Long live the lift! The gondola takes you up the mountain without all that huffing and puffing – leaving you with more energy for hiking, playing, and enjoying yourself. Find out how summer lifts in Austria function, which ones are especially scenic, and why you should treat yourself to this added comfort during your summer holidays.
Reach the Summit Effortlessly by Mountain Lift
The mountains are calling – but preferably without hours of climbing? Austria’s summer mountain lifts cut out those initial steep vertical meters for you: the gondolas take you up the mountain in comfort, right into the heart of your hiking adventure. The wide range of cable cars is ideal for
- Families who want to hike together and discover the coolest mountain "playgrounds",
- Active visitors wanting to keep their energy in reserve for summit ascents and more challenging trails,
- Mountain bikers heading to trailheads, downhill routes, or bike parks,
- and everyone who doesn’t feel up to the climb but still longs for mountain air and panoramic vistas.
Does taking the gondola at the start of your hike feel a bit like you’re cheating? Not at all! In fact, it’s the perfect way to begin an utterly enjoyable and active day in the mountains!
Summer Mountain Lifts in Austria: What are they all about?
In winter, they’re an integral part of the whole experience: gondolas, chairlifts, and tows carry winter sports enthusiasts from one slope to the next inside Austria’s ski resorts. Some cable cars also operate outside the winter season. In summer, they’re mainly used by hikers, bikers, and other lovers of the mountains. Often, the ride is an unforgettable experience in its own right, thanks to glass-sided cabins that let you enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys below you as you glide upwards. Summer lifts make Austria’s mountains accessible to all – regardless of fitness level, age, or experience. So when the mountains call this time, everyone can come along!
What Types of Summer Lifts Are There in Austria?
1. Gondolas or Cable Cars: These enclosed, mostly glass-sided cabins typically hold between 6 and 10 people. Gondola lifts (the most common type being monocable gondolas) are comfortable, weather-protected, and ideal for families, baby strollers, and even bikes.
Larger cable cars – generally tri-cable or aerial tramways – can accommodate between 30 and 120 passengers.
Examples: Rauriser Hochalmbahn (6-person cabins), Dachstein Glacier Lift (aerial tramway for up to 50 people), Zugspitzbahn (aerial tramway for up to 120 people)
2. Chairlifts: Open seats for 2 to 8 people. Some are equipped with all-weather hoods (“bubbles”).
Example: Kornock 6-seater chairlift on the Turracher Höhe
3. Combo Lifts (Gondolas & Chairs Mixed): Modern lift solutions alternating gondolas with chairlifts, adaptable depending on the season. For example, the Sonnkogelbahn on the Schmittenhöhe: in winter, it operates as a chairlift (skiers can board without removing skis); in summer, hikers enjoy the comfort of enclosed cabins.
Other examples: Zinsbergbahn in SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental/Brixen im Thale (summer: gondolas only; winter: 10-person gondolas and 8-person chairlifts)
4. Funicular Railways: Train-like vehicles on rails, designed to overcome steep terrain – ideal for extreme gradients.
Example: Glacier Shuttle on the Kitzsteinhorn (for 30 passengers)
Whether you're sporty, laid-back, riding with a bike, child, or dog – there’s a lift to cater to every need. Austria boasts a wide variety of summer mountain lifts.
Heading up the Mountain by Gondola – Why it pays off
All aboard! Why wear yourself out slugging up those first vertical meters when the cable car is ready and waiting? If you choose to use a summer lift while hiking, you save energy and gain time, incredibly views, and memorable experiences.
- Benefits for Families
Taking the gondola turns a hike into a shared adventure – without any complaints provoked by the tough climb at the outset. Whether due to a baby stroller, carrying a child in a backpack, or needing to take multiple breaks: many routes are only doable if you begin half way up. Once you do reach the top, you'll often be greeted by playgrounds, alpine huts, and themed trails that are a delight for kids and parents alike. - Benefits for Active Outdoor Sports Enthusiasts
Whether you're heading for a summit or the start of a downhill bike trail, the lift lets you jump straight into the higher terrain. Instead of spending a chunk of your day on forestry roads, you are just one lift ride away from all of the action – it’s more efficient, saves valuable time, and often rewards you with even greater elevation gains and better views in the end. - Benefits for Laid-Back Sightseers
Just arrive, exhale, and take it all in: if you prefer a slower pace, want to take photos, or enjoy a good meal along the way, a summer lift is the perfect choice. No stress, no rush – simply more time for that tasty Kaiserschmarrn and countless beautiful moments.
