At the Schlossalmbahn mountain station in Bad Hofgastein, a modern mountain restaurant called "Kleine Scharte neu" is being built for the upcoming winter season. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in early April of this year, and the opening is scheduled for mid-December 2025. In addition to the restaurant with panoramic views, the building will also feature spaces for operational purposes and a digital exhibition.
New Modern Mountain Restaurant on Schlossalm
Bad Hofgastein is located in the heart of the Gastein Valley and is part of the Ski amadé ski region. The Schlossalmbahn takes you directly from the town center to the Schlossalm–Angertal–Stubnerkogel ski area, the largest contiguous area in the Gastein Valley. Here, at the mountain station over 2,000 meters above sea level, a new modern mountain restaurant, the "Kleine Scharte neu", is currently being built, setting new standards both in terms of cuisine and architecture.
The building will be constructed on the existing structure of the mountain station, adding an additional floor. The planned mix of uses includes a spacious restaurant area with 350 indoor seats and another 330 seats on the sun terrace.
In addition, the new building will also house workshops, storage spaces, offices, and rooms for the piste rescue services. A special highlight will be a digital museum world offering interactive insights into themes such as nature, water, mountains, and the Hohe Tauern National Park. The architecture focuses on modern coziness with large glass facades that bring the panoramic view inside, making the mountain experience architecturally tangible.
"Kleine Scharte neu": Groundbreaking in April 2025
The groundbreaking for the "Kleine Scharte neu" project took place just one day after the end of the winter season on Schlossalm. The ceremony on April 7, 2025, marked the beginning of an ambitious venture that is scheduled to be completed by mid-December 2025. With an investment of around 12 million euros, the Gasteiner Bergbahnen and its main shareholder Oberbank are focusing on a project that aims to further enhance the quality of the culinary offerings and strengthen the sustainability strategy of Ski Gastein.
Sustainable Architecture
The architecture, designed by Hasenauer.Architekten, focuses on resource-efficient implementation. Instead of building entirely new structures, existing elements of the Schlossalmbahn mountain station are being reused. The efficient multi-purpose use of the building – which will house the restaurant, workshops, piste rescue services, and other operational areas – helps conserve space and resources. Additionally, the demolition of older building sections will create space for new natural areas. The energy supply will include photovoltaic systems on the roof and facade, and efforts to source materials locally and reduce delivery distances will further support sustainability.
Mountain Restaurant: Renowned Scharfetter Family Takes Over
For the "new Kleine Scharte," Gasteiner Bergbahnen is relying on a tried-and-tested gastronomic concept with a regional touch. The restaurant will be operated by the Scharfetter family, who are known for their quality and experience. The menu will feature regional cuisine, both in classic and creatively interpreted forms.
The largest connected ski area in the Gastein Valley.
The Schlossalmbahn is the central gateway to the Bad Gastein – Bad Hofgastein ski area, taking winter sports enthusiasts directly from the town center to over 2,000 meters in elevation. Once at the top, a versatile ski area with a total of 84 kilometers of slopes unfolds, primarily offering red-marked runs that cater to intermediate skiers. However, there are also numerous suitable runs for beginners.
One of the most famous runs is Hohe Scharte North, one of the longest valley descents in the Eastern Alps, stretching over ten kilometers of continuous skiing fun. Modern lift facilities ensure a smooth operation throughout the area.
Off the slopes, Bad Hofgastein also offers a wide range of activities: winter hiking trails, snowshoe routes, and a natural toboggan run provide opportunities for outdoor movement amidst the winter landscape.
>> Here's how much a ski day in Bad Hofgastein costs.
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