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Saalbach Ski Resort
Found in the state of Salzburg, the village of Saalbach (officially titled Saalbach-Hinterglemm) is Austria’s second most popular tourist destination for good reason. It’s connected with the adjoining village of Hinterglemm and nearby Leogang to make the expansive ‘Ski Circus’ area, the largest mountain circuit in the country. The resort has a rich history of skiing dating back to as early as 1898, and more recently it played host to the 1991 Alpine Ski World Championships.
Built around a charming onion domed church steeple, the village has been developed with particular consideration so that an authentic Austrian ambience isn’t lost with the addition of super modern facilities. It’s a relatively small yet bustling village with a lively atmosphere and no traffic either. Since it’s fairly compact, everything you want (including the ski lifts) is never more than a short amble away. Accommodation largely consists of chalet style hotels, and there’s a wealth of superb restaurants and bars to choose from. The resort is renowned for its fantastic après ski and the locals are always up for a party.
The resort caters well for those too young to ski with a fully certified kindergarten available to look after children. Those that prefer to steer clear of the slopes can find plenty of outdoor activities to embark upon as well.
A ski pass will gain you to access to 200km and a myriad of routes, which makes every day of skiing Saalbach-Hinterglemm sure to be different. Over £230 million has been invested into the resort in the recent years to provide skiers with more than55 modern ski lifts and cable cars across the valley. This means comfortable rides up the mountains at efficient speeds – and little chance of queuing. A regular ski bus service is included in the pass to get you back to the village from wherever you end up on the slopes.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Salzburg, Austria
Established: 1903
Open: December- April
Downhill: 270km
View our detailed Saalbach snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Saalbach snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Salzburg | 85km, 1 hours 15 mins |
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| Top Altitude: | 2,100m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1003m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1003m |
| Longest run: | 8km |
| Slope Orientation: | N S |
| Vertical Drop: | 1097m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 1097m |
| Night Skiing: | Yes (in Hinterglemm) |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 270km |
| Beginner slopes: | 52% |
| Intermediate: | 41% |
| Advanced slopes: | 7% |
| Lift Pass Price: | 245 € (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Hinterglemm, Zell am See, Kitzbuhel, St Johann | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Saalbach
If it’s your first time, there are two beginner slopes just above the main street and a choice of excellent ski and snowboard schools. If you’re ready to head up the mountain there are novice-friendly blue slopes like the run all the way down from the summit of the Bernkogel.
There’s an array of scenic circuits and long pine-lined runs around the Ski Circus which are excellent for those looking to develop their abilities, making this an absolute dream for intermediates. Steeper blues and challenging red runs across the entire area are perfect for improving your carving skills or simply cruising at your own pace. Take a trip over to Leogang for an excellent range of slopes and long valley runs.
Advanced skiers can take on some steeper black slopes, most notably the 3km long world cup run down from the Zwölferkogel. Ungroomed tracks and bumpy moguls are waiting to test your skills.
Off-piste opportunities are good, particularly for those looking to try for the first time. There are 15km worth of designated ski trails across five routes – invest in a guide to show you some well-kept secrets.
This is a great destination for snowboarders: the slopes are heavily covered by modern chairlifts, so boarders can expect to cover a lot of terrain without encountering flats or dreaded drag lifts. Which means SNO worries!
Those looking to try their freestyling are spoiled for choice by three excellent snowparks. A new park is specifically designed for introducing newcomers to their first jumps, and there’s also a professional boardercross and the Playground run down from the Reichkendlkopf featuring steep turns, little kickers and more. The impressive Nightpark at the bottom of Hinterglemm is made up of easy, medium and pro-lines, loaded with big air kickers and diverse rails that will keep freestylers and their audiences entertained for hours.
Saalbach Apres Ski
To say the après ski here is electric would be an understatement! There’s a brilliant array of bars and clubs providing the resort with its buzzing reputation for incredible après. Finish off your day on the slopes at the bottom of the Bernkogel in Bäckstätt Stall with some glühwein amidst stunning mountain scenery. Be sure to make your way to the legendary Hinterhag Alm for a wild party with live music in this lively rustic venue. Bauer’s Skialm will have you dancing in your ski boots into the early hours. Fancy a quieter drink? Mango’s Cuban bar has a more chilled atmosphere to kicking back and relaxing with a beer. Bobby’s Bar’s another popular joint which also screens the big sports games, so football fans won’t miss out either!
There is a fantastic selection of restaurants to choose from including fine dining and family friendly cuisine, with venues scattered across the mountains too for lunch on the slopes. Be sure to try some delicious Austrian Goulash by the piste in the Panorama-Alm, or other local specialities like tasty Pinzgau spare ribs at The Bäckstätt Stall. Del Rossi offers tasty pizza and other mixed grill options, while the organic vegan restaurant, Vitrine, is sure to introduce you to something new.
