Dachstein-West

Dachstein-West
Varied skiing fun in pristine nature

The almost 3,000-meter Dachstein is just a backdrop here. It is reflected in the Gosausee as a perfect photo motif. If skiers are left breathless here, it is because of the fascinating views, but never because of a lack of oxygen. The highest point of the slope is just around 1,600 meters. However, the distances to be covered can certainly demand stamina, even if they lead over gently ridges that stretch across the border between Gosau in Upper Austria and the communities of Annaberg and Russbach, which are already part of the Salzburg region, in an inspiring expanse. "Kilometer eaters" will definitely get their money's worth here. The Panoronda ski pleasure circuit, which can be skied in both directions, is 44 kilometers long. In total, an impressive 160 kilometers await winter sports enthusiasts across the country.

The Salzburg side has become famous rather unexpectedly in recent years, as former World Cup series winner Marcel Hirscher comes from the Lammertal. While his dad runs the ski school in Annaberg, the "average consumer" can also get a taste of Marcel on the slopes: via the Marcel Hirscher slalom course with timekeeping. In addition, speed measuring courses, the snow cross facilities with starting machines and challenging mogul slopes ensure action. While the Marcel Hirscher race course awaits at the western, Salzburg end, the highlights are evenly distributed. There are a total of 14 so-called fun slopes throughout the entire area. From the snow cross in the Astauwinkel to the mogul rodeo - i.e. Donnergroll or Schwarzreiter - and the "Freier Fall" training course to the Rookie Park in Russbach and the Ötscher race course near Gosau. The "Wilde Hilde" run also lives up to its name. The frequent masses of snow that pile up in the ski region due to the accumulation of snow are astonishing, creating a real winter atmosphere. Nevertheless, the snowmaking systems have recently been renewed and expanded.

Am Törlecklift the view first glides over the bizarre mountain world, then down to the lake. Deep snow fans immediately rush down the valley in this direction. The pleasure is short, but unlike in top regions, there are hardly any board and ski tracks to disturb you. Breininghütte, Sonnenalm and the striking building of the Gablonzerhütte are close to each other here. In between, the perfectly groomed and snow-covered slopes, which offer good opportunities even for less experienced skiers, invite you to make long turns. The countless runs are impressive despite the small difference in altitude due to the longer distances. Apart from the tough run to the Astauwinkel car park, sunny slopes dominate. The ski area on the Hornspitz is well developed and can be reached quite centrally from Russbach and Gosau. Both runs are similar and invite you to make long turns. Depending on the time of day, the Salzburg (Russbach) or the Upper Austrian (Gosau) side is more fun. In the front part of Gosau there is an exhilarating and moderately difficult valley run. In the Lammertal, not all ski areas are connected outside of the ski area. The solo lifts of Lungötz and St. Martin as well as the Karkogel in Abtenau are worth a special look. The latter is suitable for ski courses and the toboggan run is highly praised. Overall, the rustic, nature-loving atmosphere of the area against the mighty backdrop of the Dachstein is worth highlighting, which is also reflected in the diverse range of gastronomic offerings. And a lot has also happened in terms of accommodation in recent years.