The world’s smallest ski resort officially opened on Saturday, February 1, in the Swiss city of St. Gallen, drawing around 200 visitors despite the complete absence of snow. The quirky art project, which features a ski lift, a 20-meter (66-foot) black diamond run, and a mountain station housed in a converted residential building, is both a nostalgic tribute to traditional T-bar lifts and a commentary on climate change.
The launch event featured an artistic performance by Swiss artist Roman Signer, while guests gathered at the après-ski bar. However, the resort lacks an operating permit for skiing, as the lift’s distance is deemed too short to meet regulations, according to one of the initiators. The ski lift was previously installed for over 60 years at the Klausenböhl in Gais, Switzerland, and is now having a second life for two months at the art installation in St. Gallen.
The installation, created by four artists, has transformed the house into a fully functional mountain station, complete with an Airbnb rental and a souvenir shop. The tiny ski area quickly gained widespread media attention in the lead-up to its opening, sparking curiosity about its unconventional take on alpine culture. The project dubbed “Grey Sky” will run until March 29. The company Halter AG is allowing the artists to use the property for two months before the house is bulldozed to make way for a new construction project in mid-2025.
Despite its limitations, the world’s smallest resort embraces its role as an artistic statement rather than a serious ski destination—offering visitors a playful yet thought-provoking experience in the heart of an urban environment. A day pass for Grey Sky is CHF 80 and a multi-trip ticket (13 trips) is CHF 5.