Mountain summer in Lower Austria: significant increase in visitors to the mountain railways compared to 2025

Since the Annaberg lifts introduced summer operations in 2020, all five locations of the state-owned ecoplus Alpin GmbH offer mountain lifts and various attractions year-round – in addition to snow sports in the winter season: this includes the Erlebnisalm Mönichkirchen, the Hochkar Bergbahnen, the Ötscherliften Lackenhof and the Wexl Arena St. Corona am Wechsel.

After the summer holidays, one thing is clear: this year's "summer season," which began in some areas as early as March and continues until the beginning of November, is the most successful yet. "Mountain experiences are becoming increasingly popular here in Lower Austria. During the summer holidays alone, 153,000 guests were counted at the five ecoplus Alpin locations, an increase of 31 percent compared to the already strong previous year. Looking at the entire season, this year's figures already exceed 230,000 visits – and the resorts are open until the beginning of November. Autumn, in particular, often offers wonderful conditions for combining hiking with a zipline flight or a visit to Niki's Alpine Adventure at Hennesteck, for example in Annaberg," says Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, who is responsible for tourism.

“This year, the weather was exceptionally good during the summer holidays, hence the exorbitant increase in visitor numbers in July and August. We also expect double-digit percentage growth for the entire summer season. It's a benefit that guests appreciate the relative coolness of the mountains during heat waves. The new Teichlift at the Wexl Trails in St. Corona am Wechsel has been particularly well received this year. This tow lift is the world's first dedicated bike lift and can operate year-round. The Annaberg Zipline has already recorded more than 10,000 flights since the season started on May 23rd – more than ever before!” adds Markus Redl, Managing Director of ecoplus Alpin GmbH.

The summer season will largely continue into the autumn holidays: Annaberg lifts: Open Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays/bridge days, weather permitting. Daily operation during the autumn holidays from October 24th to 31st. Mönichkirchen Adventure Park: Open Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays/bridge days, weather permitting. Daily operation during the autumn holidays from October 24th to November 1st. Hochkar cable cars: Open Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays/bridge days, weather permitting. Daily operation during the autumn holidays from October 24th to November 2nd. Ötscherlifte Lackenhof: Open Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays/bridge days, weather permitting. Daily operation during the autumn holidays from October 24th to November 2nd. Wexl Arena St. Corona am Wechsel: Daily operation until September 27th. Open Fridays to Sundays from October 2nd to 18th. Daily operation from October 23rd to November 1st. Additionally open from November 6th to 8th and from November 13th to 15th, Friday to Sunday.