Hinterstoder

1. General Provisions

These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) apply to all current and future services provided in connection with the purchase of tickets, access authorizations, and merchandise items by guests (customers), as well as those offered by HIWU.
By using a valid ticket, a transportation and slope usage contract is concluded between Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen AG and the user, under the terms and conditions set forth below. In addition, the FIS slope rules and the regulations for ski tourers/winter hikers apply and must be observed.

2. Purchase of Tickets and Access Authorizations

2.1. The purchase of valid tickets and access authorizations (hereinafter referred to as “tickets”) is possible at HIWU’s ticket offices and vending machines, online at www.hiwu.at or www.skisport.com, as well as through possible partners.
To claim a special rate, appropriate identification must be presented. For the purchase of long-term passes (e.g., season passes), an ID and a photograph are required, which the buyer must provide. To receive the family bonus for children, proof of age and family relationship is also required.

2.2. When purchasing ski passes, a deposit of €4 per issued card is charged for the KeyCard (excluding single-use tickets). This amount will be refunded upon return of the KeyCard at the ticket office or at designated return machines. No refund is possible for damaged KeyCards. For tickets issued at vending machines or for certain special cards, no KeyCards are issued; consequently, no deposit will be charged or refunded.

2.3. During the winter season, “dynamic” (variable) prices apply to tickets. These prices are calculated based on factors such as the booking date and capacity utilization. No personal data is processed for the calculation of dynamic prices.

2.4. HIWU reserves the right to temporarily suspend ticket sales in the event of an impending overload of the slopes, lifts, cable cars, or parking facilities. In such cases, the customer has no entitlement to purchase a ticket.

2.5. Tickets purchased in advance do not include any entitlement to a parking space

3. Online Shop

3.1.1. Tickets can be purchased in the online shop (www.hiwu.at or www.skisport.com). Only persons aged 18 and over are entitled to purchase tickets in the online shop. Tickets can be obtained in the following ways:

• Reloading: The ticket is loaded onto a HIWU KeyCard. To use this service, the customer must have a (valid) KeyCard with the data carrier number printed on the back of the card. The ticket can be used no earlier than 30 minutes after receipt of the electronic confirmation of execution (order confirmation by email). From that point onward, activation of the data carrier generally applies at all access points included in the ticket.

• Collection: After completing the order process, the customer receives a booking confirmation with a QR code. Using this QR code, the ticket can be collected at vending machines (single-use ticket) or at the ticket offices (KeyCard, provided it is not a special card).

• Postal delivery: For some tickets, postal delivery is offered. The KeyCard deposit is already included in the purchase price.

• Print@home: After completing the order process, the tickets are sent to the customer by email as a PDF file. No ticket collection is required; entry is possible using the PDF file.

3.1.2. A booking is only possible after all mandatory fields in the booking form have been fully and correctly completed. The customer is solely responsible for the correct entry of data, particularly the data carrier number (KeyCard number). Incorrect entries will result in the ticket not being activated. Refunds will not be granted for incorrect entries. If incorrect birth data for children or adolescents are entered to obtain a discount, the ticket will be immediately and permanently revoked.

3.1.3. Once the payment button has been activated, the order process can no longer be cancelled, reversed, or changed.

3.1.4. The electronic confirmation of execution (order confirmation by email) from HIWU serves as the sole valid proof of a properly completed booking. It must therefore be retained by the customer and presented to HIWU together with the data carrier in the event of any complaints.

3.1.5. Payment in the online shop can be made by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or debit card. The amount will be charged immediately to the specified credit card or debited from the specified account, indicating the purpose of payment.

4. Purchase of Merchandise Items

HIWU merchandise items can be purchased at the ticket offices of the valley stations, in the online shop, and at selected locations.

5. Use of Tickets

5.1. A valid ticket entitles the holder to use all operational facilities included in the ticket during its validity period, in accordance with the officially approved transport regulations of the individual facilities as displayed on site and these General Terms and Conditions. Special transportation rules for children under 14 years of age or under 110 cm in height must be observed.

