Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See has been awarded the title of family-friendly employer

Schmittenhöhebahn AG, the lift company behind one of Austria’s most recognisable ski mountains, has been officially honoured as a family‑friendly employer by the State of Salzburg. The award places the Zell am See operator among a select group of regional businesses recognised for forward‑thinking personnel policies, modern workplace culture and long‑term investment in employee wellbeing.

The certification is the result of a structured, multi‑stage process that examines how companies support staff in balancing work and family life. It includes an internal analysis phase, the development of concrete measures, implementation, and an external evaluation before the final seal is granted. For Schmittenhöhebahn AG, the award confirms years of work to modernise its organisational culture and strengthen its position as an attractive employer in the tourism and cable‑car sector.

A Modern Employer in a Traditional Industry

Mountain tourism is undergoing rapid change, with year‑round operations, new technologies and shifting visitor expectations placing fresh demands on staff. Schmittenhöhebahn AG has responded by prioritising flexibility, communication and employee development. Measures highlighted during the certification process include:

• flexible working hours and part‑time models

• structured support for parents returning to work

• improved internal communication channels

• training and development opportunities

• initiatives to strengthen workplace wellbeing

The company emphasises that family‑friendliness is not a single programme but a long‑term cultural shift. It aims to create an environment where employees can thrive professionally without compromising personal or family commitments.

Leadership Perspective

Managing Director Erich Egger described the award as a milestone in the organisation’s evolution. He noted that Schmittenhöhebahn AG has long recognised the importance of supporting employees in a sector where seasonal pressures and operational intensity can be challenging. The certification, he said, validates the company’s efforts and reinforces its ambition to be a leading employer in the region.

Egger also highlighted the broader significance for Zell am See–Kaprun, one of Austria’s most visited mountain destinations. Strong employers, he argued, are essential for maintaining service quality, attracting skilled staff and ensuring the long‑term competitiveness of the region.

Part of a Wider Regional Strategy

The “Family‑Friendly Employer” seal is awarded by the State of Salzburg in cooperation with external experts. It forms part of a regional initiative to encourage sustainable personnel policies, improve working conditions and strengthen the resilience of local businesses. Tourism and cable‑car companies are a particular focus, given their importance to the regional economy.

Schmittenhöhebahn AG’s certification is expected to support recruitment, retention and employer branding—key factors as Alpine destinations compete for skilled workers in a tightening labour market.

Looking Ahead

With the award now secured, Schmittenhöhebahn AG plans to continue expanding its family‑friendly initiatives. The company sees the certification not as an endpoint but as a foundation for further development. As the mountain tourism sector evolves, the operator aims to remain at the forefront of modern employer practices, ensuring that staff wellbeing remains central to its long‑term strategy.