Ski World Cup returns to Upper Austria: Gosau celebrates its premiere

Upper Austria Returns to the World Cup Stage: Gosau to Host Alpine Women’s Races in December 2026

GOSAU, Austria — Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dachstein mountains, the resort of Gosau in the Dachstein West ski area is preparing to make its historic debut on the international Alpine Ski World Cup circuit.

On December 28 and 29, 2026, the world’s elite female ski racers will gather at the Hornspitz course in Gosau to compete in a giant slalom and a slalom. Taking over the late-December slot on the FIS calendar from previous host venue Lienz, the event marks a grand comeback for Upper Austria to the World Cup stage after a six-year hiatus.

A Milestone Premiere for Upper Austria

The Alpine Ski World Cup last visited Upper Austria in February 2020, when Hinterstoder hosted men’s speed and tech races. However, it has been 34 years since the province last hosted a women’s World Cup event.

Preparations are already well underway in close collaboration between local organizers, the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV), and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

"The Ski World Cup is back in Upper Austria – for the first time since Hinterstoder in 2020. This is a strong comeback for our province as a stage for top-level international sport," said Upper Austria Governor Thomas Stelzer.

With worldwide TV broadcasts planned, regional leaders expect the races to showcase not only high-stakes athletic performance but also the iconic winter landscapes and hospitality of the Salzkammergut region.

Economic and Tourism Boost for Dachstein West

Regional officials and business leaders view the event as a catalyst for local tourism and winter commerce. Upper Austria recorded 1.23 million guest arrivals during the 2024/25 winter season—a 1.2 percent increase—and local stakeholders hope the international visibility will sustain that momentum.

Markus Achleitner, Provincial Councillor for Economic Affairs and Sport, highlighted the opportunity to position the family-friendly Dachstein West destination on a global scale, benefiting local hotel, gastronomy, and retail sectors.

Rupert Schiefer, Managing Director of the Dachstein Salzkammergut cable car infrastructure, noted that securing the World Cup premiere serves as a major endorsement of the resort’s technical capabilities, course preparation, and alpine expertise.