Winter Holiday Bad Ischl

Upper Austria's largest skiing region, Dachstein West, has everything you need for an unforgettable skiing holiday.

Facilities: 72

• 12 chairlifts
• 9 gondola ropeways
• 46 t-bars
• 5 magic carpet conveyors for beginners
• Total transport capacity: 65,000 persons/hour

Descents: 140 km of which 100 km with snow canons

• Advanced: 15 km
• Intermediate: 113 km
• Easy: 12 km
• Floodlit night-skiing trails: 2 km
• Cross-country trails: 45 km

The skiing region Dachstein West, Gosau - Russbach - Annaberg lies right at the heart of Austria. While many mainland valleys are sunk in fog and clouds, the friendly 'islanders' of this region have 140 km of snowproof trails at the ready, have made up the beds, put up the parasols on the snow beaches and prepared delicious specialities for you. This vacation island in the mountains not only features a splendid panorama, but also a wide range of runs for the whole family, for novices, intermediates and experts. State-of-the-art lift facilities provide fast access to the mountains, from where you will glide down on well groomed snow.

Family-friendly and down-to-earth, guaranteed snow and variety, modern and affordable: The Dachstein West skiing region has a special kind of charm. The aim here is not to be bigger, brighter and faster, but to be authentic and genuine. In the orchestra of alpine ski resorts, Dachstein West stands out as a voice of its own. And the Dachstein West ski association means that the region has now grown to include not only the core resorts of Gosau, Russbach and Annaberg but also another seven ski resorts, all of which can be accessed with ski passes with a duration of 1.5 days or longer.

Cosiness and hospitality are considered extremely important in Gosau. This upper Austrian resort, which is renowned for its culinary diversity, is the perfect starting point for those wishing to explore the Zwieselalm skiing area. Visitors can look forward to pistes for all levels, cosy huts and breathtaking views.

Skiing of a different kind: Russbach, across the border in the state of Salzburg, is where the Hornbahn begins its rise into the realm of the skiing champions, who love it here. Practice lifts, ski schools and wide pistes allow for stress-free skiing. With 85 kilometres of pistes, everyone is sure to find their favourite run, including in the cosy resort of Annaberg, considered an insiders' tip for families with children. Reaching any part of the region is easy thanks to modern railways. Another advantage of Annaberg is its proximity to the highway, which not only makes its easier to reach but also means that nearby Salzburg can be used as an exotic après-ski destination.

Dachstein West has long been one of the most popular destinations for families with children. Not only does its offer value for money, it is also tailor-made for families for a number of other reasons. Short distances and skiing areas that are not bewilderingly large make it easy for families to get their bearings. Children's ski schools and facilities such as the Sumsiland in Gosau and the Bärencamp (Bears' Camp) and the Spatzennest (Sparrows' Nest) in Russbach all mean carefree fun for all the family. Children aged 1+ can romp around with new friends in the Spatzennest, while their elder brothers and sisters explore the magic carpet and practice their first leaps and jumps, and their parents have some time to themselves on the slopes to practice their technique. Special lower-price family offers are also on offer here, allowing parents to have more money to spend whilst on holiday.

Dachstein West is also noted for the wide range of skiing that it offers. A ski pass that is valid for 1.5 days or longer allows visitors to explore the entire region and all its different ski oases. It now includes an additional seven resorts, including the Karkogel in Abtenau and Katrin in Bad Ischl, St. Martin and Lungötz in Lammertal, the Postalm Arena between Wolfgangsee and Lammertal and the Feuerkogel near Ebensee am Traunsee. Another new addition is the Freeride Arena Krippenstein - an absolute must for advanced skiers. With the help of a map, skiers can experience and explore pistes with a total length of 140 kilometres in and around Dachstein West.

A free-of-charge transport service has been set up to convey skiers from St. Wolfgang, Bad Ischl, Bad Goisern, Hallstatt und Obertraun to the skiing region of Dachstein-West using the buses of the Austrian postal service.

Whether you're a skier, snowboarder or cross-country enthusiast, professional or amateur, the Postalm Arena above Wolfgangsee and 1200 m above sea level, is the place for you.

