In Upper Styria, inflation can go down – and at a rapid pace. According to recent reports, skiing is no longer affordable. Day ski passes above the 70 euro mark are not uncommon. Fewer and fewer children are learning Austrians' favorite sport.
The Hochsteiermark adventure region with its six large and five smaller family ski areas is bucking this trend. Because this is the cradle of alpine winter sports. Depending on your point of view, our country's national sport began before or after Semmering. Now it is in danger of falling victim to the inflation crisis. But not in Upper Styria.
“Winter sports must remain affordable! We take our responsibility as the cradle of alpine winter sports seriously, because most children from Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland have been learning to ski for decades in our designated family ski areas. These are the winter tourists of tomorrow, for all of Austria,” explains Hochsteiermark Tourism Chairman Nino Contini and adds: “Price-conscious offers have absolute priority this winter!” Another plus of these ski areas is safety. In Upper Styria there are no long queues or crowds in front of the lifts or on the slopes. Driving is primarily done on natural snow, which significantly minimizes the risk of accidents and is good for your conscience.
The six large family ski areas
- At Niederalpl, children up to 15 years of age generally travel for free when accompanied by an adult! And on natural snow slopes. There is no snowmaking. There are great offers at the Niederalpl operator Kinderhotel Appelhof in Mürzsteg.
- Stuhleck, the largest ski area in the east, offers day tickets for less than 60 euros. Early birds have the opportunity to enjoy the freshly groomed slopes with a guide from 7 a.m. Breakfast included afterwards.
- For the descent with God's blessing we go to the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe. Very close to the basilica, right in the center, skiers can climb the gondola and off they go into white fun, accompanied by the scent of the Pirker gingerbread factory.
- Eco-skiing is very important at the Aflenzer Bürgeralm, as this ski area doesn't even have a snow cannon, which means there is no need for snowmaking in this natural snow paradise. It couldn't be more sustainable.
- The Brunnalm – Hohe Veitsch scores with pure enjoyment and the Max Flex card. This applies to three hours of pure slope time. There are no deductions for stopping off at Gams, for example. This minimizes the stress factor significantly.
- Slope freaks can get a taste of the racing feeling in the Schwabenbergarena Turnau. Many FIS races take place in the ski area. Skiing like top athletes – you treat yourself to a very special feeling.