It was the success of the Austrian Ski team in the 1966 Olympic Games Cortina, Italy which sparked the Viennese interest in skiing. In the same year they built and opened the Hohe Wand Weise. It was designed to meet FIS (International Ski Federation) guidelines so that it can become a venue for international skiing competitions.
It was in 1967 when the first ever parallel slalom attracted many tourists. This slalom allows you to watch two skiers compete at the same time on parallel slopes. After 20 years, Hohe Hand Weise had its last FIS- World Cup slalom in 1986. Famous skiing athletes such as Marc Giradelli (LUX) and Ingmar Stenmark (SWE) competed in the evening race.
Hohe Wand Weise serves as a melting pot for Viennese winter sports aficionados. The snow cannons and snow making system ensure that there is a lot of snow. Floodlights are also available to make night-time skiing possible; they are open until 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. Skiing season often begins on December 23rd and it lasts until March if the weather and temperature permits.
If you do not know how to ski, there is a skiing school complete with stores, restaurants and a medical facility for emergencies. You can also rent skis, boots, poles, helmets, snow blades and snow boards if needed.
1140 Vienna, Mauerbachstraße 174-184
Phone: +43 1 979 00 25-203
Image from 98.3 Superfly @ JUST MEDIA
