Mountain Architecture – Spectacular Summit Structures in Tirol

Kathrin Aste and Frank Ludin from LAAC Architects designed this spectacular structure made of steel and timber on the Stubai Glacier. The viewing platform “floats” at 3,210 metres above sea level, on the Großen Isidor Ridge. From here, views encompassing the Stubai and Ötztaler Alps, Dolomites and Ortler Massif can be savoured.

Stubaier Gletscher · Mutterberg 2 · 6167 Neustift · +43.5226.8141 · info@stubaier-gletscher.com · www.stubaier-gletscher.com

The „Big 3“ are three, three thousand metre high inter-connected mountains that form one ski resort accessible from Sölden: the Gaislachkogel at 3,058 metres, Tiefenbachkogel at 3,250 metres and Schwarzen Schneid at 3,340 metres above sea level. Each of the three peaks is home to a viewing platform with three breath-taking panoramas. Each platform is unique and was designed specifically for the individual peak and its surroundings, in collaboration with Professor Peter Schuck from the University of Design and Architecture in Munich.

Bergbahnen Sölden · Dorfstraße 115 · 6450 Sölden · +43.5254.508-0 · bergbahnen@soelden.com · www.soelden.com

The silvery shimmer of this circular building nestled in a rocky ridge above the eternal ice of the Gaiskarfeners at the Stubai Glacier beckons from afar. Architect Peter Kaserer designed this futuristic restaurant at 3,150 metres above sea level, which offers fabulous panoramic views over 109 three thousand metre high peaks.

Stubaier Gletscher · Mutterberg 2 · 6167 Neustift · +43 5226.8141 · info@stubaier-gletscher.com · www.stubaier-gletscher.com

Innsbruck architect, Antonius Lanzinger (M9 Architekten), designed this masterpiece of modern architecture at 2,000 metres above sea level on Leisure Mount Ahorn in Mayrhofen, Zillertal. The highlight of this sophisticated building complex is a 56-metre long, almost self-supporting viewing platform with a wide glass facade that allows unique panoramic views of the stunning Zillertal Alps.

Freiraum GmbH · Ahornstraße 853 · 6290 Mayrhofen · +43.5285.62277 · www.freiraum-mayrhofen.com

This observation deck nestles on a narrow ridge in Obergurgl/Hochgurgl ski resort at over 3,000 metres above sea level. The pavilion made of steel, glass and larch wood seems to float above the mountains. Architect, Peter Schluck, positioned this panoramic pulpit on the foundations of a former mountain refuge hut. The magnificent views offered as well as this gigantic architectural achievement are quite astonishing.

Top Hotel Hochgurgl · 6456 Hochgurgl · +43.5256.6265 · tophotel@hochgurgl.com · www.tophochgurgl.com

The team of architects from Baumschlager Hutter Partners in Dornbirn designed both new Wildspitzbahn cable car stations in Pitztal as organic structures, encased in curved aluminium panels. Café 3.440 – Austria’s highest restaurant - is integrated into the top terminal – with a free-floating, wrap-round glazed terrace, which offers spectacular views of the Wildspitze and another 50 three thousand metre high peaks.

Pitztaler Gletscherbahn · Mittelberg · 6481 St. Leonhard · +43.5413.86288 · pitztal@tirolgletscher.com · www.pitztaler-gletscher.at

A structurally sophisticated architectural solution was necessary for the construction of this mountain restaurant at 2,620 metres above sea level in Ischgl ski resort. The building complex – an ultra-modern, three-storey steel and glass structure designed by architect Manfred Jäger – is home to an á-la-carte and self-service restaurant, an ice bar and congress hall.

Restaurant Pardorama · 6561 Ischgl · +43.5444.606831 · restaurant@silvretta.at · www.ischgl.com

Extensive use of glass and low energy consumption are the defining characteristics of Hoadl Haus panoramic ski restaurant in Axamer Lizum. Architect Klaus Mathoy used large glass doors for the south-facing facade at 2,340 metres above sea level. When the doors are closed, a beautiful winter garden conservatory is created on the inside. On opening, they slide into a timber cavity in the ceiling to reveal a giant sun terrace.

Axamer Lizum · Axamer Lizum 6 · 6094 Axams · +43.5234.67178 · hoadlhaus@axamer-lizum.at · www.axamer-lizum.at

Tirolean architect Johann Obermoser succeeded in reconciling an exceptional design with the prevailing landscape and sophisticated technology with the new Gaislachkogelbahn in Sölden. The valley, middle and mountain terminals are adapted in their design to conform to their specific location and functional requirements. All three share a similar style of construction, with a self-supporting steel structure covered by a transparent membrane.

Bergbahnen Sölden · Dorfstraße 115 · 6450 Sölden · +43.5254.508-0 · bergbahnen@soelden.com · www.soelden.com

Back in Sölden again: this new gourmet restaurant lies alongside the top terminal of the Gaislachkogelbahn cable car at 3,048 metres above sea level. Architect Johann Obermoser also designed this glass sculpture, which is reminiscent of stacked blocks of ice. Fabulous food is served in extraordinary ambience in the designer-restaurant. Connoisseurs feel right at home amidst the magnificent mountain landscape on the sheltered sun terrace.

Restaurant Ice Q · 6450 Sölden · +43.664 96 09 368 · iceq@central-soelden.at · www.soelden.com

Built in 1937, the Galzigbahn was the first ever cable car at Arlberg. Groundbreaking standards have been set once again in 2006, with the construction of a new and innovative funitel system. This spectacular cable car innovation is based on two giant wheels that facilitate level access to the gondola. The state of the art technology is just as fascinating as the futuristic glass building designed by Tirolean architect, Georg Driendl, to house the valley terminal, which exposes the impressive interior to viewers on the outside.

Galzigbahn St. Anton · Kandaharweg 9A · 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg · +43.5446.2352-0 · office@abbag.com · www.abbag.com

A very different kind of ski hut can be found at 1,700 metres above sea level on the ski slopes of the Alpkogelbahn in Galtür. Ventira Architects took a step outside of the archetypal mountain hut box and based their design on the principles of a snowflake – setting a white cube with recessed and protruding panoramic window boxes amidst the mountain landscape. The unconventional name refers to the owner, Adi Walter.

Addis Abeba[r] · 6563 Galtür · +43.664.3941638 · adi@addis-abebar.at · www.addis-abebar.at

Located in the heart of the Ski-Optimal Hochzillertal resort, Das Albergo is a stylish hotel full of Italian design elements. This palace of glass and steel is a fine example of state-of-the-art design, perched at 2,400 metres at sea level at the top of the Wimbachexpress ski lift. This fusion of Mediterranean lifestyle and Alpine landscape includes a large spa and sauna area with fabulous views of the mountains. A selection of rooms and suites are available.

Panorama Restaurant & Hotel Albergo · 6272 Kaltenbach · +43.676.88632588 · reservierung@albergo.at · www.albergo.at

The 13-meter-high observation tower "Top of Alpbachtal" stands at the highest point of the ski resort "Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau" at an altitude of 2,030 meters. With numerous handcrafted wooden shingles reminiscent of traditional Alpbach houses and an interior featuring panoramic windows, the tower elegantly blends into the landscape. It is only accessible with skiing equipment via the Hornbahn 2000.

Alpbacher Bergbahn · Hnr. 311 · 6236 Alpbach/Tirol · +43.5336.5233 · info@alpbacher-bergbahnen.at · www.skijuwel.com