Arrive stress-free at top winter sports destinations in the Eastern Region of Austria

the peaks of the Ybbstal Alps rise only 150 km away from Vienna. Four ski resorts (Lackenhof-Ötscher, Lunz-Maiszinken, Göstling-Hochkar, Hollenstein/Ybbs-Königsberg) are located within a radius of 50 km, and the highest of them, the Hochkar (1.968 yd), garantees a consistently snow-sure winter season. For those who prefer hiking, tobogganing, or ice skating, there are ample opportunities off the beaten path of the most popular winter sports locations in the Ybbstal Alps, surrounded by idyllically snow-covered forest trails, perfectly groomed cross-country tracks, and enchanting winter landscapes. For those seeking relexation, wellness is provided at the Ybbstaler Solebad.

• The journey by public transport to Waidhofen a. d. Ybbs from Vienna is possible hourly by RJ with a transfer in Amstetten to R58, taking approximately 1.5 hours (and thus much faster than by car). Some trains even run directly from Vienna Westbahnhof to Waidhofen a. d. Ybbs on weekends, eliminating the need for a transfer in Amstetten. From Waidhofen/Ybbs, bus lines 640 and 164 travel into the Inner Ybbstal to Hollenstein (Königsberg), Göstling (Hochkar), and all the way to Lunz am See (Maiszinken, Lunzer See). The way back towards Vienna is also quick and straightforward.
• For those heading towards Scheibbs, take one of the hourly CJX5 connections and transfer to R57 in Pöchlarn, then continue with the VOR bus line 655 via Gaming, Lunz am See, all the way to Göstling an der Ybbs
• From Göstling, bus line 643 runs daily to Hochkar, while bus line 653 operates daily between Lunz am See, passing through Grubberg (possibility of transfer from line 655 coming from Scheibbs), and continuing to Lackenhof am Ötscher.

Snowy fun, close-to-nature relaxation, and sustainable travel seamlessly come together in the Mariazell region. With the Mariazell Railway, you can leisurely explore the winter landscapes of the Pielachtal, the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, and the Mariazell region. The slopes of Gemeindealpe Mitterbach, featuring Lower Austria's steepest slope and two designated ascent routes for ski tourers, the Bürgeralpe with a toboggan run and winter hiking trails, and the Reidllifte in Annaberg are all easily accessible in an environmentally friendly and stress-free manner.

• Both ski areas, Bürgeralpe and Gemeindealpe, can be discovered with the Mariazell Railway combination ticket "Car-Free Winter Fun" (available directly at the Himmelstreppe or in the Lower Austria Railways webshop).
• The Himmelstreppe of the Mariazell Railway (Line R56) operates hourly from St. Pölten to Laubenbachmühle. The Himmelstreppe stops on the mountain route (towards Laubenbachmühle) in Annaberg, Mitterbach, and Mariazell. The last train towards St. Pölten departs at 7:05 PM from Mariazell.
• Short connections to/from Vienna, Amstetten, or Linz are available in St. Pölten.
• The Reidllifts in Annaberg (stop: Annaberg Reidlkehre) can be reached daily from Vienna without transfers using bus line 169.
• Starting from February 26th, the Mariazell Railway will operate on a schedule with rail replacement services, stopping at all stations and stops.

Whether at Semmering, in St. Corona am Wechsel, the Mönichkirchner Erlebnisalm, or on the Schneeberg - winter sports enthusiasts appreciate the Vienna Alps for their diverse slopes. But also, ski touring enthusiasts are guaranteed to get their enjoyment in winter:

The comfortable and modern lifts at Semmering provide access to a total of 15.310 snow-sure yards of slopes of various difficulty levels. Thanks to night slopes with floodlights, the ski resort ensures maximum snow enjoyment even after work. Similarly, special experiences await on Eastern Austria's longest toboggan run, measuring 3.280 yards in length and illuminated by floodlights.

• Several accelerated trains stop at the Semmering train station in the morning and afternoon – perfect for a day trip for skiing
• direct fast connections of line CJX9 are especially recommended on weekends in the morning and in the afternoon for the return journey.
• From there, either the RUFbus Semmering-Rax or the Winter-Shuttle Semmering Rax can be taken (ATTENTION: an additional ticket is required directly from the driver for day guests).
• The Semmering Pass can be reached conveniently from Gloggnitz every two hours via the VOR bus line 343.

The ski area Mönichkirchen-Mariensee is the family ski resort for snow enthusiasts of all ages in Lower Austria. It's perfect for those who love well-groomed slopes of varying difficulty levels. Ten slopes with a total length of 15.310 yards are brought into top shape daily from December to March.

• With a public transfer from the train in Aspang Markt, guests can take the VOR Regional bus line 371 to the Erlebnisalm three times a day in the morning and return four times in the afternoon. On weekends, there are also two direct and fast connections of line REX92 directly to and from Vienna (in the morning to Aspang Markt, in the afternoon back to Vienna), which are especially recommended for travel to and from the area.

Thus, the Adventure Alm Mönichkirchen is easily and affordably accessible by public transport from Vienna, Wiener Neustadt, or Neunkirchen. The travel times can easily compete with those of a car, reaching the destination in under 1 ½ hours. Guests from Wiener Neustadt are practically on the slopes in under an hour.

Guests of the Schneeberg Chairlift and the Family Ski Park in Puchberg am Schneeberg experience delightful mountain moments. Situated in the idyllic district of Losenheim, the chairlift to Fadensattel and the tow lift with 3 slopes, 2 ski routes, and a children's area provide a diverse winter sports paradise for the entire family.

• From Vienna, take a CJX9 train to Wiener Neustadt, then transfer to R98 heading to Puchberg am Schneeberg.
• From Puchberg am Schneeberg, take the VOR bus line 350 to the "Losenheim" station – ski transport is allowed on this route. The „Wunderwiese“ is just a two-minute walk away.
• On weekends, there is also a direct connection in both directions from Vienna to Puchberg am Schneeberg and vice versa without changing trains in Wiener Neustadt.

Skiing on the Hohe Wand Wiese has been possible in the western part of Vienna for more than 100 years. Even after the tow lift was discontinued some years ago, ski and snowboard beginners still appreciate this nearby option – thanks to artificial mats and a conveyor belt, independent of snow conditions. Ski courses can be booked on schischule-wien.at.

• From Hütteldorf station, accessible via U-Bahn, S-Bahn, or Westbahn, the VOR Regional bus 450 runs every 15 minutes to the "Hohe Wand Wiese" stop.
• Coming from S50, you can also transfer to VOR Regional bus 450 in Vienna Hadersdorf.
• Ski equipment cannot be taken on the bus, but rental is available on-site.

The Ski Club Wiesen was founded in 1976 and now boasts over 1.000 members. Their pride and joy is the 'Schiwiesen' with a 328-yard-long tow lift and snowmaking system. Numerous events such as ski races, sled races, and the Schiwiesen festival are held there, attracting many guests from near and far. With loving care and the excellent ski instructors of the Ski Club, numerous children have learned to ski on this slope. The little ones are well taken care of, allowing parents to relax and indulge in après-ski at the ski hut, where food and drinks are always provided.

• For a safe journey to and from, the public transportation of the VOR ensures connectivity. From Vienna, there are hourly connections on one of the many routes along the Southern Line (e.g. REX92, CJX9, or RJ535) to Wiener Neustadt Main Station, then with city bus 5B to 'Wiesen Rathausplatz.'
• Returning is just as easy with 5A and a transfer in Wiener Neustadt to a fast train connection along the Southern Line