New ski area: 22 million euros for modern cable cars in Dachstein West!
Schönau is investing 22 million euros in new chairlifts for winter tourism. Improvements are coming!

New ski area: 22 million euros for modern cable cars in Dachstein West!
A significant investment project to improve winter tourism is being planned in the Dachstein West region. In this context, two new 6-seater chairlifts will be built that will connect the communities of Gosau in Upper Austria and Annaberg in Salzburg. The entire project involves an investment of 22 million euros, which will flow into both the new railways and a modern technical center. Reported on this salzburg.orf.at that the construction work is aimed at expanding the tourist offer and increasing comfort for visitors.
The new chairlifts are important not only for the current winter season, but also for the future development of the region. 407,000 overnight stays have already been registered during the 2023/24 winter season. An increase to 412,000 overnight stays is expected for the 2024/25 season. These figures underline the economic importance of winter tourism for the region and show the growing interest in tourist offers.
Technical details of the new railways
The two planned 6-seater chairlifts, which are currently replacing outdated lift systems, will be in operation by December 2024. The new systems are designed as follows:
| train | Travel distance (m) | Speed (m/s) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6SB Lookout Mountain | 952 | 5 | Weather protection hoods, seat heating, mechanical locking |
| 6SB Angeralm | 615 | 5 | Weather protection hoods, seat heating, mechanical locking |
In addition, a common valley station and a technology center will be built for both chairlifts. This technical upgrade is a crucial step in meeting the requirements of a modern winter sports destination.
Sustainable development in the tourism sector
The investment of 22 million euros in winter tourism infrastructure reflects an increasing awareness of the need for sustainable development in the tourism sector. The aim is not only to increase the attractiveness for holidaymakers, but also to improve the regional economic conditions. Let us ensure that these investments benefit the entire region in the long term and create a large number of jobs.
Overall, the upcoming expansion of the ski infrastructure in Dachstein West is a clear signal for the future of winter tourism and is expected to further increase visitor numbers. Current developments clearly show that the region's potential is far from exhausted.