Reither Kogel near Reith im Alpbachtal: hiking and skiing with children

About the mountain

The Reither Kogel is a rolling mountain ridge above Reith, at modest height compared with the mountains further up the Alpbachtal. That makes it gentle and accessible: pastures, forest and farms, such as the Hinterkogelhof at about 1,239 m. Because of the low position the mountain is often accessible in spring and autumn when higher peaks still have snow. That is a general impression, not a guarantee. On heights: sources give different figures, so use them as a rough guide.

Getting there

The Reitherkogelbahn is an 8-person gondola (the Familien-Jet) running from the base station at 640 m to the top station at 1,110 m in about five minutes. From Niederau you drive to Reith in roughly half an hour to 45 minutes; an estimate. According to one source, the lift's summer season in 2026 runs from early May to late September. You can also walk up. In winter a forest road from Reith towards the Nisslhof doubles as a toboggan track. Ask the lift company about current seasons and rest days.

Summer: Juppi Zauberwald and hiking

Right next to the top station lies the Juppi Zauberwald. A circular path, also suitable for a pushchair, leads past a climbing tower and a petting zoo to a viewing platform. For a longer walk there is a circuit of about 4.9 km and 1 hour 45 minutes from the top station through the Zauberwald, which suits younger children thanks to the short climb. Because the outing is short you can combine the day with a visit to Reith or the Alpbachtal. Bring weather gear: the weather can turn even on this low mountain.

Winter: skiing

The slopes on the Reither Kogel belong to the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area. For the very youngest there is the Kinderland JUPPI DO at the base station of the Reitherkogelbahn, with a baby lift and a drag lift. That makes the mountain handy for families who want to practise with toddlers and beginners close to the valley. For the piste map and the difficulty of the slopes, look at the current Ski Juwel map.

Winter: snowshoeing and tobogganing

A snowshoe walk from the top station is about 2.6 km long and takes around an hour. The route runs across meadows and through forest to the Hinterkogelhof at about 1,239 m. The forest road from Reith to the Nisslhof is also used as a toboggan run in winter. It is not a purpose-built run but a walking path with a tobogganing section. Anyone who does not want to walk up can take the gondola. Ask beforehand about current conditions and whether the route is open.

Winter: ski touring

For ski tourers there is a tour via the Kreuzweg in Reith: about 6.2 km and 587 metres of ascent, with a highest point of about 1,234 m. The climb runs through forest; the descent follows the groomed piste beside the Reitherkogelbahn. The start is the lift's car park. This is a short, low-lying tour and therefore often a good practice outing, but snow quality and conditions can vary greatly. Also take account of piste use.

Safety

Even on a low mountain like the Reither Kogel, consult the Tyrol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at) in winter for ski touring and snowshoeing. This guide does not replace it and is not a route description to follow blindly. On pistes watch out for skiers; on a tour alongside the piste, stay at the edge. In summer the paths are simple, but good shoes and weather gear are part of it. Check the last gondola ride beforehand.

Frequently asked questions