52 km
1400 m - 2525 m
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Test report St. Jakob in the Defereggental/Brunnalm
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort St. Jakob in the Defereggental/Brunnalm
Total result: 3.7 out of 5 stars
Test St. Jakob in the Defereggental/Brunnalm
The review St. Jakob in the Defereggental/Brunnalm was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Further evaluation criteria
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In detail: Test report for ski resort St. Jakob in the Defereggental/Brunnalm
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
The St. Jakob in the Defereggental ski resort is the third largest ski resort in East Tyrol and offers more than 1,100 metres in altitude difference with 96 hectares of skiing terrain.
Runs/slopes
Altitude difference
1125 m (Valley 1400 m - Mountain 2525 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
7
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 4 ← 1
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 4 ← 1
There are great, wide carving runs in the upper part of the ski resort. These slopes are located above the treeline. Besides a few easy slopes, most of the slopes are intermediate. The two valley runs go through a forested area - one is an intermediate run and the other is difficult. In the valley, there are some easy slopes for practicing.
Runs/slopes
Total 52 km
Easy
27 km
(52 %)Intermediate
20 km
(38 %)Difficult
5 km
(10 %)
Longest run
6.8 km
Run location
above tree line, under tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run available
- Public race course with time measurement
- Skiline
Skiers access the ski resort with the 6 person Brunnalm gondola lift. At the top, the modern 6 person Weissspitz chair lift with bubbles, the 3 person Mooserberg chair lift and the Almspitz t-bar are awaiting guests. There is a beginner's area with two t-bars and a rope tow near the base.
Number of ski lifts
7
Total capacity
10455 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
6.8 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
1
2
3
1
Additional
2
The season begins in November in the St. Jakob in the Defereggental ski resort and skiers can enjoy until the end of April. The comprehensive snow-making and the high altitude guarantee a long season. Even the valley runs are usually open until the end of April.
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
83 Snow canons
80 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
- The valley run is practically always open.
Season 2008/2009
138 Days open
138 Days when valley run open
138 Days when valley run open
Season 2009/2010
128 Days open
128 Days when valley run open
128 Days when valley run open
Photos
The slope preparation is excellent.
Those who get up early can enjoy making the first tracks on the first-class prepared slopes.
Tip: By new snow, an optimal slope prepartion is not always possible, even with a large effort. In addition, the new snow can not combine with the snow lying underneath and moguls are created quickly. For safety reasons, usually no slope preparation is possible during operating times.
Photos
Further evaluation criteria
Those coming from the north can get to the Defereggental over Mittsill via the Felbertauer tunnel. From the south, you travel over Lienz. The Defereggental, comprised of the 3 villages of St. Jakob, St. Veit and Hopfgarten, is surrounded by many mountains of 3000m and rises from 1100m to 1500m altitude. In the winter, it is not possible to continue past the end of the valley. In the summer, you can drive over the Staller Sattel (2055m) to Italy. The free parking lot is located directly at the lift.
Access via A12 Inntal-Autobahn, Ausfahrt Kufstein Süd
- Brunnalmbahn (St. Jakob In Defereggen), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 124 km · approx. 119 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
Access via Brenner-Autobahn, Ausfahrt Brixen-Pustertal
- Brunnalmbahn (St. Jakob In Defereggen), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 140 km · approx. 123 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
Access via A10 Tauernautobahn, Ausfahrt Knoten Pongau
- Brunnalmbahn (St. Jakob In Defereggen), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 136 km · approx. 125 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
Access via A10 Tauernautobahn, Ausfahrt Knoten Spittal-Millstätter See
- Brunnalmbahn (St. Jakob In Defereggen), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 108 km · approx. 99 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
Winter Closure
The Staller Sattel is closed in the winter
The Staller Sattel is closed in the winter
Trail map and overview maps:
The trail map depicts the ski resort clearly and can be used well to orientate yourself in the ski resort. The Almspitz lift is shown as being a bit longer than it really is on the map.
The trail map depicts the ski resort clearly and can be used well to orientate yourself in the ski resort. The Almspitz lift is shown as being a bit longer than it really is on the map.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
The sign-posting and slope boundaries are clear. Information boards at the valley and mountain stations help with orientation.
The sign-posting and slope boundaries are clear. Information boards at the valley and mountain stations help with orientation.