How long does it take to climb 1,000 vertical meters without a lift?
On average, hikers manage about 300 to 400 vertical meters per hour when ascending. As a general guide, here’s a rough breakdown:
- At a relaxed pace, expect to cover about 200 to 300 vertical meters per hour.
- If you're maintaining a moderately energetic pace, 300 to 400 vertical meters per hour is typical.
- Ambitious hikers in excellent physical condition can manage 500 vertical meters or more per hour.
Using Summer Lifts for Hiking: Tips for Your Hiking Tour
It couldn’t be any less complicated: plan your route, buy your ticket, hop on, and start hiking. That’s how easy it can be to begin your mountain adventure. In many regions of Austria, summer lifts start operating as early as mid-May and continue well into the fall. In the off-season, be sure to check the lift schedules closely – many gondolas and chairlifts only offer limited service. You can buy lift tickets right there at the valley station or online in advance. Some regions also offer guest cards or summer cards that allow free or discounted use of the lifts. For more details, see our article "Guest Cards in Austria".
Getting on is easy – whether you’re carrying a backpack, pushing a stroller, or bringing a bike. Once at the top, you’ll usually find several well-marked hiking trails branching out in all directions – ranging from easy tours to alpine huts or lakes, to ambitious summit ascents. Tip: If you don’t want to return by the same route, many vacation regions in Austria boast multiple lifts – ride one up, and another one back down. That way, hiking with a little lift assistance becomes a gloriously panoramic loop.
When planning a hike that incorporates a lift, keep these points in mind:
- Tickets: Buy on-site or online, and be sure to check what’s included with any summer cards.
- Operating times: It pays to start early, and don’t forget to check the time of the last lift back down.
- Planning your route: Which trails start at the top station? Do you plan a hiking loop or a summit conquest?
- Food & drink: Which huts are staffed and open to guests?
- Kids & dogs: Many lifts are stroller- and family-friendly and lead to playgrounds or themed trails. Also check whether dogs are allowed and whether a leash or muzzle is required.
- Bringing your bike? Make sure ahead of time that bikes are permitted and find out which trails are open to riders.
- Clothing: It’s often cooler at higher altitudes. With that in mind, dress in layers and bring appropriate gear.
Please don't forget:
Summer mountain lifts make higher elevations more accessible – but they are not a substitute for experience, fitness, or respect for the terrain! Even if the trail starts out easy, a mountain is still a mountain. If you are inexperienced, hiking with children, or uncertain about your abilities, don’t be reckless. Altitude, weather, and trail conditions can quickly become ultra challenging. The mountain does not forgive overconfidence – on the way up or down. Better to start on the easier side and enjoy your experience to the fullest.
5 Top Regions with Mountain Lifts Near ALPS RESORTS
More than 80 cable cars in 7 Austrian provinces are currently certified as "Best Austrian Summer Mountain Lifts“. To qualify, they must offer unique experiences, meet around 100 quality criteria, and undergo regular quality checks.
We present to you five hiking regions with top-rated summer mountain lifts located close to accommodations at ALPS RESORTS. In these areas, you will find lift-accessible mountain experiences practically right outside the door of your holiday apartment. 😎
Summer Mountain Lifts in the Kitzbühel Alps
In summer, as many as 36 lifts operate in the Kitzbühel Alps and are just waiting for you:
- Brixental: From Alpinolino Discovery Park in Westendorf to Giant’s World in Brixen im Thale and Witches’ Waters in Söll, all the way to Austria’s highest pilgrimage church atop the Hohe Salve – the range of family attractions and hiking opportunities in Brixental is incredibly diverse.
