Styrian Slope Seal Of Approval Awarded To 16 Resorts
The Styrian Piste Seal of Approval, the "Oscar" of the cable car companies, goes this year to a total of 16 Styrian ski areas that are delighted with the coveted award, especially in challenging times like these.
Twelve of them have actually already been awarded in 2020 - due to corona, the award will be rescheduled this year. "The piste seal of approval stands for the highest quality, safety and trust on the mountain as well as for versatility and innovative strength and thus proves the outstanding work of our companies, especially in times of crisis", congratulated specialist group chairman Fabrice Girardoni on November 19, 2021 the Styrian Chamber of Commerce. The industry hopes that the impending lockdown will allow the ski season to start soon.
Embedded in a wonderful mountain panorama on the sunniest side of the Mürz Valley, the Brunnalm Hohe Veitsch ski area offers 17 perfectly groomed slopes with a length of 12 kilometers and a wonderful view of the Mürz Valley. The modern snow-making system guarantees snow from December to the end of March. A chairlift, two drag lifts and a pommel lift bring guests up the mountain. Beginners can use the two “magic carpets” on the Gamsmugl, while more advanced skiers can use the red and blue slopes.
Children are the stars on the family ski mountain St. Jakob im Walde: In the well-arranged family ski area with six slopes over four kilometers, rumble-the-pump-lift and the unique drive-through toilet, racing drivers of all ages whiz down the slopes. There are two tow lifts, a pommel lift and a practice lift up to the mountain. And fun in the snow takes place when there is good snowfall, because a total of 23 snow cannons help out if Ms. Holle should take a break.
The Loser family ski resort with guaranteed snow in Altaussee in the Styrian Salzkammergut extends over 1,000 meters in altitude and offers an attractive range of 34 kilometers of superbly groomed slopes and fog-free panoramic views of the Ausseerland and nearby Upper Austria. Numerous slopes have now been widened and the slope guidance system has been optimized. The entire parking guidance system at the valley station of the mountain railways was completely renewed, and updated and modern panorama maps could be installed. New snow gauges allow more precise statements about snow and weather conditions and thus support safety in the ski area. The modernization of the snow-making systems and the associated optimization of the slope preparation significantly reduce the risk of accidents on the slopes.
The Gaaler lifts offer the most innovative children's area and beginners' area for adults. On the new two hectare area, called "Schi GaalaXie", ski enthusiasts and snowboard fans will find endless possibilities. Heaven is easy on the 60 meter long conveyor belt with a roof. Once at the top, countless possibilities open up through the "GaalaXie". The living room in the middle of the slopes offers a unique resting place to linger and recharge your batteries. Well-groomed slopes - including a "demarcated training slope" - where the world's elite train can be found in Gaal. When skiing at night, the slopes are equipped with floodlights, making them a special highlight. The huts on the slopes provide for sociable après-ski and a cozy end.
The Hohentauern has been a traditional family ski area since 1949. With its 11 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes and a total of 30 hectares of slopes, everyone from beginners to experienced professionals can let off steam. The snow-making systems offer snow security - so that all slopes are available with good snow-making capabilities down to the valley. The in-house ski school with carousel and magic carpet for the little ones also offers the opportunity to rent the right equipment for your skiing holiday. The ski school is run by Erich Moscher, the internationally networked ski school director, honorary president of the Styrian ski instructor association and consultant at the Hokkai-Gakuen University in Sapporo (Japan).
On the Kalchberg in Obdach, the skiing charm of yesteryear awaits the guests: A drag lift, two fully snow-covered slopes (2.6 km), low tariffs, a practice lift for the little ones and a family atmosphere are the answer to expensive, swanky and overcrowded ski areas. Just a little bit of great skiing fun - just like today's adults were able to experience in their childhood. “Skiing in the middle of town” is possible here - the valley station is located in the middle of Obdach. A spacious parking lot is available, from which the slope is fully visible. The ski area is guaranteed to have snow thanks to the snowmaking system and the fun is affordable thanks to affordable family rates and discounted exercise cards for beginners. Children up to six years of age travel for free - the magic carpet and children's carousel are also freely accessible.
The small but fine ski area on the magnificent Kaiserau high plateau at around 1,100 meters above sea level offers the ideal conditions for learning to ski or snowboarding or to improve your skills with three tow lifts for all levels of difficulty, two magic carpets and a ski carousel. The Kaiserau is also the first choice for the spontaneous who want to experience a few hours of skiing holiday feeling. The Kaiserau also offers excellent conditions for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. The 5 km long cross-country ski trail - idyllically and extensively laid out around Kaiserau Castle - promises beginners uncomplicated learning in a dreamy landscape. The Kaiserau is also an ideal starting point for wonderful ski tours on the 1778 m high Lahngangkogel.