For non-skiers there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep you entertained. You can find a local sports centre in Hinterglemm with a tennis hall and open air ice rink, toboggan runs in Saalbach and Hinterglemm or you can try paragliding. For some indoor action, Bobby’s features a bowling alley, pool, table football and an arcade and cultured folk can check out the Local and Ski Museum. Free guided winter walks across cleared paths are available, or get stuck in and go snowshoeing to the end of the valley for some stunning sights.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Saalbach
Best time to visit & ski Saalbach
The best time to ski here is usually earlier in the season when the snow is assisted by lower temperatures. The valley is split between north and south facing slopes. The south facing slopes will be sunnier so you can enjoy great snow conditions early-season without freezing your socks off. Late-season still experiences great powder and the north facing slopes receive more shade for improved conditions in the later season. The mountain terrain helps to provide some natural cover and there are over 470 snow cannons to ensure powder on 90% of the slopes all season long.
Peak Dates
If you arrive for Christmas in Saalbach you can look forward to the magical village festivities and stunning mountain views from powder lined slopes. Restaurants and hotels provide special Christmas meals and there are festive fun activities available. Saalbach Christmas ski holidays ‣
The wild aprés experience of New Years in Saalbach is surely one of the best ways you can celebrate the year gone by. A torch ski run and explosive firework display in the town are highlights between the energetic parties in the highly recommended bars. Saalbach New Year ski holidays ‣
With suitable runs for all abilities available across Austria’s biggest linked ski resort offers a great opportunity to discover the impressive opportunities during February Half Term in Saalbach. Saalbach Half Term ski holidays ‣
The north facing slopes make Easter in Saalbach great – especially in years of good snowfall. Glorious sunny views won’t come at the price of snow conditions either thanks to the extensive snow machine coverage. Saalbach Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Saalbach
Hotels are available less than minute away from the nearest ski school and other activities in the area. The Alpenhotel is a good example situated centrally right next to the ski school slopes and hardly a minute away from the chairlifts for easy access. Hotel Central is an alternative close to the Schattberg gondola and just a few minutes from the ski school. Ask us if you need childcare facilities or equipment like high chairs or cots in your accommodation and we’ll sort things out.
Saalbach promises a great time for families thanks to fantastic facilities for older and younger children. You’ll find a variety of different runs including wide, sunny slopes to enjoy cruising down together. There’s a selection of qualified ski schools which practise on little slopes with magic carpet lifts to help kids learn. Snow Academy uses a fun park with colourful decorations and a mini train encouraging children to have lots of fun learning to ski with English speaking instructors. Family lessons are also available if you want to all learn together. Kids can learn to snowboard too, and the Learn to Ride park is a great chance for older children to try easy lines for freestyle rookies. Towards Leogang you can find two fun wave runs and SkiMovie runs which follow and record you as you fly down the slope.
The resort has a highly commended kindergarten/crèche and are serious about providing a fun environment and taking care of young children aged between 3 months to 3 years old. Make sure you book ahead to have your child taken care of for the day, especially if you’re booking during a holiday period.
At Bobby’s you can find a bowling alley, arcade games, pool and table football. Go ice skating or give curling a go on the special ice rink in Hinterglemm. Other day trip ideas include an Ice-Karting track nearby and you can even see what it’s like to drive a piste basher!
We offer packages which fly from all over the UK at great discounted prices, so you have more cash to spend on the resort. Give us a call and our holiday experts can help you pick the perfect place to stay on your holiday.
GroupsGroup Holidays Saalbach
There are big hotels all over the resort which are ideal for groups – especially if you might expect stragglers wanting to book later. We offer bargain packages in a large choice of luxury hotels which feature their own bars, restaurants and wellness centres to keep everyone happy. Hotel Saalbacher Hof is an amazing choice in the centre for party goers looking to spoil themselves rotten with its own après lounge and Castello nightclub, the largest and first ever nightclub in Saalbach established in 1970! Last minute bookers will want to look for hotels with plenty of rooms for more likely availability, such as the Hotel Panther, just a minute from two of the central lifts for skiing virtually right back to the hotel.
Saalbach is an excellent resort for groups looking for somewhere with a range of runs for different skills and a buzzing atmosphere. The terrain is varied and good for groups of mixed abilities. The après is an absolute highlight here with a great selection of fantastic bars and nightclubs. The Austrian’s know how to party – things get going from 3pm at the foot of the slopes. Get excited for a night of fire shots and dancing on the tables in Underbar. For a quiet drink instead there is the Pianobar in the Alpenhotel for a fireside chat backed by smooth piano music.
Any non-skiers tagging along can find activities including tobogganing and paragliding. Go showshoeing through the valleys or on a unique winter walk across a bridge suspended in the treetops.
Book your holiday with us for the best group discounts on a trip to remember. Keep things simple and call us to find out what group savings our travel experts can offer you.
Which are the best ski holidays in Saalbach?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Sonne | 7 | £ 1489 |
| Hotel Kendler | 7 | £ 1679 |
| Valsaa Alpinresort | 7 | £ 1769 |
| Hotel Panthera | 7 | £ 1179 |
| Hotel Kristiana | 7 | £ 1189 |
| Hotel Bauer | 7 | £ 1361 |
| Hotel Saalbacher Hof | 7 | £ 1469 |
| Pension Riedlsperger | 7 | £ 664 |
| Die Sonne | 7 | £ 1338 |
| Hotel Saalbacher Hof | 7 | £ 1463 |
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