AUSTRIA

SAALBACH                                                                                                   

Saalbach, nestled in Austria’s Glemmtal Valley, is one of Austria’s most popular and lively winter holiday destinations. Centred around an attractive old village and known for its apres-ski, lively nightlife and an extensive ski area. Saalbach linked with the slopes of neighbouring Hinterglemm, Leogang, and Fieberbrunn forms the Skicircus one of the largest ski areas in Austria.

The charming central part of Saalbach is gathered around a pretty village square and a classic style onion-domed church, surrounded by an attractive blend of old and new buildings. Saalbach combines alpine charm with modern convenience, making it a favorite among skiers and snowboarders.

In this guide we cover everything you need to know about Saalbach, from ski area and passes, accommodation, where to eat, apres-ski, and how to get to this lively destination in Austria.

Plan your Ski Adventure

Booking a ski trip involves a range of reliable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. I have listed below our favorite companies we use when we plan our ski holiday.

Ski World– They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US, and Canada for more than 36 years.

Skyscanner– it’s our go to for finding the best flights, we usually start here and usually finish here.

Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews.

Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermat, the Eurostar from London to the French Alps. We find “Omio or Trainline” are the best sites for booking trains in Europe.

Car Hire – we usually hire a car it offers us flexibility and convenience, allowing easy access to most resorts. Companies like “Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com’ provide reliable options with winter equipment.

Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We used “Safety Wing” when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific.

Ski Equipment – Bring your own ski gear, its usually cheaper and much better than renting, it ensures you have a perfect fit. Owning also saves time and money in the long run. Equipment like “Skis’, ‘Pants and Jackets,’ Gloves, ski -helmets and Thermal underwear” can all be bought online. You can purchase everything you will need from Bergs Ski and Snowboard (US) or Snow and Rock (UK)

For specific resort information- we turn to the resort website, which often provides details on lift passes, equipment rentals, ski school bookings. These resources together make planning our ski trips a lot easier.                                                                              

Ski Area and Passes

Saalbach boasts an impressive variety of slopes, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

• Ski Terrain: 270 kilometers of interconnected slopes
• Difficulty Levels:

     * Beginner: 140 kilometers (blue runs)

     * Intermediate: 112 kilometers (red runs)

     * Advanced: 18 kilometers (black runs)

             Lifts: 70 state-of-the-art lifts ensure minimal waiting times.

• Snowparks; Several snowparks, including the Nightpark and Learn-to-ride Park, appeal to freestyle skiers.
• Off-Piste: The Fieberbrunn area offers excellent off-piste opportunities for advanced skiers.

Saalbach is also part of the ALPIN CARD, providing access to three ski regions: the Skicircus, the Schmittenhohe in Zell am See, and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun, for a total of 408 kilometers of skiable terrain.

Wear a SKI HELMET, especially if you’re a beginner or in the snow parks and remember to pack your SKI GOGGLES for Saalbach.

Ski Passes

1. Day Pass: Ideal for short visits or beginners.
2. Multi-Day Pass: Discounts for multiple consecutive days.
3. Season Pass: Unlimited skiing throughout the season.
4. ALPINE CARD: Combines access to the Ski circus, Zell am See, and Kaprun areas.

Passes are available online, via ticket offices, or through many hotels. Special rates are available for families, seniors, and children.

*Handy Tip*

Don’t forget your GOPRO or your INSTA360 for all those action shots of family and friends.

Where to stay in Saalbach.

Saalbach offers a wide range of accommodations, from Luxury Chalets to budget-friendly pensions. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of Saalbach or the quieter charm of Hinterglemm there is something to suit everybody.

Luxury

1. Hotel Alpine Palace (Hinterglemm): A five- star hotel with a world-class spa and gourmet dining.
2. Art & ski-In Hotel Hinterhag (Saalbach): Combines artistic flair with ski-in/ski-out convenience.
3. Ader Resort (Hinterglemm): Known for its modern apartments andv wellness facilities.

