Flachau And Zauchensee Kick Off The Winter Season In Vienna

now Space Salzburg and the World Cup resorts of Flachau and Zauchensee are showcasing in Vienna at the start of the season how one of Austria's leading winter sports regions is developing strategically and with a focus on the future: through investments in sustainability, innovation, and high-quality, emotional experiences. At the Vienna Ice Skating Club, a ski simulator brings the feeling of skiing directly into the city; Hermann Maier officially opened it today. Visitors can practice their turns until November 16th – with a chance to win a free day ski pass for the 12-peak Snow Space Salzburg/Zauchensee ski area.

Economic strength through responsibility and innovation

When asked how alpine winter tourism can remain viable under economic pressure and climate change, Snow Space Salzburg, Flachau, and Zauchensee provide a clear answer: through sustainable management, smart investments, digital solutions, and inspiring experiences for guests. Together, these elements create economic and ecological stability for the entire region.

“Our goal is a winter that remains economically strong and brings us the joy of skiing for a long time to come. This can only be achieved if economic thinking and ecological responsibility go hand in hand cooperatively and consistently,” says Wolfgang Hettegger, CEO of Snow Space Salzburg Bergbahnen AG.

That the launch is taking place in Vienna is no coincidence. Vienna is an important urban source market – and at the same time a symbol that climate-friendly winter tourism works.

Arrive in an environmentally friendly way – and be on the slopes in less than four hours.

Climate-friendly travel by public transport is a key component of Snow Space Salzburg's strategy – and has long been a unique selling point of the ski resort. "Snow Space Salzburg is located just outside Vienna. Our guests can reach the slopes from Vienna's main train station in less than four hours – faster than by car," says Hettegger.

In fact, guests from Vienna can comfortably reach the ski resort by train in just 3 hours and 40 minutes – often without even having to change trains. A free shuttle bus awaits them directly at the ski area. This makes the train not only a comfortable but also a real time-saving alternative to the car. Since 2019, Snow Space Salzburg has been working closely with Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) to further promote climate-neutral travel by public transport – for example, with ÖBB's door-to-door luggage service, attractive discounts, and free train journeys for holders of a KlimaTicket (climate ticket). "Anyone wanting to make their winter holiday climate-friendly should travel by train – it saves the most CO₂," is the clear message from the Snow Space Salzburg team.

Sustainability made measurable

Sustainability at Snow Space Salzburg is not just a marketing promise, but a lived principle. Concrete, measurable measures are used to specifically reduce emissions, while simultaneously actively promoting biodiversity on and off the slopes. As early as 2019, Snow Space Salzburg commissioned its first comprehensive survey to determine where CO₂ emissions are generated within its ski operations. The analysis clearly showed that sustainable progress is only possible through a holistic understanding: from guest arrival to employee mobility.

Snow Space Salzburg's comprehensive sustainability strategy has been scientifically monitored for years. Emissions have already been reduced by over 60% – from 4,149 tons of CO₂ (2019/20) to 1,638 tons of CO₂ (2023/24). A day of skiing in Snow Space Salzburg currently produces only 0.86 kg of CO₂. For comparison: One day on a cruise ship is equivalent to approximately 290 days of skiing in Snow Space Salzburg.

“Sustainability isn’t just a label for us; it’s been part of our DNA for many years. It shapes our daily operations as well as long-term decisions in the ski resort,” emphasizes Christina König, CEO of Snow Space Salzburg Bergbahnen AG. “We reduce emissions where they originate – with HVO fuels made from waste oil and residual materials in our entire fleet of snow groomers, AI-supported snowmaking, our mobility partnerships, and targeted biodiversity projects.”

Sustainable building in harmony with nature

In all its construction projects, Snow Space Salzburg places the utmost importance on ecological responsibility and the protection of the alpine environment. "Each of our projects is therefore overseen by its own ecological advisory board, which provides expert support to the construction supervisors and ensures that compensatory measures are implemented directly in the region," says König. This is achieved, for example, through reforestation, planting trees, or other regional compensatory measures.

One example of this is the construction of the Flying Mozart gondola lift in the summer of 2021, which was accompanied by a comprehensive ecological concept, coordinated with planning offices and the nature conservation authority.

Zauchensee: 45 years of the Ski World Cup, this year with the new Schwarzwandbahn cable car

For Veronika Scheffer, Managing Director of the Zauchensee Lift Company, 2025 is all about the new construction: “After almost 40 years, our Schwarzwandbahn lift will receive a modern, energy-efficient successor. This is an investment in quality, sustainability, comfort, and the future of the region.” The new Schwarzwandbahn will go into operation in December – just in time for the Audi FIS Women's Ski World Cup, which has been held in Zauchensee for more than 40 years. On January 10 and 11, 2026, the new lift will comfortably transport spectators directly to the foot of the spectacular starting slope of the Zauchensee World Cup course from the Gamskogel mountain.

Events, emotion and top-level sport Winter 2025/26

The upcoming winter in Flachau promises to be full of excitement and sporting highlights. The season kicks off with the Flachau Winter Opening featuring Andreas Gabalier on December 6th and 7th, 2025 – two days packed with music, atmosphere, and enthusiasm in the mountains. This is followed by the traditional World Cup events: On January 10th and 11th, 2026, the women will compete for World Cup points in Zauchensee. On January 12th, Flachau will host the Hermann Maier Star Challenge with prominent participants such as Anna Veith, Hanns Knaus, and Fritz Strobl, followed by the legendary Audi FIS Ski World Cup Women's Night Slalom on January 13th, 2026. The season concludes with the Fire Fighter Winter Days Flachau from March 19th to 22nd, 2026, where Austria's firefighters will take center stage.

These events not only create memorable experiences but also generate economic and social impact: they extend stays, fill hotels and restaurants, and revitalize the region, especially during peak holiday periods. Furthermore, both World Cup venues are committed to sustainability and local value creation – from regional catering to short transport routes. "Our events represent enthusiasm, identity, and community spirit – they demonstrate that economic strength, emotion, and sustainability can go hand in hand. For us and our guests, these events are far more than just sporting events – they are pure emotion and a vital driving force for the region," says Andreas Fischbacher, Tourism Director of the Flachau Tourism Association.

Hermann Maier opens ski simulator in Vienna

To kick things off, Snow Space Salzburg, Flachau, and Zauchensee are bringing winter right into the city: Ski legend Hermann Maier inaugurated the ski simulator at the Vienna Ice Skating Club. The opening was hosted by former World Cup winner Michaela Kirchgasser. Also present were influencer Anna Strigl and wheelchair tennis player Nico Langmann, who will be participating in the Hermann Maier Star Challenge 2026. Visitors can hit the slopes themselves and get in the mood for the winter season until November 16th – including a free day ski pass for the three ski regions.