Mariazeller Bürgeralpe

Mariazeller Bürgeralpe
Traditional snow fun in the pilgrimage site

Fun in the snow for the whole family is the motto of the Mariazell Bürgeralpe, which is between 890 and 1,267 meters high and lies in the Styrian-Lower Austrian border region. It can be reached from the north via the A1 Westautobahn near St. Pölten and from the south via the S6 Semmering expressway from Mürzzuschlag. Once you are there, you can take a new gondola lift that opened three years ago to the top of the mountain directly from the center of Mariazell. Around eight million euros were invested in the new Bürgeralpe Express; a further three million were invested in expanding the snowmaking system, in the piste equipment hall, in the mountain arena and in increasing the attractiveness of the leisure activities on the mountain. The two Jufa hotels were also renovated, so that a total of 19 million euros were invested and the area as a whole was made even more attractive.
The Bürgeralpe can also be reached from the outskirts of nearby St. Sebastian using a 4-seater chairlift; there is also a practice lift there. The only black piste - the FIS I north-west run - leads down into the valley for around two kilometers under the 4-seater chairlift. Another chairlift leads from the other side of Mariazell to the Bürgeralpe. From above, there is a beautiful panoramic view of the Mariazell region, and from there the pistes lead down into the valley in a star shape. In total, skiers and snowboarders have eight pistes with a length of 11.5 kilometers at their disposal - apart from the red family run and the black racing run, all of them are blue, i.e. easy. This means that both experts and beginners get their money's worth. In principle, the Bürgeralpe, which has been awarded the "Styrian Piste Quality Seal", can be described as a real family ski area that is also aimed at those returning to skiing and where school ski courses are also well catered for. For boarders there is a fun park with video recording, as well as free WiFi and a photo point. Also worth mentioning is the ski pass association with the Gemeindealpe Mitterbach and Annaberg ski areas. Together they form the Mariazeller Land ski region.

The geographical location In contrast to the region, the Bürgeralpe usually receives an above-average amount of snow for this altitude. Winter sports enthusiasts who are looking for variety can also take a ride on the 2.5-kilometer-long toboggan run, which leads from the summit directly to the town center: Incidentally, this is also ideal for a hearty toboggan ride in the evening. Equipped with 33 lighting fixtures, it goes directly down to the town center at night with good visibility - a special experience. There is also a fun park for snowboarders, and classic Alpine winter fun such as curling, ice skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides can also be indulged in. Ski tourers can take the 2.5-kilometer-long ski touring trail from St. Sebastian to the Bürgeralpe.
The picturesque pilgrimage town of Mariazell with its basilica and the surrounding area offer plenty of variety for culinary delights and shopping opportunities. In the town centre itself there are a number of hotels and guest houses where you can stay overnight; the Brauhaus Mariazell, the smallest four-star establishment in Austria, spoils guests with home-brewed beer and in nearby St. Sebastian the Lurgbauer is a regular address for upscale beef cuisine. For a change, you can also visit the old Gnadenmutter pharmacy, the Pirker gingerbread bakery or the Arzberger liqueur factory, where the famous herbal bitters are made. In winter, Mariazell is truly an idyll that reminds you of times long past. An idyll that can be easily reached by train. It is only a short walk from the train station to the ski area.