Gasteiner Bergbahnen: Construction Project “Kleine Scharte New” Reaches Important Milestone
Four months before the opening of the new restaurant at the Schlossalmbahn mountain station, construction work has reached an important milestone. With the traditional topping-out ceremony, the shell of the multifunctional building, which will also include lounges and storage rooms for the ski rescue team and a digital museum, was completed. Despite the rainy July, work, which will now continue with the interior work, is well on schedule. The restaurant is expected to open on December 19th.
Multifunctional building blends harmoniously into the mountain landscape
The Gastein Bergbahnen, as the client, is pursuing a holistic approach with its project, as CEO Andreas Innerhofer explains:
"We are creating a modern building that blends harmoniously into the mountain landscape and uniquely combines cable car infrastructure, enjoyment, and nature. One aspect of this is the demolition of the old restaurant building, which will enable its renaturalization. This is in line with our sustainable approach, which plays a central role in both the construction and subsequent operation of the new mountain restaurant."
The shell shows what the planning team at Hasenauer.Architekten had already outlined with their models. Only the upper section of the building at the Kleine Scharte (used for catering) is fully visible and is level with the cable car station – the other levels partially "disappear" into the mountain.
Great commitment of the trades involved
"The rain in July slowed us down a bit. But thanks to the great commitment of all the trades involved, we were able to catch up and complete the roof on time," reported project manager Sebastian Kroesen at the topping-out ceremony. Special praise went to the employees of Holzbau Maier – the Bramberg-based company manufactured the entire roof structure.
The architect is managing the work, which will now continue with the interior work, together with construction manager Harald Reinbacher. Drywall construction, as well as work on the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, are scheduled for the coming weeks. The screed is expected to be applied in about a month, and the photovoltaic system on the roof will be installed in the fall.
Skigastein sets the course for a successful future
"The new mountain restaurant will be a culinary beacon for the Gastein Valley, with regional and national appeal. This culinary experience connects mountains and nature, making them a central part of the overall Gastein experience. Together with the Skigastein brand, it sets a clear tone for the destination's appeal," recalls Markus Papai, Marketing Director of the Gastein Cable Cars, whose concept was recently honored with the German Brand Award.
"Our focus on quality is a crucial building block for the future viability of the Gastein tourism region. We consciously invest in high-quality offerings and are happy to swim against the tide if it contributes to improving quality," adds Chief Financial Officer Benjamin Rogl. Contrary to industry trends, the Gastein cable cars are placing the catering operations at the new mountain restaurant in the hands of the experienced Scharfetter family, who lease the restaurant. Restaurateur Julian Scharfetter stands for high-quality regional cuisine and will also implement this concept at the Schlossalm.
