Gemeindealpe Mitterbach

Gemeindealpe Mitterbach
Nature experience with action, fun and panoramic views

The Gemeindealpe Mitterbach is a pleasant ski area on the border with Styria near Mariazell, which offers nature experiences, skiing in open terrain, making tracks in powder snow and sporting challenges. "Up with the lift, with momentum" is the motto of the Gemeindealpe, which garnishes sporting fun for skiers, snowboarders, freestylers and ski tourers with an impressive view of the foothills of the Alps. Two modern chairlifts open up almost 15.5 kilometres of pistes. One challenge is the steep slope marked black, the steepest natural pistes in Lower Austria - and that is not just empty talk, as the author knows from his own experience. With a gradient of 74 percent, things get really serious right below the Terzerhaus.

The Gemeindealpe Mitterbach repositioned itself a few years ago and invested 6.5 million euros in it. Not only were new piste machines purchased and the snowmaking system expanded, but also a new piste guidance system - consisting of panoramic boards in the valley and mountain station areas as well as precise piste markings - and an additional drag lift, the 700-meter-long Birkischlepper to the middle station, were built. There is also a snow park there. The fun slope with steep curves, waves and sound effects in the valley station area is new. The Gemeindealpe is therefore the ideal addition to the surrounding family ski areas of Annaberg and Mariazeller Bürgeralpe for all action and fun fans of the white splendor - with beautiful slopes, action in the freeride terrain, high speed on the speed track with speed measurement, fun in the fun slope or freestyle in the snow park.

Even off the slopes The area is a multifaceted destination for winter hikers and cross-country skiers. A nearly twelve-kilometer-long panoramic trail system leads through the magical landscape near Lake Erlauf. The entrance to the gently ascending, 3.5-kilometer-long Erlauf trail is at the valley station of the lifts. A connecting trail leads to the trails to St. Sebastian. In addition, there are two signposted ski tourer ascent routes in the ski area with varying levels of difficulty. The day ticket includes a separate access area with avalanche warning level display and avalanche transceiver checkpoint, as well as use of the slopes and the car park. In addition to touring skis, the Gemeindealpe ski rental also rents out snowshoes, freerider skis and avalanche transceivers.

A special treat is that every Wednesday you can ski down from the mountain until 7 p.m. This leaves more time to end the day comfortably on the mountain. There are several places to stop for refreshments - the Terzerhaus right at the mountain station offers a great panoramic view from the Ötscher to the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe and the Mostviertel, as well as down-to-earth delicacies. In the "Zum Bäreneck" ski hut at 1,222 meters above sea level you can experience "pleasure times two": a wonderful view and homemade delicacies. And the Balzplatzerl also tempts you with tasty food and a beautiful panorama. At the valley station there is also the "Zum Sessellift" inn. Also worth mentioning is the ski pass association with Mariazell and Annaberg, so that all three ski areas can be used with one pass - ideal for anyone who is staying for several days. One tip is the inexpensive season ticket for the ski area, which costs just €299 for adults and €157 for children with the NÖ Card. Those who are particularly environmentally conscious travel from St. Pölten to Mitterbach on the Mariazellerbahn. It is only a few meters from the train station to the valley station of the Gemeindealpe. And with a valid ski pass and in ski clothing, you can travel on the Mariazellerbahn between Mitterbach and Mariazell for free.