Haitzingalm

Haitzingalm is a ski hut in the Gastein Valley, Austria. It is located at an altitude of 1750 meters, next to the finish line of the ski race track. It offers a panoramic view of Bad Gastein and the Ankogel mountain range. It was built in 1970 by Johann and Regina Wallner, and is now run by Waltraud and Thomas Wallner. It is open from December to April, and serves local cuisine on a spacious sundeck. It is a popular destination for ski touring, as it can be reached by a scenic forest trail from the Schlossalmbahn cable car station.

History and Family Tradition

Haitzingalm was originally a chairlift station, built in 1970 by Johann and Regina Wallner. They converted it into a gastronomy business, and ran it until 1992. Since then, their daughter Waltraud and her husband Thomas have taken over the management of the hut, along with their team of friendly staff. They have maintained the traditional and rustic charm of the hut, while adding some modern touches, such as the Skytop, a glass-walled room that offers a stunning view of the surroundings.

Culinary Delights and Sunny Sundeck

Haitzingalm is known for its delicious and hearty food, made with fresh and local ingredients. You can choose from a variety of dishes, such as soups, salads, schnitzels, burgers, pizzas, and desserts. You can also enjoy a hot drink, such as a mulled wine, a hot chocolate, or a coffee, to warm you up after a day on the slopes. If you are lucky, you might even catch a live music performance or a special event at the hut.

One of the best features of Haitzingalm is its spacious sundeck, where you can relax and soak up the sun, while admiring the breathtaking view of the valley and the mountains. You can also watch the skiers and snowboarders zoom past the finish line of the ski race track, which is located right next to the hut. The sundeck is equipped with comfortable chairs, blankets, and heaters, to make your stay as cozy as possible.

Ski Touring Paradise

Haitzingalm is not only a great place for skiers and snowboarders, but also for ski tourers. It is a popular destination for those who enjoy exploring the nature and the snow on their own pace, away from the crowds and the noise. There are several ski touring routes that lead to Haitzingalm, ranging from easy to medium difficulty. The most common one is the ST 6a route, which starts from the Schlossalmbahn cable car station, and follows a picturesque forest trail to the hut. The route takes about 1.5 hours, and covers a distance of 4.2 kilometers, with an elevation gain of 905 meters. Along the way, you can enjoy the tranquility and the beauty of the winter landscape, and maybe spot some wildlife, such as deer, foxes, or birds.

If you are feeling more adventurous, you can also extend your ski tour to the Kleine Scharte mountain station, which is another 30 minutes from Haitzingalm. From there, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Hohe Tauern National Park, and then ski down the slopes to the valley.

How to Get There

Haitzingalm is located in the Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel ski area, which is part of the Skigastein region. You can easily reach it by car, bus, or train, from the nearby towns of Bad Hofgastein, Bad Gastein, or Dorfgastein. You can park your car at the Schlossalmbahn cable car station, and then either take the cable car to the middle station, or start your ski tour from there. You can also take the ski bus, which stops at the cable car station, or the train, which stops at the Bad Hofgastein station, and then take a short walk or a taxi to the cable car station.

To go ski touring in Skigastein, you will need a special ticket, which includes the use of the ascent routes, cable car rides up the first section, downhill runs, and parking fees. You can buy your ticket online, or at the cable car station. You can also rent your ski touring equipment at one of the local rental shops, if you don’t have your own.

Bad Hofgastein, Austria