Company history
How it all began
Bergbahnen Oetz Ges.m.b.H. was founded on 8 June 1973. The construction work on the two double chairlifts, Acherkogel I and II, began in February 1975 and was completed within just four months.
The photograph from June 1975 shows the first managing directors, Hans Speckle and Kurt Haslwanter (†), the mayor and chairman of the supervisory board, Walter Gritsch (†), and managing director Robert Kuen (†).
Milestones
Opening summer 1975
On 22 June 1975, the big day finally arrived and the Oetz mountain railways began operating. For the first time, it was now possible to travel from the Oetz valley station to the middle station in twelve minutes on the Acherkoglbahn Section I. From there, Section II took passengers to the mountain station in nine minutes.
Winter start 1975
Just in time for Christmas 1975, the Hochoetz ski resort opened its lifts and slopes for the first time on 20 December 1975. This marked the start of many more decades of skiing fun.
Kühtai-Hochoetz 1987
A joint ski pass was introduced back in 1987. This gave guests access to two areas with a single ski pass. A free ski bus was already available at that time to connect the two ski areas.
Balbach expansion 1998
In September 1998, construction began on the Balbach and Mohrenkopf double chairlifts and the Zirbenlift connecting Hochoetz to Balbach. The facilities were built within two and a half months.
Wetterkreuzbahn 2011
With the construction of the Wetterkreuzbahn in 2011, the mountain railway achieved another masterpiece. The mountain station at 2,272 metres marks the highest point of the ski area with the Bargle. A four-minute ride opens up not only another red and black run, but also a crisp ski route and the free ski area for freeriders.
Reservoir 2015
In 2015, the Hochoetz reservoir with a capacity of 50,000 m³ was built. Thanks to its own pumping station, the time required for snowmaking was reduced by half. Additional snow guns were purchased, and in summer Hochoetz had a total of 77 snow cannons and lances at its disposal.
WIDIVERSUM 2016
In 2016, more than 36 climbing and motor skills elements were built on an area of 3,000 m², marking the beginning of the well-known play park called WIDIVERSUM. The play park was implemented in two construction phases, followed two years later by the Movieshuttle, which is a 5D cinema offering an exciting experience for young visitors.
What happens next?
In recent years, Bergbahnen Oetz has continuously introduced new attractions, improved safety and enhanced comfort. Whether it's the new Kristallbar, two modern covered conveyor belts or the latest highlight – the Ninja Park Hochoetz: year after year, exciting innovations are added, some inconspicuous, others impressively visible.
NEW from summer 2026
Ninja Park Hochoetz
