Hinterstoder and Wurzeralm are investing around 6 million for the winter season.

The Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm mountain lifts are setting the course for the upcoming winter season and investing a total of around 6 million euros in the two Upper Austrian ski resorts. The focus is on even greater snow reliability, improved lift availability, increased guest comfort, and further steps towards sustainable travel.

“We invest where our guests directly benefit,” emphasizes Helmut Holzinger, CEO of Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen. “Especially in times when the cost of a day of skiing poses a challenge for many families and frequent skiers, it is important for us to continuously develop the quality and offerings of our ski areas. These investments are necessary to ensure that we can continue to offer our guests the most reliable and high-quality skiing experience possible in the future.”

3 million euros for even greater snow reliability

Around 3 million euros are being invested in a new snowmaking system at Frauenkar on the Wurzeralm. A new reservoir, including a pumping station, is currently under construction. This will give the ski resort a second reservoir in addition to the existing one near the Linzerhaus.

This offers a crucial advantage: existing water resources can be used even more efficiently, and snowmaking capacity can be significantly increased. Especially at the beginning of the season, this allows for faster snowmaking and creates a solid foundation for the earliest possible start to the season.

“Our goal is very clear: We want to offer our guests good and reliable slope conditions as early as possible in winter. With the women's registration system, we are creating the necessary infrastructure and can control snowmaking much more efficiently,” explains Holzinger.

One million euros for even higher plant availability

Significant investments are also being made in the technical infrastructure of the mountain railways. Around €1 million is being invested in new control tools for the Höss-Express in Hinterstoder and the Gamering chairlift on the Wurzeralm.

Modern control technology is designed to significantly increase the availability of the lifts while simultaneously improving their reliability. For guests, this primarily means greater dependability and fewer interruptions during their ski day.

"A modern lift system must not only be fast, but above all, reliable. Every minute a lift is out of service is frustrating for our guests. That's why we are making targeted investments in the underlying technology – even if these investments aren't immediately visible to guests," says Holzinger.

Bear's Den gets a new look

Comfort off the slopes is also a priority. The Bärenhütte in Hinterstoder is undergoing a complete interior makeover. A modern, new look will create an even more pleasant atmosphere and enhance the overall experience.

"For many guests, the Bärenhütte is simply an essential part of a perfect day of skiing. That's why we want to ensure that our guests enjoy spending time here and making the most of their time on the mountain," says Helmut Holzinger.

More electric vehicle charging stations for a more sustainable journey

The Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm mountain lifts are placing another focus on electromobility. The number of charging stations will be increased from the current 12 to a total of 22 charging points.

This will provide guests arriving with an even better charging infrastructure. At the same time, the company is taking another step towards sustainable mobility.

"Sustainability doesn't begin on the ski slopes, but already with the journey there. By giving our guests the opportunity to easily charge their electric vehicles during their ski day, we create an additional incentive for more climate-friendly mobility," emphasizes Holzinger.

More space for the little ones in the children's area

There's also something new for the youngest skiers this coming season: a new practice lift is being built in the children's area in Hinterstoder. This is intended to provide more space and a smoother flow, especially during peak times.

Crowds and long waiting times will thus be a thing of the past. Young guests will be able to make their first turns in a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of space.

Investments ensure quality for the future.

With the investment package totaling around 6 million euros, the Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm mountain railways are consciously focusing on long-term quality and reliability – from snowmaking and lift technology to gastronomy, e-mobility and family offers.

“We know that price development is a sensitive issue for our guests. That's why it's so important for us to transparently demonstrate the investments behind a modern ski resort. Reservoirs, snowmaking systems, lift controls, infrastructure, and family-friendly offerings cost a lot of money, but they are crucial for us to be able to offer our guests a high-quality and reliable skiing experience. We are investing today so that Hinterstoder and the Wurzeralm remain attractive ski resorts for our guests tomorrow as well,” summarizes Helmut Holzinger.

The investments thus benefit not only the infrastructure, but above all one goal: more reliability, more comfort and a better skiing experience for guests in Hinterstoder and on the Wurzeralm.