“What I do at Kasberg is pure idealism”

Actually, they were already living apart: Hermann Hüthmayr, an indestructible tourist expert in the Almtal, and the Hochberghaus, a constant companion at 1200 meters above sea level on the Kasberg. In June 2022, Hüthmayr offered his life’s work for sale. The 1,859 square meter hotel and mountain restaurant was available for 1.49 million euros. Then came the bad news.

“I had actually already sold the house to a Tyrolean who really wanted a ski hut. Three weeks before the contract was signed, the state said they were closing the ski area,” says Hüthmayr. The buyer didn’t want a ski hut without a ski area.

But there were enough interested parties outside of this offer, says the 72-year-old, who has been committed to Almtal and Kasberg for more than 53 years. “One wanted to rent out the rooms, another wanted to build holiday apartments. But I didn’t want that. I just want to sell to someone who will continue to run the house in the spirit of the region,” says Hüthmayr. So he stays – again. “If the right offer comes along, I’ll sell at any time. But yes, what I do here is often pure idealism,” he says.

Mother’s Day promotion

This also applied to the winter with little snow. He often picked up his house guests by car to take them to the Hochberghaus. “It wasn’t a particularly good winter for me. But I tried everything to give those who came a nice experience,” says the 72-year-old. This did not dampen the joy of continuing the ski area with new managing directors. “We simply need better snow facilities here,” he says, and hopes that it will soon be clear that skiers will be practicing the refreshments with him again next season.

For now, Hüthmayr is concentrating on the hiking season. “We have wonderful trails here on Kasberg, ones that are suitable for the whole family.” And he wants to address the whole family on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12th). He invites all grandchildren up to the age of 10 to eat for free. “There are children’s schnitzels, chicken nuggets and ice cream. And a wonderful landscape on top of that,” says Hüthmayr.