The Hochkössen ski area is a first-class choice for families and beginners and is also Austria's largest winter sports destination outside the Alps. Skiing fun has been available on the Unterberg since the 1954/55 winter season. The official opening of the then ultra-modern 1-seater chairlift took place on May 1, 1955 and made the hearts of winter sports enthusiasts beat faster. The 2nd section (from Gasthof Scheibenwald to the summit) was officially opened in 1974. A lot has happened since then: a total of 11 lifts and, above all, a modern snowmaking system ensure that winter sports enthusiasts and summer guests have plenty to do.

The Unterberg is also considered a pioneering site for paragliding and hang-gliding. In 1973, daring youngsters caused quite a stir in the Tyrolean mountains with their "flying kites". In the same year, the world's first hang-gliding club was founded in Kössen. Kössen was also the venue for the 1st World Alpine Hang Gliding Championships in 1975 and the 1st World Hang Gliding Championships in 1976. Numerous national and international competitions followed. Even today, Kössen is still the Mecca for aviation sports enthusiasts. The greats of the scene come together in Kössen.