Hochkar Ski Resort
The popular Hochkar Ski Resort covers an area of 19 square kilometers and an altitude of 1,808 meters. There are nineteen cable cars and thirty kilometers of trails, from easy to more demanding. The resort’s claims to fame are varied terrain, incredible panoramas and regularly good snow. The Hochkar ski resort is popular for off-piste skiing, spring skiing and freeriding.
The Hochkar ski resort is popular both in winter and summer. From Hochkar, the top of the mountain, the resort’s 360° Skytour is a winding hiking trail from which visitors can enjoy incredible panoramas of the surrounding mountains. Among the sights that the trail passes are a viewpoint, a stone labyrinth and a suspension bridge. Families will find a range of activities available at Hochkar Ski Resort, including hiking, trail running, climbing, via ferrata and Fredlo’s Alpine Experience, an ideal adventure park.
There are many fascinating places to visit in the Ybbstaler Alps region, one of which is the Hochkar ski resort. Locals can provide you with information on the best ways to enjoy the area’s culinary, historical and cultural riches. Features of this area are the Göstling thermal bath, Lake Lunz and Austria’s best summer cable car.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Göstling an der Ybbs, Lower Austria |
| Resort Altitude | 1,808 m |
| Ski season | December to April |
| Ski pass prices | € 44.50 for adults, € 22.50 for children, € 35.50 for youths and seniors |
| Opening times | 9:00 – 16:00 |
| Number of pistes | 19 |
| Total piste length | 19 km |
| Longest Run | 4 km |
| Easy Slopes | 5 km |
| Moderate Slopes | 10 km |
| Advanced Slopes | 4 km |
| Directions of Slopes | N, NE, E |
| Night skiing | Yes, on Wednesdays and Saturdays |
| Snow Making | Yes, on 100% of slopes |
| Total Lifts | 9 |
| Uphill Capacity | 14,000 per hour |
| Highest Lift | 1,780 m |
| Gondolas/Cable cars | 1 |
| Chairlifts | 4 |
| Drag Lifts | 4 |
| Snow Parks | 1 |
| Ski rentals | Yes, at JoSchi Sporthaus Hochkar |
| Après-ski | Yes, at JoSchi Berghaus, Gasthaus Talstation, ÖTK Schutzhaus, Latschen-Alm, JoSCHi Almgasthof, JUFA Hotel Hochkarhof, Karhütte |
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Overview Of Hochkar Ski Resort
A popular ski destination in the beautiful Alps, Hochkar is located in the Austrian state of Lower Austria. Rising to a height of 1808 meters, this place offers a wonderful view of the distant big mountains. As such, it has become very popular among winter sports enthusiasts. This ski resort is a real treat with a maximum slope of 60% and 19 kilometers of excellently groomed trails. For skiers and snowboarders, the slopes range from beginners to professionals. With a total of six lifts in the ski area, getting to the slopes is quick and easy. The cable car system consists of two gondolas, five chairlifts and a cable car. Hochkar is a great holiday destination for families with small children. Ice skating, snowshoeing, ski touring and sledding are among the exciting sports adventures that can be enjoyed.
History
Rich and fascinating past of Hochkar Ski Resort starts in the 1800s. Hochkar was first reported ascended by local priest Johann Nepomuk Zehetner in 1827. Other mountaineers and adventurers arrived following him to value the beauty and possibilities of the region. Built in 1897, the first mountain hut on Hochkar supplied a base for hikers and skiers.
The area evolved into a contemporary ski resort when the first ski lift was installed at Hochkar Ski Resort in the 1950s. Running the lift was a local farmer called Josef Schirnhofer, better known as JoSchi. Hochkar Ski Resort still bears his name since he was its visionary leader. JoSchi supervised the marketing, building of hotels and restaurants, as well as expansion and enhancement of the ski infrastructure. He also founded the JoSchi Ski School, today ranking among the top in the region.
Hochkar Ski Resort carries on Jo Schi’s work even after his death in 2009. Nowadays, Göstling a der Ybbs and Lassing are owners of the Hochkar Bergbahnen, the resort’s operator. Regarding the environmental and social sustainability of the resort, quality and safety on the slopes, and other areas, the company keeps lavishly funding it. The Lower Austria Card and the Wilde Wunder Card let visitors of Hochkar Ski Resort use a range of discounts and benefits.
Services and Facilities
The employees of the Hochkar ski resort have considered everything to ensure a peaceful and fun stay for their visitors. There is a wide range of accommodation in the resort, from modern hotels to small mountain coves. Among the most appreciated accommodation are JoSchi Berghaus, Gasthaus Talstation, OTK Schutzhaus, Latschen-Alm, JoSCHi Almgasthof and JUFA Hotel Hochkarhof. Along with restaurants and huts serving regional and international cuisine, the resort boasts the Karhutte, Hochkarhutte and Panoramarestaurant restaurants.
