If you can't get high enough in the mountains in Gosau, both in winter and in summer, then head to the Krippenstein. The ski area is part of the Dachstein-West ski pass.  In summer, the middle station is the starting point for two of Austria's most famous caves, the Bear Cave and the Krippenstein Ice Cave, as well as a small museum. From the mountain station, but also from the middle station of the cable car, there are various hiking trails as well as the spectacular view of Hallstadt and Lake Hallstadt from the "Five Fingers". In winter, the Krippenstein is particularly popular with ski tourers and off-piste skiers. For "freeriders", the spectacular descents are among the "freeride hotspots" in Europe.  I, for one, hardly miss a day of skiing without having been on the Krippenstein and having a drink at the Gjaidalm (see entry "Gjardalm").

Arrival: from Gosau in the direction of Hallstatt and then on towards Obertraun. Shortly before Obertraun, turn right to the valley station of the Krippenstein cable car.