Pretty Werfenweng can be found in a tributary valley of the Salzach, home to a population of 900. The Tennen, High King and Hagen mountains, Salzach river and alpine lakes form the natural surroundings – a real feast for the eyes.
One of the Alpine Pearls group, the resort is geared towards making getting around easy and eco-friendly. Samo cardholders (they cost around €10) can swap their cars for electric vehicles for the week, and horse drawn carriages make a popular mode of transport. With the traditional nature of the buildings sprinkled over the valley, the whole place has a wonderfully characterful feel. Hotels and holiday homes make up most of the accommodation here and you’ll find the likes of the Nah & Frisch supermarket, farmers shop and a handful of spots shops to cater for all shopping requirements. Most of what you need is within easy walking distance of the base station.
When it comes to getting here, Salzburg city and airport are only 45km away. If a transfer isn’t included in your package, a resort-run shuttle served the Bischofshofen train station last time we checked. The village is just off the A10 motorway for easy access by car, but you wouldn’t think it when there are snowy peaks as far as the eye can see.
Location: Austrian Alps
Established: 1996
Open: December –April
Downhill: 25km
View our detailed Werfenweng 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 Werfenweng snow history.
Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
Salzburg Airport (SZG) | 45km, 40 mins |
|
|
Top Altitude: | 1834m |
Bottom Altitude: | 902m |
Resort Altitude: | 902m |
Longest run: | 6km |
Slope Orientation: | S W |
Vertical Drop: | 836m |
Skiable Vertical: | |
Night Skiing: | No |
Glacier: | No |
Downhill Runs: | 25km |
Beginner slopes: | 20% |
Intermediate: | 68% |
Advanced slopes: | 12% |
Lift Pass Price: | €213 (adult 6 day) |
Nearby resorts: Filzmoos |
The Ikarus Cable Car whisks you up to the top of the Bischlang Mountain in 6 minutes, where lovely long reds suit intermediate skiers down to a tee. A little lower down, the Zaglau drag serves the fun park and a wide, easy blue piste, with the rest of the gentler terrain accessed from the Weissacherwiese nearer the village base. The Schontal lift is used by the ski school.
The Ladernberg area serves mostly red runs, with a couple of easier blue descents to give legs a rest now and again.
Your only black graded piste is a short diversion from red #1, shown on the piste map as #1A – named the Panorama Run, this red is one of the longest runs in the area, taking a full valley descent from the top of Bischlinghohe back to the Ikarus base station.
The Jam Park has a 9m straightbox and 15m kicker among other features.
Cross-country skiing is popular with 40km of easy and more challenging trails through beautiful scenery. With an absence of moguls runs or seriously steep runs, the local area is better suited to those who like easy-going cruising rather than adrenaline junkies. Opportunities for off-piste skiing are also limited and so advanced skiers and snowboarders might want to invest in a Salzburger Super Ski Card, which gives you access to all 22 of the Salzburg ski areas including some incredible expert terrain.
The après here is mostly geares towards families, with more by way of outdoor activities than nightlife. The hotel bars tend to provide the most exciting late night entertainment which is perfect for groups who like a quiet tipple or parents who want some adult time without having to abandon the littluns.
There are a number of eating and drinking stops near the base station, Barbarahof is run by the Rettenbacher family who serve up delicious local dishes and Liftstüberl by the base station does regional favourites too. The Tennenblick is terrific for family meals with the bonus its own toboggan run.
When they’ve got a taste for tobogganing at the Tennenblick, kids will love the 6km run on the Strussingalm that handily leads back to the base station. It’s possible to sled on the Strussingalm and the children’s sledding hill on the Wengerau winter walking trail next to the Leitingerhof. Another trail begins at Gut Vorderschwaig and can be accessed via the Eulersberg winter hiking path (it takes about 45 minutes).
Often the area’s activities are free for those who hold a Samo-card to encourage visitors to enjoy the area in a different way. The Wengesee lake is iced over in the winter to create a natural ice rink and horse drawn sleigh rides from the village square. We love the llama trekking by candlelight too.
The local slopes aren’t naturally snow sure but investment has helped give it the best chances possible with snow cannons covering every slope in the ski area. Try the runs accessed by the Ladenberg lift for the best snow cover. Thanks to its sheltered position and thermal currents, Werfenweng’s a sunnier and milder skiing and snowboarding destination than most. The modern lift system means that passengers are quickly transported up the mountains and queuing times are usually short.
Christmas at Werfenweng is a time where locals and tourists come together, often in the village square for the Christmas market, carol singing and nativity scenes.
Look out for the traditional celebrations in the village square over New Year at Werfenweng.
Ski and toboggan your socks off during February Half Term in Werfenweng, which is perfect for families who can enjoy good snow and numerous outdoor activities.
You won't find the most snow sure conditions over Easter in Werfenweng - but you will find a welcoming village with things like paragliding and hang gliding to keep you occupied.
This place prides itself in being a family ski resort. If they’re still offering the Samo card, make the most of it and fill your week with exciting activities like ice skating, sledding, llama treks and horse-drawn sleigh rides – a true winter wonderland experience. The short transfer from Salzburg makes life a lot easier when you’ve tots in tow, and eyes will light up when they see the fairy tale Austrian village, all covered in snow.
Whether you're a group of seasoned skiers and snowboarders, cross country enthusiasts or a mix of skiers and non-skiers - Werfenweng makes a cosy base to enjoy good food and wine together at the end of the day.
Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
---|