Guests of the Hochkar ski resort can benefit from a wide range of services designed to meet their particular preferences and needs. The resort has a grocery store, sports shop, ski rental and ski storage. In addition to massages, visitors can relax in the resort’s spa, which has multiple facilities including a sauna and steam room. The resort has a ski nursery and ski school where skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels can learn the ropes. The resort has a training and racing schedule including competitions for all skill levels of skiers.
Hochkar Ski Resort also has a customer service team to assist visitors with any questions or concerns they may have. From the contact page, visitors can get the postal address, e-mail and phone number of the resort. Right from the resort’s webcam, visitors can see weather and snow conditions. Through the newsletter, guests are informed about the latest news and special offers from the resort.
How to Get There
Easy access to the Hochkar ski resort comes from public transport, taxis and private cars. From Vienna, Graz and Salzburg, the distance to the resort will be approximately 150, 200 and 300 kilometers, respectively. There is no charge for guests to use any of the several parking lots offered by the resort. An advantage is also offered by the resort’s shuttle service, which connects several parking lots with the ski lifts.
The nearest train station to the Hochkar ski resort is in Gaming, about thirty kilometers away. From the train station many times a day, a bus line runs to the resort. The bus station where Postbus operates is called Hochkar Talstation. Those with a valid ski pass or Wilde Wunder pass ride the bus for free.
Vienna International Airport is about 170 kilometers from the Hochkar ski resort, the nearest airport. You can book a taxi to take you from the airport to the resort by phone or online. The price of a ticket for a maximum of four passengers in a taxi operated by Cab 4. It starts at around 200 euros. The service is available around the clock; the driver will wait for passengers at the airport terminal.
Skiing at Hochkar Ski Resort
Hochkar is Lower Austria’s biggest ski area with 19 kilometers of slopes and pathways fit for skiers and snowboarders of all skill level. All skill levels and moods of skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a range of slopes to fit their demand. Thanks to their elevated position and modern snowmaking equipment, the slopes are groomed and assured to be snow covered. By straying from the trail, you might also find fresh powder and amazing vistas.
Ski Slopes and Trails
For skiers and snowboarders, Hochkar boasts blue, red, and black lines and slopes. Novice skiers find blue-marked slopes perfect; red for intermediate skiers; black for specialists. Arranged according to kind, these are the paths and slopes:
- Blue slopes: Hochkar has a total of four kilometers of blue hills. Because they are soft and light, skiing on them is a fantastic way to warm up or pick up skills. Near the blue slopes are the base station and the JoSchi Sporthaus Hochkar.
- Red slopes: Hochkar features a total of twelve kilometers of nine red slopes. Intermediate level skiers will find them appealing since they are somewhat varied and challenging. Linking many lifts and facilities, the red slopes stretch the length of the ski resort. Three particularly well-known red slopes are the Hochkarabfahrt, Almabfahrt, and Panoramaabfahrt.
- Black slopes: In Hochkar, there are three black slopes covering three kilometres. Their steepness and challenge make them difficult even for the most experienced skiers. Higher in the ski region, the black slopes offer amazing views and intense excitement. Among the most demanding are the Leckerplanabfahrt, Gammeringabfahrt, and Schönwetterabfahrt.
Ski Lifts and Facilities
Thanks to its modern and effective ski lifts and facilities, Hochkar offers hassle-free skiing. Nine ski lifts total—gondolas, chairlifts, T-bar lifts—Hochkar boasts. The listed capacities of the ski lifts are:
- Chairlifts: Hockar’s four cable cars can transport a total of 8,800 passengers every hour. Among them are the Leckerplan 4er Sessellift, Gammering 4er Sessellife, Almlift and Hochkar 6er Sessellift. With insulated seats and hoods to protect users from the elements, they are fast and comfortable cable cars
- Gondolas: The two Hochkar gondolas have a combined capacity of 3,600 passengers per hour. Two are Hochkarbahn and Panoramabahn. View of valleys and mountains all around, spacious and elegant gondolas.
