High-altitude training is based on clearly proven physiological effects and has been used in high-performance and endurance sports for decades. The location of the Berggasthof Hunerkogel at 1,700 meters provides ideal conditions for this. At this altitude, the body receives an effective training stimulus without placing excessive strain on recovery. This allows you to increase your own performance in a targeted and safe manner. The combination of altitude, nature, training room, and athlete-friendly infrastructure makes the Dachstein location a professional training base for winter preparation during a training camp.
As altitude increases, the partial pressure of oxygen in the air decreases. From as low as approximately 1,500 meters, measurably less oxygen is available to the body. At an altitude of 1,700 meters, oxygen availability is reduced by around 15% compared to sea level.
The organism responds to this with several adaptations:
These effects develop gradually over several days and weeks and can continue to enhance performance even after returning to lower altitudes.
The region around the Dachstein offers a rare constellation of clearly defined altitudes:
This results in altitude gains of 2,000 meters, which can be utilized specifically during training.
A stay at this altitude brings measurable advantages:
Due to the tranquil location of the Berggasthof Hunerkogel, you can take advantage of these benefits without distraction and with a clear daily structure.
Altitude training is not only suitable for specific disciplines, but also proves beneficial across a wide range of sports. Wherever endurance, efficient oxygen utilisation and resilience are required, altitude training offers measurable benefits.
For ski and snowboard athletes, high-altitude training is an essential component of preparing for the winter season. Long before the actual ski season begins, endurance, strength, and stability are developed to specifically prepare the body for prolonged exertion. Running sessions, hikes, and workouts in the fitness room form the foundation for this.
As soon as snow conditions allow, training can be shifted to the slopes. One example is the "4-Mountain Ski Area" (4-Berge-Skischaukel) in Schladming. The resort connects Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen, and Reiteralm, offering a wide variety of runs up to an altitude of around 2,015 meters. Different slope gradients enable both technically clean skiing on leisure runs and intensive exertion on challenging descents. The valley stations are reachable from Berggasthof Hunerkogel in approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car or ski bus.
Cycling is particularly well-suited for structured high-altitude training, as exertion and intensity can be controlled very precisely. Around the Dachstein, diverse routes with crisp climbs, long mountain roads, and winding descents await you. Road cyclists can start directly from Gasthof Hunerkogel into the alpine landscape. Training at altitude intensifies the endurance stimulus even at a moderate pace. This allows even longer training days to be designed efficiently without the need to maintain constantly high speeds.
Running at altitude challenges the respiratory, cardiovascular, and circulatory systems significantly more than comparable sessions in the valley. Around the Berggasthof Hunerkogel, running routes of very different characters are available—from flatter panoramic routes to mountainous sections with a noticeable elevation profile. For trail runners, the region offers ideal conditions to train technique, sure-footedness, and endurance simultaneously.
Extended hikes are suitable as supplementary endurance exercise or active regeneration within the framework of a training camp. Depending on the season, various tours in the Ramsau region offer a sensible combination of training stimulus and nature experience.
Swimming complements high-altitude training ideally, as it relieves joints and promotes recovery. The Dachstein Bad in Ramsau, with its 25-meter sports pool, offers the best conditions for endurance and technique. After training, the sauna area with a Finnish sauna and steam cave provides relaxation. A three-hour stay is included in the Dachstein Sommercard. This makes it easy to integrate swimming as active recovery into your daily athletic routine.
In the in-house fitness room at 1,700 meters above sea level, athletes specifically train their strength and endurance. The facilities are complemented by running and mountain routes right outside the door, as well as areas for balance and coordination exercises. This allows ski and snowboard athletes to prepare perfectly for the winter season as early as autumn.
A special advantage for athletes is the Ramsau High-Performance Center, which offers extensive testing possibilities and performance diagnostics. Combine your stay with a test appointment at the Ramsau High-Performance Center and benefit from the expertise of the team led by Moran Vermeulen. The centerpiece of the dryland training is the large treadmill suitable for roller skis: on the 4.5 x 3-meter running surface, individual route profiles can be precisely simulated through variably adjustable speed and incline. This allows performance diagnostics and daily training to be perfectly combined.
The annual Torlauf in Ramsau am Dachstein offers athletes an impressive backdrop along the striking south walls. From casual fun runs to demanding marathons, all performance levels will find the right distance. For training groups at the Hunerkogel, the event is the ideal opportunity to test their form in competition. The combination of nature experience and a motivating atmosphere makes the race a sporting highlight in the region.
Training camp in Ramsau for motivated athletes & small groups
Gasthof Hunerkogel is not a traditional organizer of training camps, but rather a training base for athletes who want to design their own program. The house offers optimal framework conditions: it is located at 1,700 meters altitude, has a fitness room, a sauna, an infrared cabin, and offers direct access to running and cycling routes. Here, whether as a small team, a club, or an ambitious amateur athlete, you will find the necessary peace, concentration, and personal care to prepare optimally. Thus, your stay is not a standardized camp, but a tailor-made training stay where you can set your own priorities and exploit the full potential of the region.
At Berggasthof Hunerkogel, you will receive half-board catering clearly tailored to athletes during training camp periods. The day begins with a fortifying breakfast, and in the evening, a specially selected menu ensures optimal recovery after intensive exertion. Various dietary needs are taken into account, such as vegetarian options or easily digestible dishes during the competition phase. Regionality, a balanced distribution of nutrients, and energy-rich components are the central focus. This creates catering that supports performance and provides a nutritionally sound accompaniment to training stays.
The autumn months on the Dachstein offer ideal conditions for the crucial build-up phase before winter. Targeted endurance runs, roller skiing sessions, and strength training in the fitness room promote conditioning and technique. The combination of high-altitude training at 1,700 meters and flexible altitude gains creates a versatile environment. In this way, the time between seasons is used productively to lay the foundation for peak performance in winter. Book your stay at Berggasthof Hunerkogel now or send a non-binding inquiry.
