Gastein Ski Pass Becomes An Adventure Ticket
Gastein mountain railways are expanding their range and are focusing on variety and flexibility in product and price development
From the varied weekly program on and off the slopes to new and more flexible hourly tickets and newly signposted downhill highlights on the "Nord" and "Infinity" - Skigastein is boasting attractive offers in a particularly long 2024/2025 winter season. The focus is always on climate compatibility and resource conservation, to which Gasteiner Bergbahnen AG has committed itself as part of a sustainability process that was launched two years ago and is professionally supported.
The Gastein cable cars are planning a total of 151 operating days for the coming winter, from November 29th to May 1st - weather permitting. The late Easter date means that season ticket holders in particular will benefit from an extra-long season. For day guests, winter 2024/2025 will bring the opportunity to pursue their sport by the hour, and for the first time with no restrictions on entry time. "Our 2-, 3- or 4-hour tickets can be used flexibly - guests decide whether they would prefer to start their fun on the slopes in the morning or in the afternoon. The validity begins when they first pass the turnstile and even after the time has elapsed, the descent in the gondola is always included," explains Andreas Innerhofer, CEO of the Gastein cable cars. Thanks to the online shop skigastein.skiperformance.com and Dynamic Pricing, early bookers can once again enjoy attractive discounts. The earlier you book, the more you can save on the ticket price. Later, the contingent online price approaches the cash register price.
Weekly program in Skigastein – a new mountain experience every day
In the past, the Gastein mountain railways have already shown foresight in developing their offerings and created attractions that allow non-skiers to enjoy a unique mountain experience. "Winter hiking trails, viewing platforms and our suspension bridge are very well received and often used. This winter, the focus is also on activities on the mountain and we have put together a weekly program that ensures recurring highlights throughout the winter," says Markus Papai, Head of Marketing and Communications. Whether it's a relaxing break on the mountain with a winter walk with small exercise exercises on Monday morning, a leisurely hike by torchlight on Tuesday, a summit view hike on Thursday or a Friday snowshoe tour along the Zirbenzauber circular hiking trail on the Graukogel - the hikes led by experienced guides show many lesser-known facets of the Gastein mountains. With a ski safari on Monday afternoon and the popular early morning skiing on Wednesday, two fixed points for skiers complete the program.
The Nord and the Infinity Loop – mythical route meets endless piste fun
Skigastein is the highest winter sports area in the Ski amadé ski area. In addition to the high level of snow reliability, the Gastein mountains also boast some of the longest downhill runs in the Eastern Alps. "The North", for example, impresses with a route length of over 10 kilometers and an altitude difference of 1,441 meters. The race of the same name, which will take place again on April 5, 2025, is also legendary and will demand everything from enthusiastic winter sports enthusiasts with a driving time of around six minutes in super-G style. In addition to the "North", Skigastein is showcasing another hero product with the "Infinity Loop". Schlossalm and Stubnerkogel are connected on this route via four downhill runs and more than 4,000 meters in altitude. Anyone who wants to can also take part in a digital scavenger hunt and pick up a goodie at the checkout as a reward.
Sustainability Report: Switching to HVO fuel as a game changer
The Gastein mountain railways recently published their 2023 sustainability report. Two years ago, the company committed to a scientifically supported sustainability strategy that takes a 360-degree look at the cable car operation, its importance for tourism and mobility in the valley, and the role of the mountain railways as employers. The mountain railways are supported and advised on this path by the experts at Terra Institute GmbH and by tourism researcher Professor Kurt Luger from the University of Salzburg. In addition to the commissioning of numerous photovoltaic systems to increase the proportion of self-generated electricity, another milestone will be reached in the 2024/2025 winter season with the environmentally friendly fuel HVO. The complete conversion of all diesel vehicles, including snow groomers, to HVO makes a significant contribution to reducing CO2 and is the Gastein Bergbahnen's most successful sustainability measure to date. "Through this conversion, further efficiency measures, the conversion of the vehicle fleet to e-mobility and measures to increase building efficiency through the use of renewable energies, we expect an emissions reduction of 84 percent by 2025," says Andreas Innerhofer happily.
Overview of sustainability projects of Gasteiner Bergbahnen AG
As a company that works in and with nature, the Gastein mountain railways are aware of their responsibility for the Gastein mountains and are continually taking steps to enable visitors to enjoy a sustainable mountain experience for generations. In order to conserve resources without having to compromise on the quality of the slopes, the Gastein mountain railways rely on efficient snow management. Data-based snow depth measurements and snow fences are used for snowmaking in order to be able to produce and hold snow with pinpoint accuracy. The transport capacity of the cable cars is also specifically regulated and is based on the respective flow of people in order to avoid energy losses. And in summer, in cooperation with partners in agriculture and forestry, measures are taken in the areas of forest maintenance, reforestation and soil activation. The energy that the ski area consumes already comes exclusively from renewable sources. In addition to the 100% certified green electricity that the Gastein mountain railways purchase from Salzburg AG and E-Werk Bad Hofgastein, the lift company is increasingly producing its own electricity.
