Hochkoenig trip report

A snowHead

Just got back from Hochkoenig area of the Skiamade, staying in www.austrianfamilyholidays.co.uk with djfletcher – Debbie & Nigel.

The resort where we stayed in was Muhlbach, which we considered to be the best of the three villages which make up the Hochkoenig area - Muhlbach, Dienten & Maria Alm. Although we never actually went into the other villages our judgement was solely on the skiing conditions, lifts and how busy the pistes were etc.

On the slopes the Muhlbach area seems the quieter of the three villages and most of its slopes are tree lined and in the shade, specifically the blue home run which is where you do need good conditions at the end of the day.

Another completely separate area which we almost dismissed as not worth the effort of travelling to is Hochkell which is shown on the ski bus as Arthurhaus. Obviously not an area of any great size, because of its location it was very empty and in excellent condition – just what you need to practice your technique. Thanks to Nigel & Debbie for persuading us to go up there, very worthwhile.

Snow conditions last week were nonstop snow for Sunday & Monday 14th & 15th March then the rest of the week got progressively warmer, with bright blue skies – perfect spring skiing! Pistes were in good condition most of the day, usual frozen corrugated runs first thing in the morning but they soon got warmed and softened by the early sun.

By the latter part of the week things did get warm but skiing was never a problem as long as you kept high and in the shade until you had to go down the home runs.

The only problem we had with piste conditions were the day we travelled to Maria Alm when we came down red piste 10A – try to avoid this run by using piste 19 which is more shaded and much better condition.

One thing potential visitors to this area need to be aware of is the lack of transport between the three villages. The only way to travel between them is to either ski them (not good for beginners unable to ski the red piste to Dienten) or get a taxi there which we were quoted €60 for 6 of us one way! There is a bus but you have to travel back down to Bischohofen to get the train to Saalfelden then catch the bus up to Maria Alm – a journey of two hours!!

The area as a whole has a large proportion of T bars, the ones in Muhlbach & Maria Alm are due to be replaced soon but Dienten has a problem as they are short of cash although other solutions may be available to alleviate the problem.
There is currently a ‘missing link’ between the bottom of Hintermoos & Hinterthal with a frequent free bus taking you the 15 minute journey. This problem will be overcome this summer with the building of a new gondola in that area.

Costs in this area both on the mountain and in the village are very reasonable by alpine standards, usually about €2.7 for a gluhwein, meals are also very well priced.

Staying at www.austrianfamilyholidays.co.uk with Debbie & Nigel was an excellent choice we were all pleased with, well located, lots of space, use of their good local knowledge plus we were made to feel very welcome by all the family.

Overall this a very scenic, affordable & reasonably extensive area which will continue to improve year on year - worth a visit.

Help!!

Hochkoenig trip report

snowHeads Forum Index >>> Resort Reviews and Trip Reports