Find out a little more information at the Saalbach tourist office. www.saalbach.com
T: 0043 6541 680 068
Good For...
Great for intermediates and mixed ability groups Lift system is good and close by to village Sunny slopes Atmospheric mountain restaurants
Not So Good For...
Snow suffers due to low and sunny slopes Spread across the valley so some accommodation is not central Can be noisy and rowdy after 4.00pm when the apres ski begins Lodgings can be too far away from the centre
Getting There
Travel Saalbach
By Air
Saltzburg 90 km with a 1.5 hour transfer time Innsbruck 173km with a 2 hour transfer time Munich 190km with a 2.5 hour transfer time
By Train
By Car To get driving directions to the resort go to either the AA Website or the Michelin Route Planner website www.viamichelin.com or www.theaa.com
About The Resort..
Saalbach
A charming village with many Austrian Alpine traditions, Saalbach is widely recognised as being one of the best ski resorts close by to Innsbruck. It has a wide range of appeal, attracting those looking for a romantic getaway, and families who want a resort with great skiing and other activities for the children. There are many challenging obstacles on this route making Saalbach a popular resort with keen intermediates. It has good snow making capacities, however we would advise booking this at short notice so you can be sure that the weather conditions are good.
Saalbach ski resort is joined with Hinterglemm. Being two separate villages, they have expanded along the base of the valley. It is a modern town with many traditional style buildings with a modern twist and has. Prices aren't cheap but it has a justified reputation as a party town; you may find people are more than happy to spend more on alcohol than their accommodation in the ski resort of Saalbach.
Resort Restaurants
Saalbach Restaurants
Saalbach has a wide range of great restaurants within the hotels; many of the hotels here are half board yet, there are very few restaurants other than the choice available in the hotels.
If it's steak that you're after then look no further than the Kohlmis Stub'n; with friendly service and a great atmosphere and ambience you are in for a good night!
Rib lovers should try the Heurigenstube (Tel: 06541 6345) in Hinterglemm. Good piza can be found at Wallner Pizzeria (Tel: 06541 6234) which offers great value in the middle of town. Peters Restaurant (Tel: 06651 6232) offers a fine selection of meats cooked over hot stones. Our last choice is the Herzl Stube (Tel: 06541 6225) which we at Snowbrainer rated for its fine cuisine & rustic atmosphere!
Nightlife..
Nightlife and Apres Ski in Saalbach
Saalbach Bars
Some people especially those from Munich pop up to Saalbach purely for the apres ski scene which starts to get busy around 4pm. Start your evening in the lively Hinterhaugalm with dancing on the tables and live music. It closes around 6.00 pm so the next stop is usually Bauer's Schi-Alm. Try and get into the already busy part - The Cow Shed - this is one of the most liveliest bars in town and has a renowned atmosphere as being one of the best places to sample the apres ski delights! Castello's has its fans whilst the older crowd should head for the Neuhaus Tavern.
Other Activities
Alternative winter activities in Saalbach
There is plenty to do besides skiing and snowboarding in Saalbach including ice skating, curling, floodlit tobogganing, bowling, sleigh rides, tubing, paragliding and swimming. Predominantly people come to Saalbach for the great social atmosphere, skiing, snowboarding and great fun times.
Thrill seekers should look for the largest high ropes course in Austria that can be found in Saalbach.
Accommodation
Saalbach Accommodation
Saalbach Hotels
Saalbach accomodation is mainly available in the town, however, if you are not a big fan of the apres ski and the noise that comes with it then we would advise you to request for a room not overlooking the main drag... If it's a quiet break you are after then it is possible to stay up in the mountain where there are a number of hotels.
TheAlpen hotel
This hotel is a popular choice. It is luxurious, and has its own nightclub as well as a wellness centre which includes a small pool, sauna and exercise room. T: 0043 6541 6666
The Kendler Known for its brilliant location next to the Bernkogel chair, The Kendler is great for those on a budget as it has self catering accommodation. T: 0043 6541 62250
Hotel Panther Saalbach Clean and comfortable accommodation with an on site bar. Tel. + 43 6541 6227 www.hotel-panther.at Bauer Saalbach The Bauer four star hotel offers high relaxation with a new 350 m² bathing area to add to its other great facilities. Tel. +43 6541 62130 www.saalbach-hotel-bauer.at
Kristiana Another four star hotel that is near enough to the lifts but far enough away from night music whilst also offering excellent food. T: 0043 6541 6253
Wanting to party? The Juliane is conveniently situated across from the best known bar Bauer's Schi Alm. It may lack the wellness centers of other hotels, but only being 100m from the slopes is very handy and means less aches and pains anyway.
