Gastein Bergbahnen: Groundbreaking Ceremony For The New “Kleine Scharte” On The Schlossalm

With the start of the next winter season, ski and mountain enthusiasts can look forward to a new highlight at the top station of the Schlossalmbahn cable car in Bad Hofgastein. The groundbreaking ceremony has taken place, and after only eight months of construction, the new Kleine Scharte mountain restaurant is scheduled to open in mid-December. Following a holistic, sustainable approach, the existing levels of the mountain station and the workshop will be utilized and expanded by an additional floor. In addition to a sophisticated culinary concept, which will be implemented by a local restaurateur, the project also boasts architectural highlights.

To avoid wasting any time, the groundbreaking ceremony for the flagship project took place on the first day after the end of the winter season at the Schlossalm. Shortly before, the Supervisory Board had given the green light. Its Chairman, Franz Gasselsberger, in his role as CEO of the main shareholder, Oberbank, outlined the decision-making criteria for the approximately 12 million euro investment: "As the main shareholder, we want to invest in projects that further enhance the quality of the offering and fit into Skigastein's sustainability strategy. Projects like these can provide positive impetus for the entire region."

For Andreas Innerhofer, CEO of Gasteiner Bergbahnen AG, the quality of the offering is also a top priority: "For us, a diverse and high-quality gastronomic portfolio is inextricably linked to the mountain experience and corresponds to our self-image as a strong partner and driving force for the region."

Architecture meets nature

The plans for the multifunctional building were drawn up by the architectural firm Hasenauer.Architekten under the project management of Sebastian Kroesen: "Our goal was to set future-oriented standards in terms of architecture and atmosphere and to convey the Gastein mountain experience in an innovative way. In order to minimize the impact on the mountain landscape, we paid attention to resource-efficient multiple use for gastronomic and cable car purposes." In addition to the restaurant with 350 indoor and 330 terrace seats, the new Kleine Scharte will also house offices, workshops, storage, and ski patrol rooms. A digital museum world with interactive exhibitions is also planned, where regional themes relating to nature, mountains, and water in the Gastein Valley and the Hohe Tauern National Park will be brought to life and where knowledge transfer will take place. The architecture conveys a modern, cozy feel, and the dining area offers a view of the impressive peak panorama of the Gastein mountains. Large glass facades blur the boundaries between inside and outside.

In line with the Gastein Bergbahnen's sustainability strategy, great importance was placed on sustainable technologies and energy supply. 1,200 square meters of photovoltaic systems for self-generated electricity are integrated into the building's roof and facade, and heating is provided energy-efficiently using heat pumps. The materials used and the contractors clearly focus on short supply chains. "Sustainability is not a buzzword for us, but a lived conviction. To conserve resources and nature, we attach great importance to the efficient multiple use of the building, which also draws on existing structures of the Schlossalmbahn mountain station. The extension blends harmoniously into the site, while at the same time, the demolition of the old mountain station creates new natural space," explains Andreas Innerhofer.

Enjoyment with a view

Contrary to the prevailing industry trend, the Gastein cable cars will no longer operate the restaurant at the Kleine Scharte itself, but have brought on board renowned restaurateurs, the Scharfetter family. The menu will feature high-quality, regional dishes – both classic and modern interpretations.
The Kleine Scharte will also participate in the "Gastein Ski Hats" competition, where selected dishes will be served according to recipes by Salzburg's award-winning chefs.

With the Kleine Scharte, the Scharfetter family, who own the hotel, can now offer an attractive service not only to their guests but also to their employees. "Thanks to our two-season operation, we can offer secure annual positions. We greatly appreciate it when employees stay with us for many years; we show them opportunities within the company and encourage their desire for further development," emphasizes Gastronomic Director Julian Scharfetter. Andreas Innerhofer sees the gastronomic cooperation as a reflection of the Gastein Bergbahnen's recipe for success: "We invest in a modern, sustainable infrastructure, while the Scharfetter family, with their many years of experience, ensures first-class hospitality."

Bad Hofgastein Mayor Markus Viehhauser is particularly pleased that Julian Scharfetter, an operator from the Gastein Valley, has been secured as a leaseholder. "The new Kleine Scharte project is an asset for the entire valley. As a municipality, we work very well with the Gastein cable cars and appreciate the impetus they, as a leading company, continually provide for the responsible development of our tourism offerings," the mayor emphasizes the close coordination of all parties involved in the project.