The World Cup mountain Kreischberg impresses with its wonderfully wide, 42 km of perfectly groomed slopes from 860 to 2,120 meters above sea level. 13 cable cars and lifts ensure comfortable ascent. The dinosaur forest, the Kreischi safari and the Kreischi ghost train are a must for every family ski day. There are also the special Kreischberg "extras": speed track with speed measurement, permanent race track and tubing arena. The largest investment in the history of the ski area went into operation on Kreischberg in December 2021: The new, ultra-modern 10-seater gondola lift replaces the previous 6-seater gondola lift, bringing guests even faster and more comfortably from the valley station up to 1,800 meters above sea level. Eagle, the new panorama restaurant on the Kreischberg at 2,000 meters above sea level, only offers a fantastic panoramic view,
At 2,200 meters above sea level, the highest ski and mountain village in Styria awaits winter sports enthusiasts: The Planneralm offers 16 kilometers of slopes, spread over eight slopes and routes, each with two chairlifts and two cable cars. There are two lifts and a fun freeride area for children. The innovative natural snow concept is new this year: basic snowmaking before the season starts guarantees that the first, copious snow will find a cold surface and can stay there earlier. The particularly good quality of snow at high altitude is preserved. The ski village at the end of a twelve-kilometer mountain road ensures relaxed accommodation, with no through traffic and no mass tourism.
"Aufffi aufn real mountain" is the slogan of the Präbichl Bergbahnen in the Eisenerzer Alps. The family ski area in the Erzberg Leoben adventure region with wonderful family runs, perfectly groomed carving slopes, classy runs from the “cushion” to hearty experiences in deep snow, offers everything a ski sports heart desires. There is also a constantly growing children's ski area on the Präbichl. The Alpfox mountain and ski school is already one of the largest in Styria. In the generously designed children's area with magic carpets and a ski carousel, skiing is learned with ease. 100% of the slopes can be snowed and offer winter sports enthusiasts a guarantee of high quality and safe leisure time enjoyment.
New this winter is the "Keycard PURE" at the Riesneralm: a premium ticket made of wood (!) With a unique feel and grain. Guaranteed plastic-free, this ticket can be used for all day tickets or season tickets. Inside the wooden card there is a small chip that makes the card rechargeable and thus reusable. The wood for the card comes exclusively from forests with FSC certification. The “Riesneralm Blås-Winter”, pronounced “Blos”, is just as new. Behind this is a dance music sound that is interpreted in different ways from region to region and from musician to musician.
New on the Reiteralm, which is celebrating its 50s this year, is the modern six-seater chairlift, the Schoberbahn. It expands the ski area so that one of the most beautiful family runs in Styria is also added. There is a special treat for early risers: Throughout the entire winter season, Saturday and Sunday, the first ascent is possible from 7.45am. The Reiteralm also offers numerous free additional offers such as cross park, ski movie, cool running and the large children's area and much more. The cozy ski huts spoil winter sports enthusiasts with warm hospitality and culinary delicacies.
The sporty skiing and tobogganing area Salzstiegl is one of the award winners for 2020. With its five drag lifts and two children's lifts, it is located in the Hirschegg community in the Voitsberg and Murtal districts. It can be reached from Graz in just 60 minutes via the A2 motorway, Modriach exit and the village of Hirschegg. The 40 hectares of slopes are 95% snow-covered and equipped with over 100 snow-making devices. Sporty families and trainers have fun and improve their skills on the 12 km wide and wide slopes. A two-kilometer-long toboggan run with lighting and some good huts and inns ensure fun and action.
The Kleinlobming ski arena, embedded in the beautiful natural scenery of the Lobmingtal, at the foot of the Stubalpe, offers everything for a ski trip with the whole family: a perfectly groomed slope, with special offers for the whole family and night skiing at half price. The extremely beautiful and perfectly groomed slopes are ideal for beginners and children. The new snow-making system ensures snow is guaranteed throughout the season. As a highlight for everyone who wants to conjure up a few tracks in the snow after their work is done, there is night skiing from Thursday to Saturday from 7pm to 9pm. There is also a baby lift in a sunny location where the little ones can frolic in the snow to learn to ski in a playful way or just to have fun.
Lots of snow, sunshine over the sun and 360-degree panoramic views: the Tauplitz offers a large natural cinema. It is also the largest single ski area and perhaps the best freeride area in Styria. Picturesquely situated in the Ausseerland, Salzkammergut, it is the largest single ski area in Styria: 43 kilometers of slopes can be found on three mountains - the Mitterstein, Lawinenstein, Schneiderkogel - and the Tauplitzalm that connects them. There is something for all ski enthusiasts on the extensive slopes: sporty and long slopes or pleasantly swinging slopes for connoisseurs and families. The premium slopes are mostly above the tree line and with a little luck with the weather you can ski from morning to evening in the bright sun.
Thanks to its altitude at 1,763 m above sea level, the Turracher Höhe is one of the most snow-sure ski regions in Austria and is a diverse winter paradise from November to May. Skiers and snowboarders are enthusiastic about the 43 kilometers of slopes with guaranteed snow up to 2,205 meters. The varied offer on the slopes, such as the 1.5 km long snow park with its three lines and a family line, the XXL Funslope, the Funcross and the Kidsslope are among the most extensive funmountain offers in Austria. Attractive family offers, child-friendly businesses, the mirror-smooth natural ice surface on the Turracher See as well as wide, wide and snow-sure slopes in the middle of the Nock Mountains round off the winter fun.