Winter romance at Wolfgangsee and sheer snowy pleasures entice young and old from near and far to breathe in the aromatic air on Austria’s largest winter alp. Fresh cross-country runs captivate fans of all ages, while wonderfully groomed slopes get pulses racing – whatever the skill level. Whether it’s carving, boarding or turning, every move on the Postalm is sheer pleasure. The resort also has plenty of places in which to eat and drink with its countless alpine huts.

Fun for kids
The winter fun park includes entertainment even for the smallest of non-skiers, giving parents a well-deserved break. Snow games and fun sports equipment, as well as Europe's longest magic carpet, put everyone in a good mood at the ski kindergarten and ski school, generously spread over 10,000 m² of child-proof terrain.

Snow guaranteed
Snow conditions at the Postalm are legendary. Guests can also look forward to improved slope quality thanks to the new snow guns, which will be in use in the pre-and post-seasons. As a result, skiing really is guaranteed from the beginning of December until the beginning of April.

The Postalm without doubt is the place to be. All year round. The Postalm Arena is also a place for safe sporting activities, with the "No risk for fun" zone providing kicks without the pain!

Pristine winter landscapes make the Katrinalm in winter the place to be for real skiing pleasure, with the cable railway and chair lift bringing snowboarders and skiers to the summit of Bad Ischl's local mountain by the thousand.

The Katrinalm alp is one of the sunniest areas in Austria and offers not only fun on the pistes, but also relaxation for sun worshippers and picture-book views from the sun terrace.

A 2,400m-long continuously-running cable railway, a 700m-long double chairlift, a kids' paradise next to the base station with a magic carpet, Pinocchio lift, kids lift, and models, and an adjoining ski school and ski hire centre are all available to visitors.

The Kinderland (Kids' Paradise) is operated by Skischule Bad Ischl, which offers children’s' courses following the Christmas holidays onwards.For information call 0699 - 1198 4221.

Winter on the Katrinalm

• 8 km ski pistes (intermediate/advanced)
• Cable railway and chair lift
• Kinderland (Kids' Paradise)
• Snow shoe hiking
• Sun terrace
• Bergrestaurant Tel. 06132 27044
• Katrin-Almhütte Tel.0664 1523312

Perfectly groomed trails at different altitudes (e.g. the spectacular high-altitude Panorama Nova trail) provide cross-country enthusiasts with varied and unforgettable experiences. Cross-country skiing along the kilometres of trails in the Salzkammergut means gently conquering the winter landscape with all its bizarre forms, glittering crystals and sparkling facets. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, cross-country skier or skater, taking part in all these activities allows you to breathe in crystal-clear air surrounded by majestic views, enjoy the silence and gain a new physical awareness.

European Cup Cross-Country Trail - Rettenbachalm:

An 8km circuit (skating and classic); 2 new and complete trails on one of Europe's largest high-altitude alps. The unique location means that snow on the trails is virtually guaranteed. Each year top-quality cross-country skiing races are held in the Rettenbachalm.

Postalm Cross-Country Skiing Arena:

Cross-country enjoyment on Austria's second-highest plateau - the Postalm. The trails are situated at a height of between 1200 m and 1900 m, where snow is guaranteed. The area includes 5 + 10 + 15 km trails.

Panorama Nova Bad Goisern:

Four high-altitude trails with a total length of 23 km and at a height of between 1,000 m and 1,200 m, plus a Cross Country Skiing Centre on the Panorama Nova above the rooftops of Bad Goisern. The circuits range from the easy to the demanding and offer unique views of the Goiser valley down to Hallstätter See and the Dachstein. The trails cross four alps, in some cases through forests, with recurring breathtaking views of Hallstättersee and the majestic Dachstein.

Gosau cross-country trails

50 km of trails of all difficulties run through the beautifully snowy Gosau valley: the 10 km-long magic forest trail, the 10 km-long Kohlstatt trail, a 5 km-long sports trail, a 5 km-long sun trail and the 15 km-long perfectly-tracked village trail. The idyllic and magnificent locations of the trails mean that young and old are guaranteed a day to remember.

Other cross-country skiing "treats" in the Salzkammergut include: the Ausseerland trails, Ödensee trail, Bad Mitterndorf / Tauplitz

The Salzkammergut with the Dachstein is an off-piste skiing area par excellence! As soon as the first snow of the season has fallen, trails appear on the gentle grassed slopes, some being beginner's slopes, others racy descents. Each year there is plenty of snow, and there is also no shortage of enticing summits. With the Festkogel, Höllengebirge, Gosaukamm, Predigkogel, Zimnitz (Leonsberg) and the famous Dachstein crossing, as well as other less well-known ski mountains and winter insider tips, the Salzkammergut is the stuff of dreams for off-piste skiers.