- Kitzbühel: Most people know the Streif as one of the most spectacular downhill ski runs on the World Cup circuit. In summer, after a gondola ride, you can hike along the same route taken by world-class skiers – including a visit to the actual start house. Reading tip: Hiking the Streif
- St. Johann in Tirol: Take the gondola up to the Harschbichl below the distinctive Kitzbüheler Horn, or hit the OD trails on your bike. In addition to hiking and biking, St. Johann also offers tons of action in the region’s biggest practice climbing area and on mountain go-carts.
- Pillerseetal/Buchensteinwand: A 4-seater chairlift carries you up to the summit of the Buchensteinwand, home to the Jakobskreuz – over 30 meters tall and the largest accessible summit cross in the world.
- Fieberbrunn: The brand-new 10-seater Streuböden gondola brings you to the top of the Lärchfilzkogel or to Timok’s Wild World and the Alpine Coaster at the mid-station. You will discover a beautifully designed adventure playground with a low-ropes course in the forest, plus water and sand play areas. Popular hiking destinations include the Wildseelodersee lake and the Henne (via hiking trails and via ferratas).
- Waidringer Steinplatte: Take the summer lift back in time to the prehistoric era on the Steinplatte, where dinosaurs, hiking and biking routes, and climbing areas excite visitors of all ages.
Summer Mountain Lifts in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
At the foot of Germany’s highest peak and the Wetterstein mountains lies the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. Six lifts operate here in summer, and just a short stone’s throw away in Garmisch-Partenkirchen you’ll discover the Bavarian Zugspitzbahn.
- Ehrwald, Ehrwalder Almbahn: This 8-person gondola takes you up to 1,500 meters above sea level. From the top station, you can hike the stroller-friendly Didis Almsee Loop or head toward the turquoise waters of Seebensee (approx. 2 hours). From there, it’s also not far to the spectacular Drachensee.
- Ehrwald, Tiroler Zugspitzbahn: This lift takes you directly to the summit of Germany’s highest mountain. We spent a day on the Zugspitze – read about it in our article "An Outing of Superlatives: By Cable Car to the Zugspitze".
- Lermoos, Grubingsteinbahn: In Lermoos, the Grubigsteinbahn is your gateway not only to a singletrack paradise for bikers but also a skills area right at the valley station plus Moosle’s Discovery Path. Zugspitz Suites Lermoos are just a few minutes’ walk from the valley station.
- Biberwier, Marienbergbahn: Looking for action? Biberwier’s Marienbergbahn delivers: with Tyrol’s longest summer alpine slide, mountain carts, monster scooters, and variety-packed bike trails for a major adrenaline rush. Alpenchalets Biberwier are not far from the valley station.
- Berwang, Sonnalmbahn: For a more laid-back experience, take the 4-seater Sonnalmbahn chairlift in Berwang up to a beautifully scenic hiking area.
- Bichlbach, Almkopfbahn: In Bichlbach, the Almkopfbahn even offers breakfast gondola rides – and once you’re done, hurtle back downhill on mountain scooters. They also transport mountain bikes on the gondolas.
Summer Mountain Lifts in the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region
From the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen to the Panoramabahn in Mittersill and the Wildkogelbahn with its unique slide trail – the focus in Hohe Tauern National Park is all about experiencing nature. Thanks to the National Park Summer Card, many summer lifts in the region can be used for free. Here are just a few highlights:
- Rauris, Rauriser Hochalmbahnen: In Rauris, after riding the gondola, you can watch birds of prey circle overhead, try your hand at gold panning next to the mid-station, or hike along Tilly’s Forest Pathway. Perfect location: Carpe Solem is situated directly at the base station of the Rauriser Hochalmbahn.
- Mittersill, Panoramabahn: Just a few steps from the mid-station of the Panoramabahn on Pass Thurn, you will also find Bergresort Tauernblick. The gondola takes you up to nearly 1,900 meters – affording stunning views of the Hohe Tauern mountains and access to an extensive network of hiking trails. For a special start to your hiking day, we suggest booking a gondola breakfast. The self-guided Water Trail as well as the Resterkogel – with a climbing wall, trampolines, and a track for pedal cars – are both really popular with families and the kids.