- T-bar lifts: The 3,000-passenger capacity of Hochkar’s 3-passenger T-bar lifts makes it possible to mention three: Schonvetterlift, Gammeringlift and Haninglift. Reliable and easy to use, T-bar lifts are for flatter and lower slopes.
| Name | Type | Capacity | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hochkar Vorgipfel | 4-person high speed chairlift with bubble | 2400 people/hour | 1079 m |
| Häsing | 4-person chairlift (fixed-grip) | 2378 people/hour | 942 m |
| Almlift | 4-person chairlift (fixed-grip) | 2361 people/hour | 504 m |
| Draxlerloch | 4-person chairlift (fixed-grip) | 2400 people/hour | 554 m |
| Leckerplan | 4-person chairlift (fixed-grip) | 2400 people/hour | 981 m |
| Großes Kar | 2-person chairlift (fixed-grip) | 1440 people/hour | 1389 m |
| Sonnenlift B1 | T-bar lift | 1188 people/hour | 523 m |
| Zagerlboden – Kinderland | J-bar lift | 500 people/hour | 102 m |
Snowboarding at Hochkar
For snowboarders, Hochkar is also a great place since it provides a large spectrum of terrain and facilities to suit every inclination and ability. Hochkar provides freestyle parks, halfpipes, and off-piste paths among other snowboarding terrain.
- Freestyle parks: At Hochkar are two freestyle parks, one at the Leckerplan and one at the Gammering regions. Two such recreational parks are Gammering and JoSchi. Among the jumps and challenges included at freestyle parks are rails, boxes, kickers, and wallrides. Great for all ability levels of snowboarders, the freestyle parks are created and maintained regularly by park staff.
- Halfpipes: Located in the Schönwetter region, Hochkar boasts one halfpipe. Called for the Hochkar Halfpipe, it is… The halfpipe runs 120 meters in length and 15 meters in breadth, with 4.5 meter high walls. The halfpipe is where snowboarders with some experience under their belts could refine their airs and tricks. The snowcat forms and polishes the halfpipe daily.
- Off-piste runs: On Hochkar’s various off-piste trails, fresh snow and pristine terrain wait. Among the other lifts and slopes one may reach the off-piste lines via the Hochkarbahn, Panoramabahn, Leckerplanabfahrt, and Gammeringabfahrt. Off-piste runs will appeal to intermediate and advanced snowboarders looking for thrill and a fresh challenge. You should constantly be aware of the avalanche risk, the present temperature, the safety rules and signage though.
Activities and Attractions
Winter Activities
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Hochkar Ski Resort is the venue for people looking for the best snowboarding or skiing experience. This resort is a winter sports heaven with its thirty kilometers of groomed slopes and synthetic snowmaking equipment. The snow park of the resort is open for freestyle skiers and snowboarders with rails, boxes, and jumps. The resort offers a ski movie track for visitors to use; it records their runs and enables them distribute the clip online.
- Freeriding and Off-Piste Skiing: Hochkar Ski Resort is a heaven for off-piste skiing and freeriding, two forms of skiing in which one must negotiate the snow and terrain outside the approved runs. The ski patrol at the resort notes and guards several freeride courses. Guests may find safety gear and information at the freeride checkpoint of the resort. Furthermore available to visitors is the freeride map of the resort, which outlines the top points and paths for hill riding.
- Skiing in Spring: Being one of only few ski resorts offering this, spring skiing at Hochkar Ski Resort is a once-in- a-lifetime chance. Guests may ski on the resort’s special ski pass from the middle of March to the beginning of May, when the snow is plenty and the temperature is nice. To mark the end of the ski season, the resort also hosts a spring festival including music, activities, and other fun events.
- Ski Touring and Snowshoeing: Two forms of hiking that call for specific gear to cross snow are snowshoeing and ski touring, which are great activities at Hochkar Ski Resort. Throughout the resort, the ski patrol notes and maintains several ski touring and snowshoeing paths. Guests may find a great map of the ski touring and snowshoeing paths around the resort. The resort rents ski touring and snowshoeing gear as well as lessons.
Summer Activities
- 360° Skytour: On the 360° Skytour, a circular hiking circuit at Hochkar Ski Resort spanning all the way to the summit of Hochkar, you may enjoy amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Completing the five-kilometer route takes practically two hours. Among the sites the walk leads to are an observation deck, a rock maze, and a suspension bridge. Hikers of all ability and ages can access the trailhead using the Hochkar cable car.
- Hiking and Trail Running: Hochkar Ski Resort offers a range of hiking and trail running paths to suit different degrees of expertise and time limits. The resort offers visitors a trail running and hiking plan including the most picturesque paths and fascinating sites to see. Furthermore available to guests is the resort’s hiking and trail running app, which features GPS and a wealth of practical information. The resort’s hiking and trail running program lets guests use maps, information, and informed guides.
- Climbing and Via Ferrata: Hochkar Ski Resort also provides climbing and via ferrata opportunities for the more adventurous and experienced guests. The resort has a climbing and via ferrata map showing the top points and paths for these sports. The resort also provides a climbing and via ferrata rental service whereby guests may get all the tools and professional advice required for their trips. The climbing and via ferrata program of the resort offers guests guided outings and training.
