More and more low-altitude ski resorts are being forced to close or reinvent themselves, as climate change is leading to less snowfall. The closed Gaißau-Hintersee ski resort in the Salzburg region is planning to reopen with a year-round concept.
There's a clatter and a clang in the Salzburg region this morning. Piece by piece, an old chairlift is being dismantled; it has served its purpose. First to come down are the heavy haul ropes that used to pull children and adults up the mountain. Many people from the region learnt to ski here – including Albert Ebner. "It hurts my heart," says the hotelier, fighting back tears.
The ski resort has been closed for three years
The Gaißau-Hintersee ski resort, with its 34 kilometres of slopes, has been at a standstill for three years. It looks as though nature is reclaiming the area: the mountain station and the après-ski umbrella bar – overgrown and deserted. Several attempts to resume operations have failed. Ebner has seen various operators come and go.
At Christmas 2025, he made a decision: "Now I'm going to do it better myself!" Together with like-minded people from the region, he saved four out of nine ski lifts from being demolished. He wants to renovate and preserve the facilities in the Hintersee area – not as a traditional ski resort, but as a destination for both summer and winter.
Climate change as a driver of transformation
For Ebner, the reason is obvious: climate change. "We're operating at altitudes of between 800 and 1,400 metres here. We expect snowfall to decrease. That's why we have to keep the slopes open all year round in order to survive the winter," he says.
In fact, the Alps are warming faster than the global average. The result: less snow, or snow that now falls only at higher altitudes. If it gets too warm, even artificial snowmaking is no longer worthwhile. In many low-altitude ski resorts, the number of days on which skiing is even possible is dwindling.
Gaißau-Hintersee used to be considered a destination with guaranteed snow: according to Ebner, the slopes were open for over 100 days per season. In recent years, however, the number of operating days has fallen to between 30 and 40. For many operators, it is no longer financially viable. They are forced to close or change direction.
Plans for a cycling and winter sports centre
Ebner wants to reimagine the rescued facilities: the four lifts are to be transformed into a cycling and winter sports centre. Initially, around 13 kilometres of downhill trails are planned for the summer – this is where the main business will lie in future. In winter, snowshoe walkers, ski tourers, skiers and cross-country skiers will continue to find plenty to enjoy. The aim is to make the mountain accessible all year round and to stabilise the area economically. Ebner intends to start full operations in 2028.
Criticism and opportunities for the environment
Environmental organisations generally welcome the fact that many areas are no longer focusing solely on the ski season. At the same time, they warn that this does not automatically reduce the strain on the mountains—it merely changes the nature of that impact. Mountain-bike trails, additional infrastructure and year-round operations can also mean new encroachments on the natural environment.
Ebner emphasises that sustainability plays a key role for him. Rather than building new facilities on a large scale, he wants to make use of existing structures. The chairlifts are to be refurbished and converted for transporting bikes. "We're talking about 55 hectares of land here, which we want to use in future in both summer and winter – with as little impact on nature as possible. We want to make use of what's already there and not build anything new out in the middle of nowhere," he explains.
Hope for the region
A fresh start as a year-round destination would also be an opportunity for the local businesses. Angi, who runs a lodge right near the lift currently being dismantled, is optimistic about the future. She hopes "that guests will continue to discover our region as a holiday destination and enjoy it. That's what we're doing all this for," she says.
Much remains to be seen: Ebner is awaiting approvals and decisions from the authorities. He speaks of "the very last chance" for Gaißau-Hintersee. If his plan fails, all the ski lifts will be dismantled – and nature will reclaim the area for good.
An article written by Asya Fröhlich (BR), initially published on 23 September 2026, 05:15 (CEST)
