Saalbach-Hinterglemm are two picturesque villages located in the heart of the Glemm Valley (Glemmtal) in the wonderful state of Salzburg. The valley is situated in the northern part of Austria, not far from the German border.
This area is a massive ski resort known as the “Ski Circus,” and for good reason. It offers a vast array of skiing options with about 270 kilometers of slopes suitable for all levels. It’s an extremely popular resort among Austrians due to the high-quality snow throughout the winter months and the fantastic après-ski options after a fun day of skiing. Furthermore, the ideal location of the accommodations, right next to the cable cars leading to the snowy mountain peaks, ensures you won’t waste precious time commuting to the slopes.
For ski or snowboard enthusiasts, there’s no doubt that Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of the best destinations for a successful ski vacation. Here’s a glimpse into the world of Saalbach-Hinterglemm skiing:
The Ski and Snowboard Resort
Until 2016, the ski resort in Saalbach-Hinterglemm was the largest in Austria, but today it is “only” the second largest in the entire country with 270 kilometers of marked ski slopes. One of the biggest advantages of this resort is its modern and well-maintained cable car system (about 70 lifts of various types). In almost every corner of the valley, you can find modern, high-speed cable cars that easily transport skiers to the mountain peaks. Additionally, the well-planned distribution of the lifts, which depart directly from the heart of the villages in the valley, helps to manage crowds and ensures minimal time is spent waiting to ascend the mountains.
Snow Quality
Another significant advantage of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski resort is the 100% snow guarantee throughout the season. Whether you arrive during Christmas (December) when the ski season opens, or towards Passover (March-April), you will always find high-quality snow in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Advanced snow-making machines are installed across almost the entire resort, helping to maintain slopes covered in soft, pleasant snow for skiing. So, even on sunny days, the slopes will be ready and waiting for the many skiers.
The numerous slopes provide an enjoyable skiing experience for all levels, and families with young children will find this resort particularly worthwhile.
Slopes by Difficulty Level:
- Beginner: 140 kilometers of blue-marked trails
- Intermediate: 110 kilometers of red-marked trails
- Expert: 20 kilometers of black-marked trails
As you can see, the majority of the slopes are suitable for beginner or intermediate levels, so even if you are just taking your first steps in the world of skiing, you can enjoy a wide variety of options. You can check out the interactive map of the ski slopes here.
Of course, even if you don’t have your own ski equipment, there are many shops throughout the valley where you can rent everything you need. As is typical in Austria, you can be sure that the rental equipment is of the highest quality and meets the strictest safety standards. For example, the price for skis is around €120 for 6 days. Naturally, if you need additional clothing and accessories, you should budget at least another €50-80. A ski pass costs around €60 for a full day.
The Austrian “Après-Ski” Experience
If you’ve skied in Europe before, you probably know that the real celebration begins as the sun starts to set after a challenging day on the slopes. In the late afternoon, skiers begin to flock to the bars and pubs scattered throughout the ski resort for the event known as “après-ski,” which is essentially the after-party for skiers.
Some say that the après-ski in Austria is among the best in all of Europe, and in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, you can be sure the party is especially grand. This is an experience not to be missed! Join the many Austrians for a particularly local and authentic celebration with warm alcoholic drinks, local music, and dancing until the early morning. Here you can find a list of recommended places for a post-ski outing.
Other Activities in the Saalbach-Hinterglemm Area
Although the main activity in Saalbach-Hinterglemm revolves around skiing and snowboarding, that’s certainly not all this wonderful region has to offer. Besides skiing, there is a variety of other enjoyable activities. Among the recommended activities, you can try sledding or the mountain coaster, go on snowshoeing tours, try snow tubing, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or go ice skating.
If you’ve had enough of the snow, you can travel to nearby towns for other attractions in heated, indoor venues. One place that isn’t far at all is the Tauern Spa in Kaprun, which offers a variety of heated pools, saunas, and relaxation areas.
How to Easily Get to the Saalbach-Hinterglemm Ski Resort
Driving in winter on snowy mountains can be challenging for those not used to it. To make it easier for visitors to reach the ski resort, there is a frequent shuttle service throughout the ski season that runs from Salzburg Airport or Munich Airport directly to your hotel at the resort. Within the resort itself, a car isn’t really necessary since the cable cars are located right next to the village centers. All you need to do is book a centrally located hotel close to the slopes. This way, you can save on the cost of a rental car and avoid driving in the snowy mountain region. Read more about the shuttle service.
Additional Essential Information:
Nearby Airports:
- Salzburg Airport (SZG): about a 1.5-hour drive
- Munich Airport (MUC): about a 3-hour drive
Map:
There is no doubt that Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a top-tier destination and one of the most recommended options for an enjoyable ski holiday in Austria, filled with an authentic, joyful atmosphere and lots and lots of high-quality snow!
