Industry News
The Austrian ski area Hochkönig near Salzburg decided to seize the moment and open its ski area around the Arthurhaus Lift in Hochkeil near Mühlbach. The Arthurhaus Lift is just one of 34 ski lifts in the 120-kilometer (75-mile) ski area that stretches between the three villages Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach. Hochkeil near Mühlbach is very popular with freeriders and boasts incredible views of the Austrian Alps in the Salzburger Land.
The operators of the Hochkeil region saw an opportunity after two days of snowfall and sent out the snow groomer and found that it was possible to prepare a safe ski run. The operator of the Hochkeil region shared the exciting news on social media. While the Arthurhaus Lift is just a small J-bar, the lift opening was met with great enthusiasm, and many skiers and boarders turned up for some unexpected summer skiing.
The Austrian ski area typically opens in early December and closes at the end of April. Last season, Mühlbach stayed open until April 7, meaning it has only been five months since the end of the last season. This is a new record for the ski area, which last saw an early opening in 2009, when the Arthurhaus Lift opened on October 18.
Hochkönig ski area is part of Ski Amadé which is a network of 28 ski areas and resorts that, combined, make up the second-largest ski area in Europe. The name derives from the Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in Salzburg. A Ski Amadé season pass is €799 ($885) for an adult and gives you access to all lifts in the network of 28 ski areas and resorts.
The Arthurhaus Lift is in Hochkeil near Mühlbach at the foot of the Hochkönig peak. The Hochkeil region is at a higher altitude than the rest of Mühlbach and is protected from the elements. Snow keeps well here and, therefore, no snow guns operate in the Hochkeil section. The ski area at Hochkeil stretches from 1,300 to 1,784 meters (4,265 to 5,853 feet) and as an all-natural snow area, is popular as a starting point with ski tourers. There is even an educational ski touring trail from the Hochkeil lift to the summit of the Hochkeil, with educational boards regarding the issues of avalanches, weather, ski technique, and other relevant information.
Time will tell if the snow will stay in this little protected area, but for now, people are willing to make the most of some unexpected summer skiing.
