Dachstein West

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Resort Overview

Dachstein West delivers an extraordinary Alpine skiing experience across 160 kilometres of perfectly groomed terrain, spanning the border between Upper Austria and Salzburg. This multi-village resort encompasses Gosau, Russbach and Annaberg, creating a comprehensive winter sports playground set against the dramatic backdrop of the legendary Dachstein massif reaching 2,100 metres. The resort features varied terrain from gentle family slopes to challenging black runs including the notorious "Wilde Hilde" with its 67% gradient - one of Austria's steepest pistes. With exceptional value representing one of Europe's most affordable ski regions per kilometre of terrain, Dachstein West combines authentic Austrian hospitality with modern facilities across this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Trails & Terrain

Trails

Total Runs

Total Area

51km

31.7 miles

Difficulty Distribution

Beginner

29%

Intermediate

65%

Advanced

Expert

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Dachstein West Lift System

The comprehensive lift network at Dachstein West features 24 modern installations efficiently serving the expansive terrain, including 3 gondolas, 3 high-speed six-packs, 5 quad chairs, and 14 surface lifts with a combined uphill capacity of 27,600 persons per hour. The system operates between elevations of 745m and 1,617m, providing an impressive vertical drop of 870 metres across the interconnected mountain faces. Key lifts include the Hornbahn gondola in Russbach, the Gosaukammbahn in Gosau, and modern chairlifts that transport skiers to spectacular panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Dachstein glacier and surrounding alpine peaks. The integrated system allows seamless movement between all three village bases, creating endless exploration opportunities across this expansive ski area.

Lifts

Total Lifts

Lift Types

Lift Breakdown

Surface Lift

6-Person Chair

T-Bar

Quad Chair

Gondola

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Location & Getting There

Strategically positioned in the heart of Austria between Salzburg and Upper Austria, Dachstein West sits approximately one hour from Salzburg airport and two hours from Linz, making it highly accessible from major European cities including Munich (3 hours), Vienna (4 hours) and Prague (6 hours). The resort enjoys excellent motorway access via the A10 Tauernautobahn at Golling and the A1 Westautobahn at Regau, with free parking available at all three village base stations in Gosau, Russbach and Annaberg. Free ski bus services connect the resort villages with surrounding towns including Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, and Obertraun, providing convenient car-free access throughout the UNESCO World Heritage Salzkammergut region. This unique location places visitors at the gateway to Austria's most spectacular alpine scenery, with the historic lakeside town of Hallstatt, the Salzkammergut's pristine lakes, and world-class dining featuring Tennengauer Alpine cheese and regional specialities all within easy reach.

Dachstein West

, austria

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Hotels & Accommodation near Dachstein West

⛷️ Season opens Dec 6, 2025

Dates:

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Season Info

Dachstein West typically operates from early December through early April, with the main season offering continuous ski operations and reduced services during pre and post-season periods. The resort benefits from substantial annual snowfall of 334cm, with peak conditions generally occurring in January and February when snow depths average 56cm at summit elevations. The varied elevation across the resort ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the season, with the resort averaging 66 sunny days annually. February typically provides the best snow coverage with depths reaching 24cm at base elevations, while the predominantly north-facing aspects help preserve excellent snow quality even during warmer periods. Daily lift operations run from 8:30am to 4:00pm, with slopes closing at 5:00pm for grooming and safety preparations.

Current Season

2025-2026

Opening Day

12/6/2025

Closing Day

4/6/2026

Days Open

122

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