The entire ski resort is connected to the public sewage system. Waste separation is practiced throughout the ski resort.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- No direct train connection
- Ski busses
- Scheduled busses
- There are ski buses from Lienz, Huben, Hopfgarten, St. Jakob, Staller Sattel, Mariahilf, St. Veit, Bruggen, and Feistritz to the Brunnalm lift. Use is free with the exception of from Lienz to Huben.
Guests are greeted already in the parking lot. In the ski resort, you can look forward to a friendly "Guten Morgen!" (Good morning!) or a friendly gesture.
All of the mountain restaurants are owned privately. The typical Tyrolean skier menu is usually offered.
7 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Mountain hut tip
-
Eggenhütte
At the red valley run Ta. The turn-off is a bit hidden.
The most rustic restaurant in the ski resort. Typical Tyrolean specialties are served.
-
Weißspitzstubn
At the valley station of the Weissspitz lift
The restaurant has two sections. On the upper floor, there is a bar with a sun terrace. Downstairs there is a self-service restaurant which also has a sun terrace.
Photos
There are various Après-Ski possibilities at the valley station of the gondola lift. Up in the ski resort there is also an umbrella bar at the Mooseralm and cozy places in the mountain restaurants.
-
Sportalm Stadl Kuhstall
At the valley station of the gondola lift
Rustic Après-Ski hut with bar and cozy seating area. Usually pretty popular.
-
Schirmbar Himmelblau
Below the parking lot at the valley station
Photos
The Jesacher Hof is located directly at the valley station. The village of St. Jakob in the Defereggental with its accommodations is 2-3 km away.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are only a few accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Towns/villages
- Hopfgarten in Defereggen
Distance to ski resort 3-5 km - St. Jakob im Defereggental
Distance to ski resort 2-3 km
Guest beds 2660
Note: For the evaluation, only the accommodations which are located directly on the slopes and lifts, or have very easy access to the ski resort have been considered.
Evaluation criteria for special interests
The little snow dwarfs can play as they like at the children's area at the valley station. The next step is made at the practice rope tow nearby and then at the t-bar lifts near the base. Children can improve optimally in the expansive practice area at the base. The manageable ski area St. Jakob in the Defereggental gets the kids on skis and the whole family going with children's prices for kids up to the end of their 18th year.
Information for families and children
- Kid's Land/ separated area for children
- Wave ride for children
- People mover
- Children's lifts
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
Special tips for children
-
Children's area and practice area of the Snow Sport School St. Jakob
The children's area is located directly at the valley station and features 2 magic carpets. The kids can move up to the rope tow right next to this when they are ready.
Photos
There is a beginner's area right at the valley station with practice rope tow and two people movers. The people movers belong to the ski school, the rope tow to the ski resort. Beginners can improve their skills optimally on the two flat t-bars. Both are near the base and make up a very good beginner's area. There are also blue runs up in the ski resort.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
Ski schools on-site
Photos
The only black run leads from the middle station down to the valley. Freeriding possibilities are available especially at the Almspitz lift, which goes up to 2525m. Even with just one black slope, advanced skiers will get their money's worth.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- some freeride / deep snow areas
- few mogul slopes
- no extremely difficult, steep and unprepared runs (Double Diamonds)
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 52 km
Difficult
5 km
(10 %)Most difficult run
-
Black valley run · Length 2.5 km · Altitude difference 655 m
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
There is a separate and very well-maintained snowpark.
Information for Snowboarders
- few cat tracks
- no runs with ascent
- some freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Snowpark Brunnalm
The snowpark shines with a well-designed freestyle area and many obstacles. The Snowpark Brunnalm is located directly at the 3 person Mooserberg chair lift.
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- No halfpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 30 km
The cross-country network in the Defereggental is known for its snow reliability from the end of November until the end of April. There is also a high altitude track on the Staller Sattel.
Trail tip(s)
-
Valley track along the Schwarzach
Cross-country skiing style: classic, skating
-
High altitude track on the Staller Sattel at over 2,000m
Cross-country skiing style: classic, skating
Conclusion
Wide runs, very good slope preparation, practice area in the valley
Nearest expressway is very far away.
Test Report issued on 2012-02-20
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Highlights
Naturhotel Tandler
****
Your wellness hotel in the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern
9963 St. Jakob im Defereggental
800 m to ski resort Details »
Your wellness hotel in the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern
9963 St. Jakob im Defereggental
800 m to ski resort Details »