- Wildkogel-Arena, Slide Path: On the Wildkogel near Bramberg/Neukirchen, you will find a one-of-a-kind sliding experience: the Slide Path begins at the mid-station of the Wildkogelbahn and features a series of 10 stainless steel slides. read more
Summer Mountain Lifts in Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Saalbach is a true all-rounder – even in summer. Thanks to the Joker Card Saalbach, you get to ride all six summer lifts free of charge! These include:
- Kohlmaisbahn, with Montelino’s Adventure Trail and a learn-to-ride park at the base station
- Schattberg X-press, with a playground at the top, singletrack trails, and the starting point for the Seven Summits Hike and the "Pinzgau Walk"
- Schattberg Sprinter, connecting to bike trails and linking the Schattberg with the West Summit
- 12er KOGEL Bahn, a World Championship mountain with bike routes and mini-golf
- Westgipfelbahn, with biking trails and access to the Seven Summits Hike and Pinzgau Walk
- Reiterkogelbahn, featuring Kodok’s Adventure Trail, a marble run, a forest wellness trail, bike trails, and a pump track at the base station
The Kodok and Montelino themed trails promise fun, games, and nature experiences for the whole family. Early birds and highly motivated hikers can take advantage of early-morning lift rides – perfect for sunrise hikes or longer, more demanding tours. The Saalbach Hiking Challenge – consisting of three stages (Pinzgau Walk, Seven Summits, and Home of Lässig Walk) – is an absolute must for fit and ambitious mountaineering fans. Meanwhile, downhillers and mountain bikers will find the largest biking region in all of Austria here in Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, with thrilling routes such as the Hacklberg Trail and scenic, more leisurely mountain biking routes as well.
Summer Mountain Lifts in Schladming-Dachstein
With the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card, you get free access to over 100 included services – amongst them, these summer mountain lift highlights:
- On the Planai, a modern 10-seater gondola awaits, along with the family-friendly Hopsiland, an E-Trials Park, the Schladming Bike Park, and breathtaking tandem paragliding flights.
- The Reiteralm is home to the 8-seater Preunegg Jet lift, taking you to bike trails with lots of flow for all ability levels – including children! Other highlights include picturesque Mirror Lake, via ferrata climbs, and the themed trail known as “Silent Waters.”
- On the Hauser Kaibling, activities include zorbing, aqua paddling, a tubing track, and an entire interactive world dedicated to sheep. Hauser Kaibling isn’t just a popular excursion spot – it’s also a summer grazing area for more than 800 sheep.
- Dachstein Glacier promises the ultimate high-alpine adventure. The Dachstein Panorama Gondola rises nearly 1,000 vertical meters in barely ten minutes. The glass-sided cabins hold around 50 passengers. We recommend reserving a spot in advance since the Dachstein is one of the most popular attractions for visitors coming to Schladming. At the top, you will be greeted by a truly spectacular glacier experience that includes a suspension footbridge, the Sky Walk, Stairway to Nothingness, and the Ice Palace.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking with Mountain Lifts in Austria
Conclusion: Hiking with a little boost from the mountain lifts
Austria’s summer mountain lifts offer a relaxed way to reach higher ground. But hiking with assistance from the lifts is more than just convenient – it promises the perfect combination of nature, fresh mountain air, and easy access. Whether a family outing, a challenging summit hike, or a leisurely scenic walk, Austria’s summer lifts bring you right into the heart of the mountain experience. No obstacles – just more magnificent landscapes.
Image credits © SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser/Söll/Dietmar Denger, saalbach.com/Karin Pasterer, Rauriser Hochalmbahnen, KitzSki Werlberger, Tiroler Zugspitz Arena/Ehrwalder Almbahn, Schladming Dachstein/Harald Steiner
Verena J.
E-Commerce Specialist at ALPS RESORTS
Millennial with a passion for solitary mountains and compelling stories, always on the lookout for exciting destinations and experiences.
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