Aerial view of the Gosau valley and Lake Gosau, surrounded by green forests. The mountains are covered in clouds. In the centre are the ropes of the Gosaukamm cable car.

Start of the season with "Kaiserschmarrn" & leftover snow

Finally back up the mountain! Saturday was the day: the Gosaukammbahn opened its doors and we laced up our hiking boots - along with the kid, snow fields and lots of anticipation. Our goal? The start of the alpine summer on the Zwieselalm. And I can already tell you one thing: Anyone who thinks that there's nothing going on up there yet is mistaken.

Up we go - and with a view

The first ride on the Gosaukamm is an experience in itself. As the gondola slowly starts to move, the valley passes below us and the peaks greet us from afar. Once we reach the top, we are greeted by fresh mountain air and the first warming rays of sunshine - quite fresh, but so good!

One person holds a Dachstein West ticket with misty mountains and trees in the background, while another person in a green jacket walks nearby.Pink snow roses in spring on the mountain pasture with evergreen trees, wet ground and a cloudy sky in the background.Cable car ascending a mountain with a rocky summit, surrounded by lush green trees and patches of snow under a partly cloudy sky.
Flowers, slush and giggles

The child has set himself the task of tracking down the last patches of snow. And look - there are still a few patches of white peeking out between the blooming crocuses and the first alpine roses. Who needs snowballs in winter when you can mould the ‘last of their kind’ in May? Meanwhile, we adults admire the colourful alpine flora - and to be honest, we have to stop ourselves again and again from photographing every little flower. Well, it's probably me, not us ;-)

After the initial anticipation has settled, we take a leisurely walk around the Zwieselalm. The path is already easy to walk on and a bit of mud never hurt anyone - on the contrary! The child thinks it's great, we adults take it sportily and with humour.

Stone monument on a grassy hilltop with a cloudy sky, near a modern cable car building and a hiking trail.A child in a light-coloured outfit enjoys a 'Kaiserschmarrn' with stewed plums at a wooden table and wears a blue cap on his head.View of a mountain landscape with rolling hills, scattered trees and a cloudy sky, with a ski lift crossing the terrain.
Kaiserschmarrn & alpine snack as a summit victory

What is a must at the start of a real alpine summer? Exactly: Kaiserschmarrn. With apple sauce, icing sugar and the best view in the world, it simply tastes twice as good. Our break at the hut is not only delicious, but also a real family highlight - up here, everyday life feels a long way away.

Our conclusion after the first day:

Pack your backpack and go!
The start of the season in Dachstein West was a complete success for us: nature, exercise, enjoyment and lots of family time - exactly what we were all longing for. So if you're still wondering whether a trip is worthwhile: Yes! And how! The Gosaukammbahn takes you up in comfort, spring is at its best and fresh air, great views and lots of fun await you on the mountain pasture!