Winter...

Skiing

Landhaus Osborne and Obertraun are the perfect bases for exploring this area of outstanding natural beauty characterised by the Dachstein mountain range. The region provides a real adventure for downhill and cross country skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. For those who prefer more gentle snow shoe hiking, Obertraun has plenty to offer.

Never heard of the ski resorts of Krippenstein and Dachstein West? That is because they are one of Austria's the best kept secrets.

The Krippenstein Freeride Arena (2100 metres), which is only a 3 minute drive from Landhaus Osborne, is a magnet for those who enjoy winter sports in unspoilt natural surroundings and is accessible via the recently modernised Dachsteinbahn cable car system. There are 11 km of prepared ski piste from the summit down to the valley, otherwise you can try out some off-piste skiing. Our younger guests will have hours of fun at the recently established "Krippi-Park".

Down in the valley there is a wonderful 14 km long cross- country ski trail which passes through the "Koppenwinkel", a Nature Preservation Area renowned for its beauty. Skating is now possible on the trail too, thanks to modern technology.

For families, beginners and intermediates, then the nearby area of Dachstein West is the place to head for and is Upper Austria's largest skiing region. This is a family-friendly and down-to-earth, guaranteed snow and variety, modern and affordable: The Dachstein West  skiing region has a special kind of charm. The aim here is not to be bigger, brighter and faster, but to be authentic and genuine. In the orchestra of alpine ski resorts, Dachstein West  stands out as a voice of its own. And the Dachstein West  ski association means that the region has now grown to include not only the core resorts of Gosau, Russbach and Annaberg but also another seven ski resorts, all of which can be accessed with ski passes with a duration of 1.5 days or longer.

Within easy reach by car are over 200 kms of runs within the following resorts...

• Dachstein West - Gosau, Russbach, Annaberg, Lungötz, Abtenau (152 km prepared runs - 15 minutes by car)

• Loser (29 km prepared runs - 20 minutes by car)

• Katrin-Alm, Bad Ischl (6 km prepared runs - 25 minutes by car)

• Postalm Arena (20 km prepared runs - 40 minutes by car)

• Feuerkogel - Ebensee (12 kms prepared runs, 40 minutes by car)

• plus many more....

Let us take the hassle out of organising your ski trip for you - leaving you more time to enjoy the snow and skiing. As an example, we could collect you from Salzburg airport Friday morning and have you skiing on the slopes by the afternoon. You will then enjoy 2 ½ guided ski days before being returned to Salzburg airport, on Sunday evening, for your flight home.

As we will take care of organising ski rental, ski passes etc, all you need to do is enjoy the snow and skiing. Additionally, as we will guide you and show you the best runs/huts our area has to offer, you will not even need to worry about looking at a ski map.

After skiing, spend the evening in one of the thermal spas our area has to offer.

Krippenstein Dachstein Freeride Arena

Fantastic skiing at 2100 m above sea level!

The Krippenstein has been a popular ski destination for many years. It is ideal for advanced skiers too, with 30 km of off-piste skiing from the summit of the Krippenstein down to the valley.

Winter here on the Dachstein plateau is fun for all. There is a piste 11km long (1500 metres altitude) from the summit to the cable car terminus in the valley. The "Krippenstein Fun Park" is an exciting venue for snow boarders.

The "Krippi-Park" is ideal for children and adults who are learning to ski, and is an ideal place to build up confidence before attempting the higher, longer slopes.

"Wild dogs on big skis"

This is what locals call the international freeriding community!
3rd April 2010 - "Sekundenjagd" ski slalom time trials

This slalom race dates back to the 1950s and 60s when it attracted big names in the skiing world such as Ernst Hinterseer, Hugo Nindl and Willi Bogner.

Today's course is the same as it has always been, with the exception that skiers must now pass between just 15 pairs of poles, making the event even more exciting. The slalom course covers 590 metres of altitude and the terrain is challenging.

"On two wheels through deep snow"

9th International DH Sprint - 27th - 28th March 2010

The ultimate winter event for mountain bike fanatics! A race down the snow covered pistes of the Krippenstein on bikes! Once a year, mountain bikers take the gondola to the summit of the Krippenstein, and along with snowboarders and skiers, bravely race to the bottom. A nerve-racking experience for spectators too!