Hochkönig ski resort

Hochkönig ski area – Maria Alm, Dienten & Mühlbach

Framed by the chalk-white slopes of the Hochkönig and the three villages of Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach, the Hochkönig ski region is one of the largest contiguous areas in the Salzburg region. Thanks to around 120 kilometers of varied slopes, With modern lifts and an altitude of up to approximately 1,900 meters, there is plenty of space for all skill levels. Furthermore, the region offers excellent snow conditions. The extensive network is part of the Ski Amadé region. With just one ski pass, in addition to the Hochkönig, other areas in the surrounding region are accessible. The Königstour (King's Tour) connects the three villages via several peaks. Furthermore, snow parks, cross-country ski trails, toboggan runs, and ski tours offer additional variety. It's ideal for families, recreational skiers, and freestylers.

Short info:

• How many kilometers of slopes are there? The region offers around 120 km of slopes: 52 km easy, 41 km intermediate and 27 km difficult, plus 8 km of ski routes.
• How many elevators are there? 34 facilities transport winter sports enthusiasts, including several gondolas, eight chairlifts and numerous drag lifts.
• How high is the ski area? The valley stations start at about 800 m, the highest slopes reach around 1 900 m above sea level.
• When is the season? The season usually runs from December 5th to mid-April; lifts and cable cars are open during the day from approximately 8:30 am to 4 pm.
• Is night skiing available? Yes, at Natrun in Maria Alm there is a 0.6 km long floodlit slope with the Simmerl lift; skiing takes place several times a week in the evenings.
• How many kilometers of cross-country ski trails are there?  In the Hochkönig region, around 40 km of groomed cross-country ski trails await; the largest trail runs near Maria Alm, which also features a night trail. Dienten and Mühlbach offer sunny high-altitude trails and a connection to the 150 km network near Saalfelden.
• Which toboggan runs are there?  Maria Alm has the illuminated 2.5 km toboggan run at the Gasthof Jufen and the approximately 2 km long family run Kronreith; in Mühlbach, the 3.5 km toboggan run Kopphütte, the 450 m run Reith and a 2.5 km natural run lead to Paussgut; in Dienten, the 1.5 km long toboggan run Grünegg is a popular attraction.
• Which snow parks and funslopes are there?  Kings Park is a 1.8 km long snowpark with about 50 jibs and kicker elements; in addition, there is a family park and an 850 m long funslope with wave track and rainbow butterbox.
• Are there ski tours?  Designated ski touring routes are available, such as the approximately 6-km-long ascent track from the Scheppalalm to the Kings Cab mountain station and the 3-km route from the Dientner Sattel to the Kings Cab; the ascent is only permitted during opening hours and is partly subject to ticket requirements.

Slopes and King's Tour

The Hochkönig region is characterized by wide, perfectly groomed slopes. The network of runs is well-balanced, offering easy (43) to intermediate (34) to challenging descents (23) for both beginners and experts. More than 140 snow cannons and 286 snow lances ensure reliable snow cover well into spring. A highlight is the so-called „King's Tour“, The tour connects Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach across six peaks. Skiers ascend over 7,500 meters of vertical drop on approximately 35 continuous kilometers of slopes without ever having to use the same lift twice. Panoramic platforms, photo spots, and rustic mountain huts offer variety along the way. A culinary section of the tour also invites visitors to sample regional specialties at several mountain huts.

Lifts, infrastructure and night operations

The area boasts a modern lift network with 34 lifts, including five gondolas, eight chairlifts, and numerous drag lifts and conveyor belts. The connecting routes between the villages are short, allowing skiers to reach almost all resorts on skis. Night skiing is also offered at the Natrun valley station in Maria Alm. The 0.6 km long floodlit slope at the Simmerl lift provides additional skiing opportunities in the evenings. Depending on the weekly schedule, night skiing is available three times a week. Ski buses connect the ski areas free of charge, allowing guests to leave their cars behind. The mountain lift operators place great emphasis on safety. The slopes are closed at night, and ski tourers are only permitted to use the marked ascent routes.

