25 Years of Austria’s Best Summer Mountain Lifts: Söll and Westendorf
Last updated on 27.07.2026 | Wilder Kaiser
Pioneering the Tyrolean summer in the mountains
Ceremonial award presented in Montafon recognises a quarter-century of quality, innovation, and sustainable alpine tourism.
Montafon/Söll/Westendorf. A major milestone for Austrian tourism: as part of the 25th anniversary of the Austria’s Best Summer Mountain Lifts quality initiative, the two founding mountain lift companies of the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental were honoured with a commemorative certificate, presented by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber’s Cable Car Association. The distinction recognises 25 years of outstanding commitment to shaping, promoting and continuously developing Austria’s alpine summer tourism – an achievement closely linked to the pioneering vision of the entire region, with Söll and Westendorf leading the way.
For the past 25 years, certified summer mountain lifts have set the benchmark for delivering reliable, high-quality mountain experiences. To earn the prestigious quality seal, operators must meet rigorous standards across clearly defined visitor experiences, and successfully complete re-certification every three years. Söll and Westendorf have been among the initiative’s pioneers from the very beginning.
Group photo of the recipients of the certificates of honour: including Bergbahnen Westendorf with Managing Director Stefan Grafl (5th from the left)
© Raffeiner ReputationBergbahn Söll: Where the mountain theme parks Began
The story of modern Alpine summer tourism began in Söll. With Hexenwasser Söll Hohe Salve, Söll Mountain Lifts created the Alps’ very first themed mountain adventure world, fundamentally redefining what a summer visit to the mountains could be.
Officially opened on 16 June 2002 to revitalise the region’s then-declining summer tourism, Hexenwasser has grown from a 450-metre discovery trail with 30 interactive stations, into an extensive mountain experience featuring more than 60 attractions and constantly evolving hands-on experiences. Today, it welcomes more than 200,000 visitors each season, from May until early November. Having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022, Hexenwasser now looks back on almost a quarter-century of pioneering innovation.
Long before immersive mountain attractions became commonplace, Söll’s visionaries recognised the opportunity to connect visitors with nature through sensory experiences. Austria’s longest barefoot trail, over 60 interactive discovery stations, water-based attractions, and the sundial hiking trail to the summit of the Hohe Salve invite guests to experience the power of alpine spring water and the natural beauty of the mountains with all their senses.
The project’s pioneering significance has been recognised with numerous awards over the years, including the Austrian State Prize for Tourism, the theALPS Award 2013, and the Austrian Tourism Innovation Award 2016. Today, Hexenwasser remains one of the Alps’ leading examples of authentic, nature-based mountain experiences, and has inspired similar developments throughout the Alpine region. Its spirit of innovation, combined with the close cooperation within SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental, has established Söll and Westendorf as flagship destinations for Austria’s summer mountain tourism.
Westendorf: Where Family Adventures Meet Nature
Westendorf Mountain Lifts have also played a defining role in shaping the summer offering of the Kitzbühel Alps. The popular Alpinolino Discovery Park on Talkaser has become a benchmark for family-friendly mountain experiences, where attractions such as the Himmelsteig adventure trail, Adlerhorst viewing platform, and the Spoggolino marble run introduce visitors to Alpine flora and fauna through interactive play. The anniversary award recognises this long-standing commitment:
„This honorary award is wonderful recognition of the dedication shown by our entire team over the past 25 years. Our goal has always been to make quality something visitors can genuinely experience every day on the mountain, across all generations,“ says Managing Director Stefan Grafl.
Creating the Alps’ Largest Natural Adventure Playground.
What began a quarter of a century ago as a visionary initiative in Söll and Westendorf soon evolved into one of Austria’s greatest regional tourism success stories. Over the years, the partner mountain lift companies in Ellmau, Scheffau, Brixen im Thale, Hopfgarten, Itter and Going also joined the quality initiative, each contributing their own certified, themed mountain attractions.
Today, visitors can enjoy 14 summer mountain lifts and seven unique mountain adventure worlds, all accessible with a single ticket. Together, they form what is now known as the Alps’ largest natural adventure playground.
Driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation, the attractions continue to evolve through new experiences, modern infrastructure, and carefully planned expansion. It is a compelling example of how genuine regional cooperation and an uncompromising focus on quality can create lasting tourism success.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Award.
The commemorative certificate explicitly recognises the region’s long-term commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Modern lift infrastructure not only provides exceptional comfort for visitors, but also focuses on resource-efficient operations, environmentally friendly mobility solutions and the protection of the sensitive Alpine landscape.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The 25th anniversary of Austria’s Best Summer Mountain Lifts demonstrates how summer tourism has become a cornerstone of Austria’s cable car industry. With a clear commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability, the mountain lift companies of the Wilder Kaiser–Brixental region look confidently towards the next 25 years—continuing to develop unforgettable mountain experiences throughout all four seasons, while working together to safeguard the future of Alpine tourism.