Mid-Range

1.  Hotel Kendler (saalbach): A family-run hotel offering excellent value and a central location.
2. Eva Village (Saalbach): Stylish alpine décor with great facilities for families and couples.
3. Alpen Karawanserai (Hinterglemm): A unique hotel with a focus on relaxation and wellness.

Budget-Friendly

1. Pension Gabi (Saalbach: A welcoming guesthouse with affordable rates.
2. Landhaus Hubertus (Hinterglemm): Cozy rooms and friendly service at a great price.
3. Hostels and apartments: Saalbach has several self-catering options for budget-conscious travellers.

I always carry a DAY BACKPACK when skiing, as well as a WATER BOTTLE. It keeps me hydrated all day on the slopes.

Where to Eat                                                                                 

Mountain Restaurants

1. Wieseralm (Hinterglemm) Known for hearty dishes and spectacular views
2. Panorama Alm (Saalbach): Offers Traditional Austrian dishes like schnitzel and goulash in a cozy setting.
3. Hendl Fischerei  (leogang): A stylish slope-side restaurant with a modern twist on classic dishes.

Village Restaurants

1. Schattberg Stube (Saalbach) Famous for its local specialities and welcoming atmosphere.
2. Goassstall ( Hinterglyemm): A mix of restaurant and apres-ski bar, serving delicious regional food.
3. Heurigenstub’n (saalbach) Offers a menu of Austrian classics with excellent wine.

  Apres-ski Bars                                                                          

  Saalbach’s apres-ski scene is one of the liveliest in Austria.

1. Bauer’s Schi-Alm (Saalbach): Iconic for its lively atmosphere and great music.
2. Goassstall (Hinterglemm): Known for its wild apres-ski parties and quirky décor.
3. Hexenhausl (Saalbach): A great spot for drinks with a more laid-back vibe.

How to get to Saalbach

By Plane

The nearest airports are:

1. Salzburg Airport: Approx. 90 kilometers (1.5 hous)
2. Munich Airport: Approx. 200 Kilometers (2.5 hours)
3. Innsbruck Airport: Approx. 140 kilometers (2 hours)

SHUTTLE services, PRIVATE transfers, and CAR RENTAL, from these airports provide connections to Saalbach.        Compare and book your FLIGHTS HERE

BY Train

The nearest major train station is in Zell am See, around 20 kilometers from Saalbach.

• Buses or taxis provide connections to Saalbach
• Regional train services connect Zell am See to major Austrian cities.

You can BOOK YOUR TRAIN HERE.

By Car

Driving to Saalbach is easy and convenient.

• From Salzburg, take the A10 motorway, then follow the B311 and B165 to Saalbach.
• Parking is available in and around the resort, with many hotels offering private parking facilities.

 Compare these car rentals DISCOVER CARS or RENTALCARS.COM

Transfer with Ski Lifts

Getting to Austria’s best ski resorts couldn’t be easier than with Ski-lifts, offering both airport and train station transfers. Private transfers are a popular choice, as you will not be sharing with others or waiting at the airport, as your driver will be waiting for you.

BY Bus

Regular buses run from Zell am See to Saalbach, with connections to nearby villages.

Activities Beyond Skiing                                              

For those seeking a break from skiing, Saalbach offers plenty of other activities:

1. Snowshoeing: Discover the beauty of the Glemmtal Valley on marked trails.
2. Tobogganing: Try the exciting toboggan runs at Reiterkogel and Spielberghaus.
3. Ice Climbing: Guided excursions for adventurous visitors.
4. Relaxation: Many hotels feature luxurious wellness and spa facilities.
5. Winter Hiking: Explore the serene beauty of the region’s snow-covered landscapes.

*Handy Tip*

Make sure you have TRAVEL INSURANCE before hitting the slopes.

Saalbach is one of our favorite ski resorts in Austria, a winter paradise for skiers, snowboarders, and non-skiers. Its extensive ski area, Vibrant apres-ski scene, and excellent dining options makes it a standout destination in the Alps. Whether you’re a family, a group of friends, or a solo traveler, Saalbach promises an unforgettable alpine experience.

Other Favourites in Austria

                                         ZELL am SEE                                        KITZBUHEL