There are a number of "small" ski areas in the Innsbruck area including Glungezer, Patscherkofel, Berger Alm, Mieders, Schlick 2000, Mutterer Alm, Oberpfuss, and Axamer Lizum. I put small in quotes because many of these areas may have a small number of lifts and trails, but they also have substantial vertical drops, exceeding 1000 meters (3300 feet) in some cases.
The most popular with the locals is probably Axamer Lizum, which "only" has a vertical drop of about 760 meters/2500 feet, but has a good variety of pistes and off piste terrain. It is located in a beautiful valley just to the southwest of Innsbruck, about a 30 minute drive or 40-45 minute bus ride from town. We skied it today enjoying the sunshine and spring conditions.
It is my understanding that lizum is a Tyrolean word for the end of a valley or high alpine pasture surrounded by a high alpine amphitheater. I'm not sure if that is an accurate translation, but it is an apt description of the valley in which Axamer Lizum sits, which ends at the base of the spectacular Kalkkögle Alps.
The resort mainly faces east or east-northeast and gets the morning sun. Morning laps on fresh corduroy with views of Innsbruck and the Inn Valley are a great way to start the day.
The summit of Axamer Lizum is on a peak called Hoadl. As is the case with most peaks in this part of the Alps, there is a summit cross, in this case the German translates loosely to "For God and Homeland." That said, heimat as I understand it does not translate well to English given it's deep cultural meaning and sense of belonging to the area. One can certainly see why people love it here.
West of Axamer Lizum one can look into the Senderstal or Senders Valley. I'd like to send a few lines in that valley.
Actually, I have ski toured to a couple of the 3000 meter summits far in the distance. Good memories.
Backing out a bit for a broader perspective.
With no significant lift lines, the vertical added up quick and I was on a bus back to town just after 12. It was a perfect spring morning.
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