- Fredl’s Alpine Experience: Fredl’s Alpine Experience, an adventure park ideal for families and young children, is housed in the Hochkar Ski Resort. The park features a playground, mini golf, a climbing wall, a trampoline, and a massive slide among other entertainment options. The petting zoo in the park features among other animals goats, bunnies, and chickens. Visitors at the park’s snack bar can find a range of meals and beverages.
Dining and Après-Ski
Hochkar is a great place for après-ski, dining, and skiing/boarding. Hochkar offers a large range of eateries and bars ideal for savoring good cuisine, reviving beverages, and interesting live events.
Restaurants at Hochkar
There are several restaurants in Hochkar offering mouthwatering and substantial cuisine. Asian, Austrian, Italian, and more are among the several cuisines that different restaurants provide. There are also restaurants offering a range of ambiances and locations, including those on slopes, off-slopes, and panoramic views. Among the dining choices Hochkar has are the following:
- On-slope dining: Hochkar provides several on-slope restaurants where you may grab a meal without having to leave your skis or snowboard: the Hochkarhütte, the Gammeringhütte, and the Schönwetterhütte. Conveniently close to the ski lifts and slopes, these quick food restaurants include burgers, fries, pizza, and soup among other choices. Outside seating areas where you may enjoy the sun and soak in the surroundings are another possibility.
- Off-slope dining: Perfect for a laid-back lunch after a day on the slopes, Hochkar provides a range of off-slope eateries including the Gasthof Staudach, the Alpenhotel Ensmann, and the JoSchi Almgasthof. Near these restaurants, which offer table service and have large menus featuring schnitzel, goulash, pasta, and salad, are the base station and parking lot. They also offer interior seating areas where one could enjoy the comfortable surroundings.
- Panoramic dining: Among the panoramic restaurants in Hochkar that offer amazing views while presenting unique, unforgettable cuisine are Panoramasant Hochkar, Berggasthof Lechner, and Berggasthof Königsberg. Higher in the ski region, these eateries provide elegant cuisine like steak, seafood, cheese, and wine together with table service. Through the glass walls and windows, you could enjoy the amazing scene of the valleys and mountains.
Après-Ski Activities
Hochkar has a range of après-ski events if you want something to do following a day on the slopes. To satisfy every taste and fancy, bars, taverns, live music, and other events are on hand. At Hochkar, you can savor the following après-ski choices:
- Bars and pubs: Among the bars and taverns at Hochkar ideal for relaxing with a drink and catching up with friends or fellow skiers are the JoSchi Bar, the Almbar, and the Schirmbar. Near the ski lifts and slopes, you may locate these drinking places providing a large assortment of alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, schnapps, and cocktails. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas so you may savor the ambiance and music.
- Live music: Among the few outstanding venues in Hochkar for live music are the Alpenhotel Ensmann, the JoSchi Sporthaus, and the Gasthof Staudach. These venues include dance floor, DJs, and live music from nearby bands and artists; they are near the base station and parking lot. Apart from the music, they provide choices for food and beverages so you might have a snack and a drink while listening.
Accommodations & Hotels
- JUFA Hotel Hochkar: Though 250 meters from the Hochkar Ski Area, the JUFA Hotel Hochkar boasts a restaurant, a spa, and a ski storage area. Every modern room features a bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and mountain views. There are few rooms with sofa beds. For visitors are a café with a terrace and a large breakfast buffet.
- JoSchi Sporthaus Hochkar: This hillside hotel presents amazing mountain views about 17 miles from Göstling a der Ybbs and 8km from Lassing. We call JoSchi Sporthaus Hochkar. The hotel boasts a food store, a sports shop, a ski rental, and a ski storage room. Visitors can enjoy relaxing massages; the spa area features sauna and steam room as well.Just thirty meters separate you from the closest Hochkar Ski Area slope.
- Hotel Fahrnberger: Situated at the base of the Hochkar Mountain five kilometers from Göstling, the Hotel Fahrnberger Amenities of the hotel include Ayurveda treatments, a restaurant, a spa, and a swimming pond. Every room has a bathroom, flat-screen TV, and balcony all styled in the traditional Alpine fashion.A sun deck and a complete breakfast welcome guests.
- Alpenhotel Ensmann: Situated at the base of the Hochkar Mountain surrounded by the Göstling Alps, is the Alpenhotel Ensmann This hotel provides a garden, spa treatments, a restaurant, and a bar. Every room has a balcony, TV, and private bathroom; they are all rusticly furnished.On site, visitors can make advantage of the breakfast buffet and the ski bus station.
- Hotel – Pension Scheiblechner: This hotel, Pension Scheiblechner, is 25 miles from Sonntagberg Basilica situated in Göstling a der Ybbs. This motel boasts a dining room, a common area, private parking, and complimentary bicycles as among its amenities. Every room boasts a sofa, a TV, and a private bathroom. Guests can eat a continental breakfast and view a terrace.
