At the top of the Hauser Kaibling ski area in Austria.

The Hauser Kaibling ski area above Scladming in Austria has invested about six million Euros (£5.3m) in infrastructure improvements to its 37 kilometers of ski runs this season.

Half of the money spend has gone towards a new summit quad chairlift reaching 2,015 meters (6609ft) above sea level. Another main focus has been on expansion of high-tech snowmaking capabilities, with 31 new snow canons purchased.

The pumping stations have also been upgraded and a new water line installed from the River Enns. The entire stretch from the Enns to the valley terminal of the Hauser Kaibling cable car has seen the installation of a second water line. This means that the 167 snow canons on the Hauser Kaibling slopes are now able to produce around 11,000 cubic meters of snow per hour, which equates to around 1,100 truck loads of snow. As soon as temperatures are far enough below zero, it only takes three to four days to guarantee basic snow cover from the summit down to the valley.

The valley terminal for the main gondola lift is also adding a new gastronomic feature, a next-generation McDonald’s family restaurant will be opened just in time for the start of the winter season. This popular worldwide franchise chain is investing 3 million Euro of its own money in its new Hauser Kaibling location.

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