Already in the 1960s, the Salzburg Lungau was an ideal location for winter sports. Its potential was recognized by local entrepreneurs. During this period, the company Bergbahnen Lungau was founded. "It was a merger of various companies and an agricultural community. They commissioned entrepreneurs from Mauterndorf to build a chairlift," explains Managing Director Philipp Steinlechner.

Until the late 1990s, the company existed in various legal forms. In 1998, it went bankrupt. The ailing company was taken over by the municipality and four other lift operators from Obertauern and Aineck. Since 2017, Tauernlift GmbH from Obertauern has been the 100% owner.

Philipp Steinlechner joined Tauernlift in 2016, where he had already become a shareholder at the age of 18. Since 2019, he has been the managing director of Bergbahnen Lungau GmbH & Co. KG. He talks about the highs and lows of the past two years: "2020 was extremely strong until mid-March when the lockdown occurred. The successful start helped us through the crisis. The summers were okay, as the Corona numbers were low. But the winter of 2020/2021 was a disaster. The 2021/2022 season started hesitantly, as only take-away was allowed and no accommodation until December 17. After that, business went well." The last day of operation this season will be Easter Monday. "We will have a long March this year," says Philipp Steinlechner.

Attractive Sports and Recreation Offers

Grosseck-Speiereck is located between Katschberg and Obertauern. The area offers a large outdoor space and many attractions for children such as two ski schools, gate races, fun areas, and a witches' forest. In the ski area, winter sports enthusiasts have access to two feeder lifts, two cable cars, eight circulating ropeways (EUBs), a summit lift with four-seater chairs, as well as three drag and three chair lifts.

The slopes cover about 50 km. "They are suitable for sporty skiers. Freeriding is also possible with us and is very popular in the form of tours. The area is also very suitable for families," emphasizes Philipp Steinlechner. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, there is the Speiereck mountain shelter. There, double rooms and dormitory beds are available for overnight stays. "From the sauna, you can enjoy a great view," says the managing director.

In the town itself, there are several three- and four-star hotels, numerous hotels Garni, vacation apartments, and privately rented guest rooms. For Philipp Steinlechner, 'his' ski area has several advantages over those around it: "It is manageable and the slopes are less crowded. We are not as overrun as other areas and not as overdeveloped."

Good Snow Conditions

In winter, 50 employees work at Bergbahnen Lungau GmbH & Co. KG. Most visitors come from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, with some also from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, or Poland.

In the last four years, a lot of snow has fallen starting from early December. "The fact that we have fantastic snow conditions is getting around and is good for our reputation," says Philipp Steinlechner. However, it is not possible without mechanically or technically produced snow. For this, snow storage facilities are filled over the year with natural snow or snowmelt. The electricity for snow production comes 100% from hydropower.

In the interest of the environment is also the merger of all ski areas in the region in terms of passenger transportation: "We promote the bus system so that not all visitors have to come by car," reports the managing director. A major reason for the successful development of his company, he believes, is that they have continually invested and never stood still. For 2022, he hopes for a good season without the need for pandemic-related closures again.