5.2. For access control purposes, a reference photo of the lift pass holder is taken when first passing through a turnstile equipped with a camera. This reference photo is compared by lift personnel with the photos taken each time the holder passes through a camera-equipped turnstile. The reference photo is deleted immediately after the validity of the lift pass expires; all other photos are deleted no later than 30 minutes after the respective passage through the turnstile.

5.3. HIWU is not obliged to provide transportation if it is impossible or impermissible for safety reasons, due to official orders, or for other reasons beyond HIWU’s control. Operation may be switched between the Hinterstoder and Wurzeralm ski areas if operation is possible in either area.

5.4. Tickets are non-transferable. Exchange for a different ticket or modification of the validity period after purchase is not possible. Resale to third parties after purchase and use of the ticket during its validity period is prohibited.

5.5. Tickets and authorization documents must be presented to HIWU staff or inspectors upon request.

6. Loss/Revocation of Tickets, Refunds

6.1. Tickets will be revoked without replacement in the event of:

• Violation of the officially approved transport regulations of the individual facilities as displayed or in the GTC

• Ignoring full or partial closures of ski runs and facilities

• Repeated failure to follow instructions from HIWU staff

• Intentional damage to HIWU property

• Behavior that is insulting or damaging to HIWU’s reputation

• Fraudulently obtained discounts

• Tickets purchased from sales outlets not listed in section 2.1

• Illegally obtained or transferred tickets, in which case an additional processing fee equal to the current daily ticket price may be charged

• Reckless behavior or other violations of FIS rules that endanger other users or operations

6.2. Lost ski passes are not replaced. However, the loss can be reported at HIWU ticket offices. For daily and multi-day passes, presentation of the original receipt allows re-issuance for a KeyCard fee of €4. For a lost SunnyCard season pass, presentation of an ID and payment of a €25 processing fee allows re-issuance. For a lost SuperSkiCard Premium, a new ticket can be issued upon presentation of an ID and payment of a €15 processing fee. All lost cards are blocked.

6.3. In case of a forgotten SunnyCard season pass, a daily ticket costing €10 must be purchased upon presentation of an ID. The forgotten SunnyCard season pass will be blocked for that day. In case of a forgotten SuperSkiCard, a new ticket is issued with a €15 processing fee, and the forgotten SuperSkiCard will be blocked.

6.4. In the event of a ski accident preventing further use of the ticket due to injury, a (partial) refund is only possible for passes with a validity of 2 days or more. The refund applies from the day following the last use, or at the earliest, the first day after the accident. If the pass was used again after the accident, a refund is entirely excluded. The receipt and a medical certificate must be presented at the HIWU ticket office by 10:00 a.m. the following day at the latest. For injured/ill children up to 10 years, a refund request can also be made for a companion’s ticket. For season or combination passes, refunds can only be requested in the ski region where the pass was purchased.

6.5. For unused daily and hourly tickets, as well as all pre-purchased tickets (excluding deposit cards), a refund is possible in case of illness. Upon presentation of a specialist medical certificate confirming that the ticket cannot be used due to illness, the full amount can be refunded upon presentation of the receipt. If a season pass was not used at all due to injury, it will be refunded at the purchase price minus a processing fee upon presentation of a specialist medical certificate.

6.6. Refunds for season passes are scaled according to the number of days used and ticket type. The announced start and end dates of the season are not “fixed dates” and depend, for example, on weather conditions. The refund value is calculated proportionally to the purchase price and the duration of use. Season passes used after February 28 and/or submitted after the end of the season to HIWU are categorically non-refundable.

6.7. Non-use of a ticket due to bad weather, avalanche danger, unforeseen departures, operational interruptions, closure of ski facilities (runs), closure of entire facilities, closure of individual lifts, or all lifts for operational or safety reasons does not entitle the holder to a refund or extension of validity. The usability and operation of special ski areas in winter (fun sports/special facilities) or playgrounds and facilities in summer may be partially or entirely restricted. Such restrictions do not entitle the ticket holder to a refund, price reduction, or extension of use.

6.8. For combination passes, the rules of the respective card network apply regarding replacement (loss, forgotten cards).

