Ötscher Lifts Reprieve - Will Continue Operating In 2025/2026

The Ötscher has had a one year reprieve; they will continue operation in 2025/2026

"The operation of the Ötscher lifts will be extended by one year. This gives the region until the end of the 2025/2026 fiscal year to continue working on the year-round concept. We are prepared to provide the local team with the necessary resources. However, I expect continued intensive efforts from the municipalities and tourism businesses, as well as greater willingness to cooperate from the landowners, to work on a sustainable path. This requires a joint effort from the entire region. The commitment to continued operation is initially valid for one year. This is because there are currently no budget resolutions from the state for 2027 and beyond. Therefore, I cannot and do not want to anticipate the decisions of the responsible bodies – especially the state parliament," says club chairman Kurt Hackl in his role as chairman of the supervisory board of ecoplus, which is responsible for the operating company Hochkar & Ötscher Tourismus GmbH.

"It was clear from the outset that Lackenhof needed to be repositioned as a truly year-round tourist destination – and that this repositioning needed to be embraced and supported by the region. A quality initiative in the accommodation and catering sectors is required for successful stay tourism. The Lenikus Group has already acquired three existing properties and would be willing to invest if the cable car and leisure infrastructure were also improved, and the cycling offerings were expanded," states Kurt Hackl.

"We will intensify our efforts to conclude usage agreements for cycling on selected forest roads on the municipality's part. There are already landowners who support this development, which is important for the entire region. Because we need a high-quality gravel bike offering, especially for guests who stay overnight in Lackenhof in the future," says Andreas Fallmann, mayor of the market town of Gaming.

The Ötscherliften lifts are currently operating their summer season with the Großer Ötscher double chairlift operating daily until September 7, 2025, closed on Tuesdays. From September 8 to October 20, 2025, the lifts will operate on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and weekends. During the autumn holidays, from October 25 to November 2, 2025, the lifts will operate daily again. The 3D archery course will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October. The winter season is scheduled to begin on December 6, 2025, depending on snow conditions.