The once classic winter sports destination Hinterstoder has become a successful year-round destination over the past 15 years.
- More and more guests use the mountain railways in summer too
- Hinterstoder has developed into a year-round destination over the past 15 years
This is clearly demonstrated by the figures for this year's mountain summer from Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen AG, which in addition to Hinterstoder also operate the Wurzeralmbahnen and, in summer, the Wurbauerkogel adventure mountain. Despite the difficult circumstances and in compliance with all safety measures, the mountain railways had already been used around 300,000 times by guests in the previous summer season by the end of August 2020 to simply enjoy the mountains. At the end of the summer season, the number of summer guests who take the mountain railways to the starting point for their sporting activities or relaxing hours on the mountain has probably tripled in the past 15 years.
The mountains are booming
In the past few years it has been clearly shown that more and more guests use the mountain railways in summer too. By the end of the 2020 summer season, around 450,000 uses will be counted in Hinterstoder, on the Wurzeralm and on the Wurbauerkogel, which means that the number has tripled since 2005. “The mountains are booming. I am particularly pleased that many young people and young adults are increasingly looking for the mountain experience. With events close to nature with many regional partners and producers, added value is created for the entire region, which is well received by more and more people ”, says Rainer Rohrgger, CEO of Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen AG. The mountain railways are of central importance for the Pyhrn-Priel holiday region, they allow all guests - not just the sporty ones - easy access to the beauty of the mountains. Many athletes - hikers, climbers, paragliders or mountain bikers - use the climbing aids to get to the starting point of their activities.
Mountain railways as the most important leading company
Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen AG is the most important leading company in the Pyhrn-Priel holiday region. On the one hand, the company transports athletes and those looking for relaxation easily and conveniently to the mountains; on the other hand, it makes important investments in the local infrastructure for summer and winter tourism. Last year, for example, the ALPRIMA Aparthotel with 330 beds for athletes and families was opened in Hinterstoder, and new carriages for the funicular to the Wurzeralm were acquired in July 2020 and all the technology was brought up to date. "Investments in the infrastructure increase the attractiveness of our region for the guests, secure jobs and make a significant contribution to local value creation," said Rainer Rohrgger. The interest in the mountains is increasing, as the development of the last 15 years clearly shows, At the same time, the operators must constantly think about innovations and make investments. “We focus on careful, natural development, taking into account all the interests of businesses and the people of the region. Then we can certainly look into a future that is positive for all sides, ”said Rohrgger.
Adapted event formats for small groups established
This year's summer season was certainly exceptional for the mountain railways and both operations and events had to be adapted to the required safety measures.
“We took a difficult situation as an opportunity to demonstrate our flexibility. We learned a lot and developed a lot. My big thanks go to the entire team and all partner companies, ”said Rainer Rohrgger. Large events had to be canceled; instead, new formats were staged that allow small groups to experience great things - such as the glow of the mountain (sunrise trips) or yoga on the mountain. "We have focused on offering small groups or families a special mountain experience while observing all relevant safety measures."
