Austria’s Best Summer Mountain Railways See Record Growth in 2025 with New Attractions and Extended Autumn Operations

Published on November 29, 2025

Summer Mountain Railways in Austria wrapped up the 2025 season by achieving some remarkable milestones including improvement in the volume of visitors and increase in revenue. The Austrian cable car association did a flash survey and 72.5% of responding operators said they were “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied” with the summer season. In light of the positive statistics throughout the region, it suggests the increasing strength of the alpine region’s mountain tourism. Visitors and longer periods of operation suggests a significant shift to all year round mountain tourism, with the fall season for tourism in the alpine Austria (The Alps) region expected to be strong.
The mountain railways tourism in Austria, as the country’s tourism sector as a whole, adapts to the new global situation, has shown clear positive trend.

Visitor Growth and New Experiences in 2025

In 2025, 42.5% of surveyed businesses reported an increase in visitor numbers, while 67.5% saw a rise in revenue compared to the previous year. This trend reflects growing demand for outdoor activities in the mountains, beyond just skiing and snowboarding. The themed and adventure trails offered at mountain resorts, such as the Grünbergbande and Hopsiland Planai, were particularly well received by visitors, with new attractions and experiences playing a significant role in drawing tourists to these regions.

The path of the planets on Kanzelhöhe and the Locandy audio adventure in Gerlos were also popular among families and younger visitors, adding fun and interactive elements to the traditional mountain experience. Alongside these, more panoramic spots, like the SkyRide in Mayrhofen, provided breathtaking views of the Alps, combining nature with adventure in a way that appealed to a broad audience.

Autumn Gaining Importance in Mountain Tourism

One of the most notable trends in the Austrian mountain tourism sector is the growing significance of the autumn months. More resorts are now extending their summer operations into the fall, with several mountain lifts operating well into November. This extension is particularly driven by demand from both local and international visitors seeking to enjoy the Alpine landscapes during the autumn school holidays.

A growing number of mountain railways are capitalizing on this shift, with around 10% of businesses extending their seasonal hours to take advantage of the autumn demand. This strategy helps not only to optimize capacity and retain employees during the off-peak months but also boosts the overall economic impact of mountain tourism. Franz Hörl, Chairman of the Austrian Cable Car Association, highlighted that extended operations help maintain revenue streams and keep the resorts open for tourists year-round, particularly during months when other destinations may be quieter.

Sustainability and Green Initiatives in Mountain Tourism

Sustainability has been a core principle for Austria’s Best Summer Mountain Railways. 73% of member companies are actively pursuing sustainability goals, with 85% sourcing electricity from 100% renewable sources. Many resorts have invested in photovoltaic systems to further reduce their environmental footprint. The commitment to sustainability is also evident in collaborative efforts across the industry, such as the Summit Charter, which promotes respectful behavior and environmentally conscious tourism.

The introduction of the KlimaTicket initiative has also supported the push for climate-friendly travel by offering 10% discounts for visitors using the KlimaTicket across 52 participating businesses. This initiative provides an accessible way for visitors to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the beautiful Austrian Alps.

2026 Outlook: Anniversaries and New Experiences

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a historic year for Austria’s mountain railways sector, with 100 years of cable cars in Austria to be celebrated. This milestone marks the 1926 launch of the Tyrolean Zugspitze, Rax, and Pfänder cable cars, all of which have shaped the region’s mountain tourism landscape. The Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways seal of approval will also celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, further solidifying its role in maintaining high-quality standards in Austrian mountain tourism.

With new attractions like Tyrol’s first Ninja Park at 2,020 meters in Hochoetz and the barrier-free conversion of the cable car to the Hohe Salve, Austrian mountain resorts are emphasizing inclusivity, quality, and diversity in their offerings. These developments demonstrate Austria’s commitment to enhancing its mountain tourism product and catering to a wide variety of visitor preferences.

Conclusion: A Thriving and Sustainable Mountain Tourism Sector

Austria’s Best Summer Mountain Railways have not only contributed to the growth of the country’s tourism industry in 2025, but they have also set a high standard for sustainable, quality mountain tourism. With innovative offerings, sustainability initiatives, and an increasing focus on off-season tourism, Austria continues to enhance its reputation as a top year-round destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.