Dachstein West
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
46
Total Area
51km
31.7 miles
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
24
Lift Types
5
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