in Damüls, Mellau and Faschina.
- Freestyle and freeride are integral parts of the experience (park lines/kids’ area, courses and guiding services).
Disadvantages
- Après-ski is rather low-key; those looking for a party will find only a few isolated spots.
- Some outlying areas feel less comfortable in terms of lift access (in part due to older/more exposed lifts, according to guest feedback).
- Snow and piste quality is not consistently perceived as uniform in user reviews (especially during weaker periods).
A ski circuit for “several days without repetition” – and still easy to plan
Damüls–Mellau–Faschina (Schneereich) is a connected ski circuit in the Bregenzerwald/Great Walser Valley, with 109 km of pistes and 29 lifts. With an altitude range of around 710 m to 2,051 m, the area has a distinctly alpine character—without a glacier.
What stands out is the combination of sporty main arteries and well-placed beginner zones at several entry points (Damüls, Mellau, Faschina). That makes the area work both for “skiing lots” and for mixed-ability groups—provided you agree clear meeting points/sections in advance.
Strong red focus, with ski routes as a second layer
The piste mix is clearly varied, but with a mid-level emphasis: 28 km blue, 50 km red, 10 km black. On top of that there are 21 km of ski routes (marked but not groomed)—a major day-to-day advantage for variety, without necessarily having to head “into the backcountry.”
Many of the lifts feel modern and comfort-oriented (including several detachable 6-seater chairs and gondolas). At the same time, guests occasionally mention older, more exposed installations on the fringes (e.g. towards Glatthorn), which can be noticeable on cold days.
Snow conditions are usually strong thanks to the altitude – but weather is still weather
The area is positioned as snow-sure; its elevation and the mix of sunny and north-facing slopes are a plausible reason. A practical note from user feedback: in low-snow or intermittently warm periods, even here (as everywhere) people mention rocks/bare patches and limited openings.
Freestyle with progression: long lines, plus a dedicated kids’ zone
The Damüls Snowpark features multiple areas and a long “run” concept (an all-mountain line) with separate difficulty levels, plus a kids’ setup in the conveyor-belt area. Pro features/lines are explicitly provided for advanced riders; overall, the offer is more “freestyle as a building block” than a pure contest hub.
Freeride: lots of options – best with know-how or a guide
With 21 km of ski routes and expansive terrain, Schneereich has a clear freeride DNA. On site there are guided offers/courses including a strong safety focus (avalanche transceiver/briefing), which is helpful if you don’t know the terrain or want to venture beyond the ski routes.
Family-friendly thanks to multiple kids’ worlds – the size calls for structure
For families, the area scores with practice zones/conveyor belts in several villages as well as clearly defined children’s areas (e.g. kids’ worlds/Bunny Club) and childcare options right on the mountain or within the ski area. To keep the day relaxed, it pays to choose sectors deliberately (first “easy and wide,” later more sporty)—otherwise, in a ski circuit like this, it’s easy to get spread out.
Après-ski is more selective – but there’s a solid supporting programme (sledging/hiking/cross-country)
Après-ski exists, but in reviews/experience reports it’s usually described as not party-centric. Away from the pistes you’ll find, among other things, natural toboggan runs, winter hiking trails and cross-country options; and night skiing in Faschina is a recurring extra.
Detailed Ratings
With 109 km of pistes and a clear emphasis on reds, Schneereich is ideal for sporty pleasure skiers and advanced riders; on top of that, 21 km of ski routes add welcome variety. The linked ski area is big enough for several days, yet still easy to navigate. Lift comfort is largely modern, though a few outlying sectors may feel more basic and a little older.
The snowpark is a visible, integral part of the area: several lines, a clear progression concept, and a dedicated kids’ setup make it suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. For more ambitious riders, pro lines and features are provided; overall it’s versatile rather than extreme.
21 km of marked ski routes and expansive terrain give the area a distinct freeride character. The fact that local ski schools offer courses/guiding including safety equipment fits perfectly with alpine reality (the ski routes are not groomed).
Families benefit from several practice and children’s areas in the individual villages, as well as childcare services. To ensure the ski area doesn’t feel “too big,” fixed meeting points and sector planning are a great help.
Après-ski is available, but the destination is generally described as sporty and tranquil rather than a party hotspot. Those looking specifically to celebrate should adjust their expectations accordingly.
Away from the pistes, tobogganing, winter hiking, and cross-country skiing are the obvious choices; as an extra, there’s also night skiing in Faschina. It’s a solid, family-friendly line-up, even if it doesn’t replace a full-fledged “town/shopping” programme.