Katschberg ski resort is located between the authentic Austrian villages of St. Margarethen and St. Michael in the Lungau—the Katschberghöhe settlement is even in the middle of the ski area.
Katschberg ski resort
Katschberg is a small Austrian ski resort set in a beautiful landscape of pine clad slopes and traditional chalet style buildings. At 1641 m it’s at a good height, and with slopes over 2000 m, snow reliability is great. The skiing is generally perfect for families of mixed ability, with a predominance of red runs.
Katschberg is part of the Lungau ski area spanning the two Tschaneck and Aineck peaks. 16 modern ski lifts and cable cars bring you to 70 km of perfectly groomed pistes spread up either side of the valley, so brilliant views can be had from wherever you’re skiing or from one of the mountain restaurants.
The Tschaneck side of the resort is a paradise for intermediates with all the runs eventually funnelling back to the village. Many of the slopes are broad, flattering to the style and ideal for building confidence. The black run on this side is the Tschaneckpiste to the right of the 6-person Tschaneckbahn chairlift. But there is also an easier run from here – the Konigsweise. There are a number of easy blues very near the village to allow beginners convenient graduation including a 60ft tunnel that takes the Gamskogel piste under a road instead of over it to avoid having to remove your skis.
From the Aineck peak, The Aineckbahn chairlift then takes you to the resort's highest point at 2,220m. From here you’ll find lovely, wide open skiing above the tree-line. The Tschaneck side of the resort is a paradise for intermediates with all the runs channelling back to the village centre. A popular piste is the long and wide red A1 nicknamed ‘autobahn’ (motorway) leading all the way from the Aineck peak to Lungau in a grand total of 6km. Advanced skiers should give the black Direttisima on the Aineck side a go; it’s pretty steep and has a sheer drop on both sides, guaranteed to give even pro skiers an adrenaline kick.
Powder lovers can explore 4 marked off-piste routes. All are very long; one descends from the top of Aineck, and three from Tschaneck.
Freestylers have the half–pipe and pro jumps in the fun-park based in St. Margarthen just over the other side of the valley in Aineck.
Every Thursday during winter on the Katschberg you can ski on the Königswiese by floodlight between 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm - without registration and free of charge (with a valid ski pass).
Apres ski
Things are relatively quiet and low-key here and après ski is reasonably relaxed. The most popular après ski destination is Wilderer Alm which you’ll find directly besides the mountain station of the Koenigswiesen lift. Daily parties kick off at 3:30pm with a DJ or live band and it’s known to be positively buzzing especially during peak weeks and weekends. Try their legendary homemade schnapps - guaranteed to perk you up after a long day’s skiing.
Katschberg village
Katschberg itself is relatively small. The village is absolutely overflowing with traditional Austrian charm – the classic buildings are made of authentic wood and stone.
There are a huge variety of eateries throughout the resort, attracting skiers at all times of the day, stopping for Germknödel, mulled wines and many other regional delicacies. The Larchenstadl has themed cuisine nights: fondue Monday, Austrian Wednesday and Italian on Fridays while the Alpina Gasthof is good for steaks. The Schlossl has live music on Wednesday evenings.
For some post-ski relaxation and rejuvenation, book yourself in for some treatments at the Hotel Falkensteiner which is open to non-guests.