Lackenhof am Ötscher

Lackenhof am Ötscher
Rustic and wildly romantic winter experience

In western Lower Austria - located roughly halfway between Hochkar and Mariazell - Lackenhof am Ötscher is a good alternative to the other two ski areas mentioned. In front of the 1,893-meter-high Grosser Ötscher and the 1,560-meter-high Kleiner Ötscher, the ski area offers the same number of kilometers of slopes as Hochkar - but with a completely different landscape. The manageable town still gives a rather rustic impression, but offers everything you would expect in terms of basic infrastructure - from guest houses and inns to sports shops with rental stations. The price level in Lackenhof is still moderate compared to other ski areas. New features in recent seasons include free WiFi in the Ötschertreff, iSki trackers and WiFi hotspots on the slopes, fun slopes and, most recently, a new children's area with a 100-meter-long magic carpet.

The slopes are sometimes quite challenging, such as the large and small Ötscher piste - both black runs that will satisfy even advanced skiers. The carving piste on the small Ötscher is pretty fast-paced, and the one on the large Ötscher is also not easy, and is longer and has more varied terrain. Although the area is not exactly extensive, there is still plenty of variety. The Riffelabfahrt has an average steepness of around 45 percent; the Distelpiste is an FIS-approved RTL and slalom course. The area is equipped with five drag lifts and three chair lifts. Parents have the chance to enjoy a quiet day of skiing while they put their offspring in KInderland for a day of skiing. Snowboarders and trick skiers also get their money's worth in the romantic landscape - namely on a fun slope and speed measuring course.
Particularly sporty types can venture down the deep snow after a 90-minute climb from the Ötscher Schutzhaus to the summit. Ötscher slopes are also possible at fixed times - every Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. there is a ski touring evening on the large Ötscher. For anyone looking for something to do away from the slopes, there are 30 kilometers of cross-country ski trails. These can also be used by winter hikers. The beautiful landscape around Lackenhof is ideal for such excursions on foot, snowshoe tours and ski tours. And as a complement, there is also the Ybbstaler brine bath.
If you want even more variety: With the Ybbstaler Alpen WinterCard you can also use the four areas Ötscher, Hochkar, Königsberg and Maiszinken - the four ski areas of the Ybbstaler Alpen with one season ticket.