Two New 6-Seater Chairlifts In Dachstein West Make The Region Fit For The Future

State Councillor for Economic Affairs and Tourism Markus ACHLEITNER: Two new 6-seater chairlifts set the course for the future of tourism in the Dachstein West region

Winter tourism in Upper Austria is of great economic importance. The industry contributes significantly to regional value creation and employment. Dachstein West, Upper Austria's largest ski region, has been popular with visitors from Austria and abroad for many years and is an extremely strong economic driver. "The region is now achieving a tourism milestone: 22 million euros are being invested in two new 6-seater chairlifts and a new technology center. This will expand the diverse offerings and offer guests even greater comfort," emphasized Markus Achleitner, State Minister for Economic Affairs and Tourism, at today's groundbreaking ceremony in Gosau.

"A look at tourism statistics shows that winter tourism in the Inner Salzkammergut is encouragingly growing: While there were around 407,000 overnight stays in the 2023/24 winter season, there were already almost 412,000 overnight stays in the 2024/25 winter season. This means more jobs and more added value in tourism," emphasized State Councilor Achleitner.

"The latest technology, as well as increased comfort and amenities for guests, are the focus of those responsible. In recent years, significant investments have been made in artificial snowmaking, which makes it all the more exciting to be able to break ground on two new lifts in the Dachstein West region," emphasized Regional Councilor Achleitner.

Guests from Austria and abroad have long appreciated the region: a family ski resort with a clear focus on children and families, as well as an excellent price-performance ratio. This will now be further expanded with the construction of two new 6-seater chairlifts. "The new lifts will make the region even more attractive. New lifts mean greater customer satisfaction and thus more added value in the region," explained Regional Councilor Achleitner.

Cross-border investment

The two lifts, Angeralm and Aussichtsberg, connect the municipalities of Gosau in Upper Austria with Annaberg in Salzburg. "An investment of this magnitude in a ski area like Dachstein West requires significant financial resources. These investments are necessary to remain attractive as a holiday destination and drive the local economy. The two new chairlifts will set completely new standards in comfort and efficiency. This will offer guests a completely new skiing experience starting in the 2025/26 winter season," said Regional Councilor Achleitner.

Factor 1:5 in sales, added value and jobs

"A recent study has shown that the operational activities of the OÖ. Seilbahnholding trigger effects of a factor of 1:5 in terms of sales, value creation, and jobs in other sectors such as accommodation, gastronomy, and retail," explained State Councilor Achleitner:

Rupert SCHIEFER, Managing Director of OÖ Seilbahnholding: High-quality cable cars and lifts as the basis for a successful winter season

Investments like those in Dachstein West – in the panoramic mountain and the Angerlift – are milestones for the region and its future positioning against the competition. The Dachstein West region is the largest ski region in Upper Austria, bordering Salzburg. The foundation for a successful winter season is not only sufficient snow but also technically sophisticated cable cars and lifts.

"Our Aussichtsberg chairlift – the connection between Gosau and Annaberg – as well as the "Angerlift" drag lift are showing their age. As those responsible, we know that investment is particularly needed in infrastructure. Guests want to reach the mountain safely, comfortably, and quickly," emphasized Rupert Schiefer, Managing Director of OÖ Seilbahnholding and Board Member of Dachstein Tourismus AG.

The Dachstein Salzkammergut cable cars, together with Dachstein Tourismus AG, are investing 22 million euros in two new cable cars and a new technical center to be prepared for the future.

High-tech instead of nostalgia

The two lifts, the Angeralm drag lift and the Aussichtsberg chairlift, will be completely replaced by two new chairlifts. The "Aussichtsberg" was built in 1992. The "Angerlift" drag lift, the connecting lift between Zwieselalm and Annaberg, has also seen many winter seasons. "We implemented the planning very carefully with experts. After the groundbreaking ceremony, the new chairlifts will start the winter season in December. We are delighted that with this investment we can make winter fun even more pleasant for our guests and further strengthen our offering," says Schiefer. The new construction of the two chairlifts will create the conditions for a modern and high-performance skiing experience.

With a vision for the future

The 6SB Aussichtsberg and 6SB Angeralm cable cars are a strong symbol of high quality standards, innovation, and the continued development of winter tourism in the Salzkammergut region, as well as in the entire region, including Upper Austria and Salzburg. The new cable cars in the Zwieselalm area in Gosau will be equipped with weather protection hoods and heated seats, as well as mechanical locking for even greater guest safety. Both cable cars share a valley station, a parking garage with a loop station, and a new technical center.

Facts about the viewing mountain

• System: 6SB
• Travel distance: 952 m
• Travel speed: 5 meters per second
• Number of supports: 7

Facts Angeralm

• System: 6SB
• Travel distance: 615 m
• Travel speed: 5 meters per second
• Number of supports: 7