Gosaukamm Manndlscharte, 2,098 m –Salzkammergut Gosau

From Vorderer Gosausee ski along the summer trail towards Steiglpass until you reach the Scharwandhütte (1348m). Continue along the summer trail until you can cross in a south-westerly direction into the large cirque of the water chute (between Steigkogel and Linzerturm) (approx. 1500m). Go through the cirque and upwards until it splits into two and narrows to form a channel. The trail leads towards the Schartenmanndl, which is always visible. The last part is extremely steep (you might need to walk it - use crampons!), mostly over a cornice to the Manndlscharte (2098m).

This is a typical Gosauer spring tour that is most rewarding when conditions are certain, ideally with firn on the ground.

Altitude: 1.180
Duration: approx. 3h
Direction:north-east, no exposed areas

Leonsberg (Zimnitz) 1,745 m – Salzkammergut Bad Ischl, Rußbach

From Rußbach climb the Schwarzenseestraße for approx. 1km, then turn right into Halleswies-Forststraße, and follow this road (past Rußbach and Lippenalm) until you reach a gate.

Shortly after you pass the gate, turn right into Leonbergalmstraße, which you can climb up to the highest hut on Leonsbergalm. The trail continues over the mighty north side; if there is a danger of avalanches, keep to the right in the forest.

Altitude: 1.200
Duration: 3h30 min
Direction: north, very little danger of avalanches and no exposed areas

Predigkogel, 1692m - Salzkammergut Bad Ischl, Rettenbachalm

From Rettenbachalm walk along the marked summer trail (no. 222) through steep, sparse woodland in a north-easterly direction to a forest crossroads at 1200m. Now follow the forest road in a north-easterly direction past the Wurzerhöhe to the alpine huts at 1290m before rejoining the hiking trail that leads north to Schönalm. Gently rising in an easterly direction, the trail then leads to the southern slope of the Predigkogel and over it to the north to the summit.

Alternative route: If there is a danger of avalanches on the southern slope, which is very steep, it is better to head north from the Schönalm and through the saddle between Predigkogel and Rotkogel. Follow the Freithofleite to the north east and climb the north-western face to the summit.

Altitude: 1.060
Duration: approx. 3h
Direction: south-west, no exposed areas

Snow shoe hiking involves walking through deep snow in enchanting winter landscapes. In the Salzkammergut it is an especially intensive experience, as it combines both relaxation and sporting activity in one. Snow shoe hiking in the quiet of winter brings with it relaxation, pleasure and the experience of nature in its most pristine form.

Whether hiking along off-piste trails or completing several-hour walks across high-altitude terrain, a sense of adventure and rush of pleasure is felt at all times. Snow shoe walking of all grades is becoming a fashionable winter sport. It is a sport that is easy to learn, intensive, and can be carried out everywhere beneath the treeline.

Guided snow shoe tours through peaceful landscapes on the Katrinalm are ideal for non-skiers who also want to hike in the mountains in winter. Guided snow shoe hiking tours on Krippenstein mountain are also popular at Obertraun. Around the Simonyhütte on the Dachstein - the best snow shoe hiking terrain for winter hikes.

Winter fun without skis can be had on the numerous toboggan runs in the Inner Salzkammergut. Locals and visitors are just as enthusiastic about the tobogganing paradise that has been created here, and love meeting up in the evening in the huts!

Bad Goisern:

In Bad Goisern's rustic huts you can drink mulled wine and tea with rum or schnapps - just the thing to warm yourself up and jolly up the atmosphere after some night-time tobogganing. The Trockentann illuminated toboggan run next to the world championship run is a challenge for everyone and very popular in the winter months. Its length is approx. 2 km.

Gosau:

Tobogganists race down the Rodelbahn toboggan run in Gosau at lightning speed. Fast and furious fun is therefore guaranteed, along with heart-warming winter experiences. And there is also an element of competition, as at the end of each evening the name of the person who has completed the run in shortest time is announced.