7. Value Vouchers

7.1. Value vouchers can only be redeemed at HIWU ticket offices, the online shop, and the following catering establishments: Bärenhütte Wurzeralm, Bergrestaurant Wurzeralm, ArenaTreff Wurzeralm, and Bärenhütte Hinterstoder. Other services, such as accommodation costs, cannot be paid with vouchers. If the voucher value exceeds the service used, the remaining value remains on the voucher. Cash payment is not possible. Vouchers can be purchased online with a credit card or debit card or at HIWU ticket offices.

7.2. Online-purchased vouchers are “Print@Home” vouchers. These are sent to the email address provided by the customer as a PDF attachment. Each voucher has a unique authorization number. If multiple vouchers with the same authorization number appear, this is considered misuse, resulting in the irrevocable blocking of the voucher and a police report.

7.3. Vouchers are transferable. Lost vouchers will not be replaced.

7.4. A voucher can be returned if it is sent back to Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen AG by email or post (registered mail) within 14 days of receipt. It is sufficient for the withdrawal declaration to be sent within the deadline without stating reasons. The right of withdrawal does not apply if the service has already begun during the withdrawal period. After receipt of the voucher, the amount will be transferred to the account provided to HIWU (account details required). Only customers who are consumers under the Austrian Consumer Protection Act can exercise this right of return.

8. Combination Passes

8.1. When purchasing combination passes (e.g., SunnyCard, SuperSkiCard), the respective network GTC apply and must be observed. The individual ski areas and facilities participating in the card network are operated by legally independent companies. The specific transport contract, however, is concluded only with the lift company whose facilities, ski runs, and ski routes the guest is using at the time.

8.2. Any liability toward customers, whether under contract or by law, for incidents during the use of lift and slope facilities rests solely with the lift company in whose ski area the incident occurred. Liability for other lift companies using the same combination pass does not exist.

9. Slope Reservations

9.1. Slope reservations are only possible subject to availability. The approval of such a reservation is at HIWU’s sole discretion; there is no entitlement. Reservations of individual slopes for training, practice, or racing events must be made in writing using the form provided by HIWU. The reservation must be confirmed in writing by HIWU, and billing will be made via an invoice issued by HIWU. The fee only entitles the use of the reserved or confirmed slope/slope area. Tickets for lifts, etc., must be purchased separately.

9.2. To ensure safe and unobstructed customer traffic, placing or setting up objects or aids (including teaching/learning aids), as well as planting or drilling poles, barriers, etc., outside the reserved and actually assigned slopes, slope sections, or other areas is prohibited. Poles and barriers within assigned areas may only be anchored in the snow cover and must not be drilled into the ground. HIWU assumes no liability for the items used or set up or their proper use. Liability rests solely with the user or installer. Upon leaving the reserved slope section, all objects, aids, poles, or barriers must be removed so that the slope/route can be safely and freely used by winter sports participants.

10. Equipment Hours

10.1. For unscheduled deployment of HIWU staff using grooming machines, snowmobiles, or quads, the applicable billing rates will apply. A minimum of 20 minutes will be charged for all equipment use.

11. Transport of Goods and Animals via Cable Cars

11.1. HIWU charges a fee for transporting goods. Liability for transport damage is excluded. Animal transport also requires the purchase of a ticket and must be properly secured. Dogs must be on a leash in the ski and hiking area. HIWU reserves the right to require a muzzle in enclosed areas or during transport using our facilities. The owner is solely responsible for any personal or property damage; HIWU assumes no liability.

12. Special Rides

12.1. Special rides are possible by arrangement with operations management, but only if at least five persons are to be transported. A fee agreed upon at the time of arrangement will be charged for these rides. In addition to this fee, each participant must have a valid ticket for the facility.

13. Snowmobile/Quad Rides

13.1. Operation of snowmobiles/quads by persons not affiliated with HIWU on slope areas is only permitted with the approval of the relevant landowners and HIWU, which must be obtained by the snowmobile/quad operator. The snowmobiles/quads used must be in technically sound condition, and warning and emergency stop devices must be properly installed. The driver must have appropriate training, instruction, and any necessary official permits. The operator is responsible for ensuring that unauthorized persons cannot operate the vehicle. In the event of property damage or personal injury, liability rests solely with the operator of the snowmobile/quad.

