Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria

How to reach the resort

Saalbach Hinterglemm is one of the largest lift-linked resorts in Austria, and also one of the most beautiful. It is located to the south-west of Salzburg and is easily accessible by a combination of air travel and public transport.

The nearest international airport to Saalbach Hinterglemm is Salzburg, which is well-served by direct flights departing from airports across the UK. Alternatively, you could fly to Munich. British airlines tend to have better offers available for flights to Munich. From either airport, take the direct train to Zell am See and then catch a bus to take you the rest of the way to the ski resort. These buses run regularly and are good value. If you would prefer not to travel by bus, you could take a taxi or drive all the way from the airport in a hire car.

If you would like to travel by train from the UK to Saalbach Hinterglemm, take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then take the overnight train to Munich. A Eurocity train will take you from Munich to Salzburg, where you can catch a bus to the ski resort.

Your final option is to drive between the UK and Saalbach Hinterglemm. The ski resort is located approximately 1150 kilometres away from Calais and the route will take you through Reims, Metz, Strasbourg, and Munich. From Munich, you will travel along the A9, the A99, the A8, and the A93. Then, take the B172 (east) and follow the directions for Saalbach Hinterglemm. Take the Siegsdorf exit off the Salzburg autobahn, following the signs for Lofer-Maishofen, and then the signs for Saalbach Hinterglemm.

Who does the resort cater for?

Whilst skiers of all abilities will love the skiing on offer at the resort, intermediate skiers will be the happiest. A large percentage of the runs are suited to their needs and drastic improvements will probably be seen over the course of just one or two weeks in the resort. Beginners can take advantage of the great ski school and experts will be pleased with the off-piste options. There are beautiful trails for cross-country skiing and snowboarders will be happy with the wide slopes that are ideal for making long, smooth turns on a board. There are also two half-pipes ideal for snowboarders to practise their tricks.

If you crave a change from skiing during your stay at Saalbach Hinterglemm, there is plenty on offer to provide entertainment. Activities include curling, tobogganing, sleigh riding, ice-skating, playing squash, swimming in an indoor pool, and visiting the sauna. For evening entertainment, try one of the many bars, restaurants, or nightclubs. The resort can become slightly rowdy in the evenings so it is perhaps more suitable for younger groups rather than families with young children.

What accommodation does the resort offer?

There are several great hotels and private chalets on offer in the resort. Alpine Palace Hotel is a popular and luxurious choice. It is ideally situated next to the slopes and lifts and offers a choice of suites or rooms. Suites have a separate living space, double sinks, a steambath, two flat-screen televisions, a radio, and a bidet. Rooms are furnished to an exceptionally high standard, with living corners, double sinks, movable room separators, and balconies. There is a whirlpool outdoors and a magnificent sauna, which is a great place to unwind after a long day on the slopes. The hotel also features an indoor pool, massage rooms, a solarium, and facilities for physiotherapy. The restaurant serves good-quality cuisine in the evenings. A cheaper option is the Pension Böhmerwald, located two kilometres away from the resort centre in a quiet setting. The rooms are nicely furnished to a comfortable standard and there is a sauna and solarium. There is an extensive breakfast buffet to provide you with energy for the day ahead and the pension offers free parking. If you would like to stay in a private apartment or a chalet, you will be spoilt for choice and good deals can be found if you search hard enough.

Slope information

There are 5 black runs (suitable for expert skiers), 25 red runs (suitable for intermediate skiers), and 29 blue runs (suitable for beginners). The slopes are served by modern lifts and they take nearly 85,000 skiers per hour up the mountains. The resort has 40 snow cannons which generate artificial snow to supplement the natural snow.

Resort Vitals

• Downhill Pistes: 200 km
• Cross Country Trails: 11 km
• Number of Ski Lifts: 52
• Maximum Vertical: 1100 m
• Highest Lift: 2100 m
• Altitude of Resort: 1000 m
• Lowest Piste: 1030 m