Hochkar - Göstling Ski Resort

Eight lifts as well as two magic carpet lifts carry winter sport enthusiasts up the mountain here. The resort offers up 19 kilometres (11.8 mi) of terrain to explore and is not too far from the Austrian capital Vienna. Hochkar is famous for always having plenty of snow, as well as for the fact that top names from the Austrian Skiing Association (ÖSV), such as Thomas Sykora, Andreas Buder or Kathrin Zettel, practice here!

Beginners can look forward to 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) of blue-marked terrain. The absolute highlight for all newcomers is the blue-marked family slope down from the Hochkar summit at a height of 1,800 metres (5,905.5 ft), the highest point in the resort. This slope runs down alongside the Hochkarbahn gondola. It leads back to the base station of this lift or to the base stations of the two lifts B1/B2 Sonnenlifte via another blue-marked trail. Another exhilarating route descends down from the Häsing summit at a height of 1,728 metres (5669 ft). This trail leads to the intersection of the family slope and the ski path. From the Leckerplan peak at 1,782 metres (5846.5 ft), beginners can enjoy some laid-back turns on the blue-marked carving run. This run ends at the Almhang hill, which is the perfect spot for newcomers and beginners to practice.

Advanced skiers have 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) of red-marked terrain to explore. In the area below the Hochkar and Vorgipfel you'll find a red-marked family slope, a standard trail as well as the Draxlerlochabfahrt run and the Draxlerloch racing course. These are an absolute must for experienced skiers and snowboarders. Häsing summit also offers up another red-marked slope - the Häsingabfahrt. From the Leckerplan, you can return via the Sonnenhang, the Leckerplanabfahrt or the Blachlbodenabfahrt trail via the Scheiterkogel.

Real experts should definitely try the 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) of black-marked terrain. Starting out at the Vorgipfel, the Karabfahrt run leads you back to the valley with lots of twists and turns. Another intense yet fun challenge is the Draxlerloch-Steilhang slope down from the Draxlerlochbahn gondola. From Häsing, proficient skiers and snowboarders can have a go at the black-marked Häsing-Abfahrt back down into the valley. The red-marked Blachlbodenabfahrt converges into the tricky Thomas Sykora run, which leads you directly back to one of the parking areas at the foot of the hill.

Snowboarders and freestyle fans also have a terrain park to look forward to. The park's features are perfect for honing your skills and showing off new tricks and stunts. The park is located by the Almlift.

On the Almhang slope you can even ski after the sun has set. Night skiing is offered on set dates from the end of December until the end of February.

If you opt for a slice at JoSchi Berghaus, you'll be eating at the highest pizza restaurant in Lower Austria at 1,770 metres (5,807 ft). Aside from the great pizza, the restaurant's sun terrace also serves up wonderful views over the surrounding landscape.

The JoSchi Karhütte mountain hut at the Draxlerloch is a great place to take a break. It also boasts a generous sun terrace, so you can enjoy delicious food while sunbathing and relaxing.

Another possible stop is located at the base station, where you can enjoy drinks and food before heading back out on the slopes. Here you'll find the restaurant run by the Blaimauer family directly next to the Hochkarbahn gondola.

For a rustic and inviting atmosphere, head on over to the Latschen-Alm. If you like a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, this is definitely your spot! It's also a popular place for après-ski later in the day.

JoSchi Almgasthof stands at a height of 1,480 metres (4,855.6 ft) directly by the slopes. This freshly renovated restaurant entices guests with delicious regional foods and drinks.

The most challenging run for expert skiers is without doubt the Thomas Sykora trail! Take the Leckerplanbahn gondola up to the summit. From there, head for the red-marked Blachlbodenabfahrt at 1,782 metres (5,846.5 ft). Once you're past the Scheiterkogel, the Thomas Sykora trail branches off on its own. This demanding run then leads straight back to your starting point - the base station of the Leckerplanbahn gondola.

Beginners can also enjoy skiing from the top of the resort (1,808 m/5,931.8 ft) right back down to the valley bottom. The family slope returns you to the base station of the Hochkarbahn gondola, while the ski path connects you to the two B1/B2 Sonnenlifte lifts.

Besides enjoying the slopes on skis or boards, the resort has 50 kilometres (31 mi) of winter hiking trails, tons of snow shoe hiking tours and a couple of natural ice rinks for ice skating and curling. Sledding fans can have some fun on the natural toboggan run Kirchau, which is about 1 kilometre long (0.6 mi).

For a romantic getaway after a long and exhausting day on the slopes, explore the neighborhood on a horse sleigh ride. The tours start at the parking area Fachwerk in Wildalpen and last between one and three hours depending on the tour you booked.

If you are interested in enjoying drinks and laughs after the mountain closes, head for the Latschen-Alm or JoSchi Après-Ski Bar. The latter is located directly next to the lower parking area by the ski school.

By car:

Traveling on the western highway you can either take the Ybbs exit, which will lead you via the B25 to Göstling an der Ybbs, or the Amstetten exit, which leads via the B121 to Waidhofen an der Ybbs and then onto the L31 towards Göstling.

By public transport:

You can travel to Amstetten, Waidhofen an der Ybbs or St. Pölten, Scheibbs with the so-called Western Railway (Westbahn). From these stations simply take the public bus MO1 or MO2 to Göstling an der Ybbs. To reach Hochkar directly, you could also take bus MO13.