14. Paragliders

14.1. Paragliding take-offs and landings are only permitted in designated areas. Only pilots with a valid paragliding license, approved and liability-insured equipment, and a valid ticket (season pass, single ride, day, or hourly ticket) are authorized. Landing is prohibited at the Hutterer Böden mid-station and on all ski slopes. All legal altitude and distance regulations must be observed. Violations of these regulations may result in a flight and/or transport ban issued by HIWU.

15. Ski Depot

15.1. HIWU offers the use of lockable ski depots as a service for a corresponding fee. Payment of the fee only grants the right to use the assigned lockable depot for the booked period. The opening hours of the ski depots are posted at the entrances. HIWU assumes no liability for lost items or damage arising in connection with the use of the ski depots, unless caused by at least gross negligence on the part of HIWU.

16. Commercial and Promotional Activities

16.1. Any commercial or promotional activity on HIWU facilities, slopes, ski runs, and parking areas must be expressly approved by HIWU in advance. The installation of advertising boards, panoramic cameras, or other advertisements may only be carried out with HIWU’s consent. Violations may result in exclusion from transportation and the revocation of the ticket without replacement. HIWU also reserves the right to take legal action.

17. Liability

17.1. HIWU’s liability for property and financial damages arising in connection with the use of lifts and ski facilities is excluded in cases of slight negligence. The operators of the lift facilities are not responsible for items lost by the customer in the ski area. The operator is not liable for possible soiling of clothing during the use of lift facilities.

18. Data Processing

18.1. By concluding the transport contract, the customer expressly consents to the data provided to HIWU being processed and used for advertising purposes. Consent for the use of such data can be revoked in writing at any time. Only personal data necessary for the provision and execution of HIWU’s services, or voluntarily provided by the customer, will be collected.

18.2. The customer consents to the storage and processing of data entered during the booking process for the purpose of completing the booking. These data may also be cross-checked with external systems for control purposes. The customer also agrees to the transfer of these data to the partner companies of the SunnyCard or SuperSkiCard within the legal provisions and restrictions (GDPR). The customer is informed that this consent can be revoked at any time.

18.3. The customer may establish secure data transfer (SSL) within their own area. The companies involved will transmit at least the data necessary for payment processing via secure channels. The customer expressly consents to the transmission of the payment confirmation to the payment system and, upon authorization of the payment, to the debit of the respective invoice amount via the chosen payment method. All companies involved in the booking process are subject to telecommunications confidentiality and GDPR obligations.

19. Photo Notices

19.1. For the purpose of documenting and presenting HIWU activities, photos and video recordings are taken during events either by HIWU itself or by photographers commissioned by HIWU. These are published as part of public relations on HIWU’s website, social media channels, and in print media. This serves to provide business partners, customers, and interested persons with an insight into HIWU’s activities and to increase visibility. HIWU relies on legitimate interest under Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR and §§ 12, 13 DSG, observing proportionality. The recordings are made publicly accessible via HIWU’s website, social media, and print media. Further use for other purposes does not occur. The data will not be shared with recipients using them for their own purposes. Photo and video recordings are stored until the end of the third year after the last use, as only then can it be assumed they are no longer required for the purpose of processing. Individual images, especially of public figures, may be stored longer for archival purposes. Requests for deletion will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Data subjects have the right to access, rectification, deletion, restriction of processing, objection, and data portability under the applicable laws. To exercise these rights, please contact: Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen AG, Hinterstoder 21, A-4573 Hinterstoder, Email: info@hiwu.at. The right to deletion can also be exercised during events by requesting the photographer to show and immediately delete any photo or video recording of the person concerned.

20. Miscellaneous

20.1. Austrian law applies.

20.2. The place of jurisdiction is the court with subject-matter jurisdiction for the registered office of Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen AG.

Status: October 2025