Snowparks and funslopes

Freestylers will find one of the longest snow parks in the Alps in the Hochkönig region: The Kings Park in Mühlbach It stretches for approximately 1.8 km along the Kings Cab gondola. It offers around 50 different rails, boxes, and kickers. For beginners, there is the Beginnerspark Natrun near Maria Alm. There, wave tracks and small jumps make practicing easier. Children and families also benefit from a funslope approximately 850 meters long. Waves, a rainbow butterbox, and sound elements provide playful variety. These freestyle offerings are managed by "Ride Ski Amadé," an initiative that organizes events like "Cash 4 Tricks," where successful jumps are even rewarded.

Cross-country skiing, winter hiking and cross-country ski trails

Besides alpine skiing, the region offers a dense network of cross-country ski trails. A total of approximately 40 km of groomed trails are available. These trails are prepared for both classic and skating styles. The largest network of cross-country ski trails is located near Maria Alm.. Nearly 30 km of trails connect there, and even a night trail is illuminated. In Dienten and Mühlbach, high-altitude trails lead through snow-sure alpine pastures and offer magnificent views of the Hochkönig mountain. A connection to the 150 km Saalfelden trail expands the options for endurance skiers. Several circular trails, such as the Möser trail in various versions (3 km, 9 km, and 14 km), the Dachegg trail (5.1 km), and the Arthurhaus trail (4.9 km), provide variety. Winter hiking trails and snowshoe paths lead through snow-covered forests. They are ideal for those seeking relaxation who want to enjoy nature without skiing.

Two people walk on snow in front of the high, rugged mountains of the Hochkönig ski resort, bathed in warm sunlight, with a clear blue sky above and pine trees in the background.

Toboggan runs and other activities

Tobogganing fun is guaranteed six natural toboggan runs In the region, the illuminated toboggan run at the Gasthof Jufen in Maria Alm leads downhill for about 2.5 km. Nearby, the Kronreith family-friendly natural toboggan run offers around 2 km of fun. The "Happy Rodelbahn" section at Kronreith is a short, approximately 100 m long inflatable toboggan run for children. Mühlbach boasts the 3.5 km long Kopphütte toboggan run, a 450 m run in Reith, and a 2.5 km natural toboggan run from the village center to the Paussgut. In Dienten, the Grünegg toboggan run is an approximately 1.5 km long illuminated natural track. Many runs are illuminated in the evenings. Some innkeepers organize shuttles back to the starting point.

Besides tobogganing, the region offers activities such as curling, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and snow tubing. Those wanting a taste of technical equipment can ride along in a snow groomer or take a Mountain Lift Inside Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the mountain lifts. Numerous mountain huts and restaurants serve regional delicacies. More than 30 après-ski bars ensure lively evenings.

A family of four, dressed in colorful winter clothing, sleds down a snowy hill in the Hochkönig ski resort, with the mountains in the background. The adults and children smile and raise their arms excitedly.

Ski touring and freeriding

Designated ascent routes are available for ski tourers. A 6-km route leads from the Scheppalalm to the Kings Cab mountain station. It runs outside the ski slopes through quiet sections of forest and ends below the gondola line. A ticket is required for this route, and the trail may only be used during operating hours. Another route starts at the Dientner Sattel and leads to the Kings Cab mountain station over a distance of just under 3 km. This route is free of charge but requires adherence to the designated paths and closure times. In addition, surrounding peaks such as the Aberg and the Arthurhaus offer deep-snow descents for freeriders. Local mountain guides and the RECCO system ensure safety.

Arrival and tips

The Hochkönig region lies between the Salzach Valley and the Hochkönig massif. It is easily accessible from Salzburg or the Tyrolean lowlands. Those arriving by train can reach it via the train stations. Saalfelden or Bischofshofen. From there, you can continue your journey by public bus or ski bus. Ski buses connect the villages of Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach, as well as the hamlets of Aberg, Hintermoos, and Hinterthal. They are free for skiers with equipment and a ski pass. Drivers will find ample free parking at the valley stations. Hochkönig Card, Guests who spend money on many accommodations benefit from additional perks, such as discounted ski tickets or free entry to leisure activities.