Hochkönig

Hochkönigs is the name of an association of municipalities that has built an interesting ski area across the terrain between three Alpine villages: Dienten, Maria Alm and Mühlbach. The highest peak around is the Hochkönig (2,941 m), with a patch of glacier on one of its slopes. However, to protect its natural ecosystem, neither the glacier nor the rest of this majestic mountain has been opened up with lifts. A one-day ski pass lets you ski throughout the Hochkönigs region, while a pass bought for more than one day is valid across the whole Ski Amadé area, of which Hochkönigs is a part. Most of the pistes are intermediate. There is also plenty of terrain that is perfect for beginners. A big plus of the resort is the usually excellent piste preparation and the absence of lift queues. On the slopes of the Aberg there is an attraction for snowboarders: a snow park with kickers, rails and pro jumps (including some for beginners). The ski circuit starts at the Karbachalm, and its next stages are the Schneeberg and the Kollmannsegg, from where you can reach Dienten. From Dienten you ride up to the Gabühel and then cross over to Hintertal. From there it is a short hop to the Maria Alm ski terrain on the slopes of the Aberg and the Natrun. As mentioned, one ski pass is valid everywhere, and you do not need to take your skis off to move from one resort to another. The Hochkönigs area can be recommended to cross-country skiers, although it hardly compares with such outstanding cross-country regions as Seefeld. Fit skiers with at least intermediate skills can, however, (via the Klarellwinkl trail) cross into the Saalfelden area, which has a much more extensive and interesting network of cross-country trails (including the World Championships race course and a trail for skiing with your dog). The après-ski is decent, but do not expect to party until dawn. The villages here are on the quiet side. They offer guests cosy wine bars and unpretentious inns. As for sports other than skiing, you can choose from winter walks, curling, swimming and tobogganing. A downside of Hochkönigs, especially when it snows, is the access road, which is narrow and winding.