Pure relaxation - time travel to the Hochkeil ski area on the Hochkönig

Rarely have I been as relaxed after a day's skiing as I was recently after our trip to the Hochkeil: cosy T-bar and platter lifts as well as magic carpets, rustic ski huts and cosy get-togethers. No, there are no fancy cable cars. There are no super modern restaurants either. And you won't find any après-ski hustle and bustle here. A trip to the Hochkeil is pure deceleration. Or like travelling back in time, when everything felt (and probably really felt) a little slower.

The mini-region belongs to the Hochkönig region and is therefore part of Ski amadé. Unlike most other areas, it is not operated by a large mountain railway company. The handful of lifts right at the foot of the Mandlwände on the Hochkönig massif have been in private hands for decades.

‘In the most beautiful place in the world’

You can feel the personal touch and the passion with which everyone is involved here. When we get off the first lift, the Saukarlift, we strike up a conversation with the lift operator. He is convinced: ‘This is the most beautiful place in the world - next to the Seychelles!’ And he also gives us the brilliant tip of walking a few metres from the Roßwieslift towards the summit cross of the Hochkeil. A magnificent backdrop awaits us there: behind us the Hochkönig massif, in front of us a panoramic view in all directions. Apart from a few friendly ski tourers having a snack, it's absolutely quiet up here.

Nature lovers will also get their money's worth here: Throughout the area, there is only natural snow or ‘organic snow’, as it is called here. When there is enough snow, the lifts are switched on, otherwise they stand still. The same applies to the Snowpark Livingroom Hochkeil, next to the next lift, the Arthurhauslift. An interesting detail about the lifts: nobody rides a gondola here... the only one there is is on the ground near the summit cross on the Hochkeil. Instead, there are three T-bar lifts (two of which are rather longer), a platter lift and a beginner's T-bar lift.

All in all, the area is perfect for beginners and connoisseurs: after all, it's rarely as cosy as here. There's something else for connoisseurs to savour: The Schweizerhütte is located between the Arthurhauslift and the Roßwieslift. Only open on Thursdays, it serves cheese fondue with cheese from its own dairy if ordered in advance. A detour there and a chat with landlady Heidi is definitely worthwhile - whether in English, French or German.

Looking back, it's hard to believe that we've never been up here before, even though we don't live that far away. Well, probably more often in future: because a day on the Hochkeil is a bit like a whole wellness weekend. You could hardly be more relaxed after a day's skiing.