Hinterstoder Ski Resort

Hinterstoder is Upper Austria’s only destination on the Ski World Cup and a worthwhile visit for anyone in the area. 40 kilometres of runs sprawl across the mountainside below the peak of the 2,000-metre Schafkogel.

Apart from a number of family-friendly runs, the Hannes Trinkl World Cup run and the Inferno Piste offer plenty of variation. In addition, the mountainside offers outstanding views of the peaks of the Totes Gebirge Mountains like Großer and Kleiner Priel, and all the way to the Bavarian Forest on a clear day.

From Hinterstoder the Kabinenbahn Hössbahn lift carries skiers up to the Hutterer Böden, which is the main hub of the ski area. Several different lifts extend up the mountain from this point. Beginners should probably stay in this area, as there is an ideal practice zone here for getting to grips with the snow. If you are feeling more confident, you can progress over to the short blue runs by the Schullift. Youngsters will find just what they’re looking for at the Sunny Kids Park on the Hutterer Böden. With magic carpet lifts, ski carousels and bumpy adventure slopes, learning to ski is seriously fun here. Freestyle fans should check out the Snow Park by the Almlift, offering up rails, boxes and two jump lines along its 300-metre length.

The Hutterer Höss at 1,858 metres is accessible via the Höss Express. Up here you can choose between the blue-marked family run and the intermediate Standardabfahrt. Experts with nerves of steel take the Inferno run down from the mountain station, and its 70 percent gradient is sure to get your thighs burning and pulse racing. Alternatively, you could take the Panorama and 2000er lift up to the 2,000-metre peak of Schafkogel from Hutterer Höss. The vista from the top is stunning and the blue-marked panoramic runs down are worth it for the views alone.

Finally, the western edge of the ski area centres on the Hirschkogelbahn, Upper Austria’s first 10-person gondola. This carries visitors up to the start of the family run as well as the carving slope. Heading back down in the valley, you can take the valley run, which cuts sweeping curves through the woodland, or the tricky World Cup course. Named after skiing world champion Hannes Trinkl, who hails from the region, it is the only World Cup course in Upper Austria and therefore a must for proficient skiers.

Hinterstoder boasts plenty of lodges for grabbing some food and drink. The Alm by the Hirschkogelbahn or Berggasthof Hutterer Höss are great places to get a bite and enjoy incredible views. However, the Hutterer Böden definitely boasts a larger choice. The self-service Bärenhütte restaurant is built in the style of a Canadian lodge and serves all the mountain favourites. If it’s a cosy atmosphere you’re after, head for Gasthof Lederhose Höss, where they service delicious dishes made with top-notch regional produce. Other restaurants include Höss Salettl, Dachsalm and the rustic Lögerhütte.

Experts shouldn’t miss the Hannes Trinkl World Cup course and the Inferno run with a testing 70 percent gradient.

And if you’d like to explore the natural landscape in the region away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes, a snowshoe hike is the ideal way to do so – over 100 kilometres of prepared hiking trails criss-cross the Pyhrn-Priel region. Hinterstoder also boasts horse-drawn sleigh rides and a sled run.

Après-ski starts on the slopes by the Hutterer Böden, which is a great place to catch some rays over a cool drink. The Lögerhütt’n is a bar where the party never stops, and the same can be said for the SIGLU-Bar by the valley station car park – a great place to head after the mountain closes. And if you want to keep going until the early hours, the Party Stadl is the place to be.

Traditional dishes from the region are served in the inviting surroundings of the Landhotel Gressenbauer every evening. In addition, the Restaurant Dorfstub’n is well known in the region for its choice of outstanding wines.

By car: You should approach the ski area via the A9. Leave the motorway at St. Pankraz and then continue on the L552 to Hinterstoder.

By train: The closest railway station to Hinterstoder is in St. Pankraz. From there, you can catch regular buses to the ski area.

By plane: The closest airports are in Linz (80 km) and Salzburg (150 km).