Hochkar

Hochkar
Alpine flair and extensive slopes

About 150 kilometers from Vienna The Hochkar is probably Lower Austria's best ski area, which is equally popular with locals, Viennese people and guests from neighboring countries to the east. Although the highest point of this ski area is only 1,808 meters, special climatic conditions mean that snow is guaranteed until May. In recent years, a lot of investment has been made in snowmaking systems, which now cover a good two-thirds of the slopes. Most recently, investments have been made in lifts - the Sonnenlift replaces two old systems - in slopes and in restaurants. Relatively new are free Wi-Fi hotspots at the lift stations and a cool fun slope - not just for the little ones. Route 99 - the snow trail with steep curves and a wave track is an attraction.
The Hochkar, which was also the venue for the Masters Ski World Championships (for athletes over 30) in March 2020, exudes alpine charm thanks to a low-lying plateau that can only be reached via a mountain road, and is popular with families and beginners thanks to its extensive and flat slopes. The former toll booth has not been manned for years and the lift ticket office is only on the mountain. This means that the trip up the mountain via the Alpine Road is free. The relatively few kilometers of slopes in the Hochkar are compensated for by the distinctly alpine feel and the usually shorter waiting times at the lifts. One downside, however, is the area's susceptibility to wind - if it blows too hard, which can happen from time to time, some of the lifts have to stop operating for safety reasons. The lifts are generally in good condition, only the double chairlift to the large cirque is quite old. It also falls more under the motto "adventure rather than pleasure". The beautiful slopes of the Hochkar are ideal for athletes who want to let their skis or boards run without having to brake too much. They are also wide enough to be able to carve quickly.

speed freaks and deep snow fansThose looking for a special thrill will probably not have the most exciting moments of their lives at Hochkar - but there is still something for them too. The Thomas Sykora slope is black and quite steep, and the particularly daring ski down the side wall of the Karabfahrt. At 63 percent, this is the steepest in the area. There is also a fun park for all snowboarders and new schoolers, which can compensate for the lack of adrenaline on the descents in a different way. In the avalanche-safe Freeride Center East, both deep snow beginners and experts get their money's worth. The region has a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels, inns and holiday apartments to farms and private rooms. The school ski lodge became JUFA a few years ago. And for anyone who wants to relax after a day of skiing but doesn't have a wellness area in their accommodation, a visit to the Ybbstaler Solebad with its saltwater pool and sauna area is a good option. And also not unimportant: Apart from the general card association with the nearby Lackenhof am Ötscher, the Hochkar is part of the Ybbstaler Alpen, Sunnycard and Opstalpen card associations.