If you prefer the self catering option then we recommend renting a private apartment in the resort
Chalet Iglsberg sleeps 6 and we like the location, 5 minutes walk to the ski lifts and a bus stop right outside if you are feeling exceptionally lazy. They also have free Wifi ! You can contact the owner through Chalets Rental Direct
About The Mountain
Saalbach Ski
Around 200km of well-groomed pistes - Saalbach is great for all levels of skiers, especially intermediates. The south facing slopes are great for the sun-tan but not always for the piste conditions, although snow making has improved recently. Queues are only really a problem in high season when the lifts get a little overcrowded. There are also two floodlit slopes, which makes night skiing possible.
Snowboarders There are 2 parks - one at the Hinterglemm and the other in Leogang. The one at the Hinterglemm is floodlit and more suited to beginners whereas the Nitro Park at Leogang is a bit trickier. It is 300m long with 3 rails, a box, 2 big arcs and a couple of small jumps. Advanced
There are a few challenging runs with the Nordabfaht being a genuine black. The Word Cup downhill course from Zwolferkogel is an exhilarating run for the brave.
Intermediates Piste-bashers and high-mileage candidates most welcome. This is very much a mixed ability kind of resort, but watch yourselves on the way home.
Beginners Saalbach has two nursery slopes are right next to the village centre, both of which can get a little overcrowded. The lower slope is rather small but does the advantage of having a free lift.
Cross Country As part of the extensive Ski Circus, Saalbach has over 100km of deep-snow runs and 80km of ungroomed touring hills to offer.
Ski Lift Passes in Saalbach
You can buy your ski passes from Sport Hagleitner - it's the same shop we use for ski rental, so very convenient!
Saalbach is making one of the biggest ever investments (over 7m Euros) in a new chairlift for this winter. It will upgrade the Hasenauerköpfl from a quad chair to a state of the art chairlift with heated seats for eight.
Mountain Restuarants
Saalbach Mountain Restaurants
Around 40 restaurants to choose from should give you enough choice.
The Pfefferalm (www.pfefferal.at) is a rustic as they come. Light is by candles and fire and they serve great food to match.
The Westernstadl Altaoch is a recent edition and has a Western theme.
The Wildenkar Hutte has a large terrace with resident DJ.
The Hinterhagalm is a lovely place to dine serving traditional Austrian dishes. Your Mum will recognise it because it was the backdrop to The Sound of Music.
Nearby resorts Kaprun, Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, Grossarl and Zell am Zee
Shopping
Shopping in Saalbach
Saalbach has a wide range of the obligatory ski and snowboard clothing shops, however much better value and more appealing prices can be found in the stores of the nearby town of Hinterglemm. Hinterglemm will provide you with a wide range of local delights; including fine chocolates, knitwear and wood carvings. Saalbach is not renowned for its shopping and we would advise you to travel to the nearby village.
Top 5 Family Activities
Saalbach For The Family
There are many family activities for you to do in Saalbach including ice skating, curling, floodlit tobogganing, sleigh rides, tubing, paraglyding, swimming, bowling as well as many Alpine walks that you can venture out on. A nearby leisure facility has a swimming pool and sauna which is perfect for a relaxing session at the end of a long day up on the mountains.
Top 5 Runs
Top Ski and Snowboard Runs Saalbach
Saalbach is a great ski resort for intermediates; as well as being great for snowboarders. The slopes are extensive and offer plenty of pistes for beginners, intermediates and the more experienced snow boarders. For both skiers and snowboarders, there is plenty of off piste terrain for you to go off and explore between the lifts. For beginners Saalbach offers two nursery slopes right by the village centre; whilst close by in nearby Hinterglemm there is a spacious nursery area which is separate from the main slopes and this is a popular choice. Facing north, it seems to lack a little sun in the mid winter however, it can provide plenty of snow later on in the season.
Leogang is a north facing run - being north facing often means that there is plenty of snow on these runs. The Zwolferkogel region is a great area for groups of mixed ability; with blue, red, and lack runs all beginning around this point everyone will be happy!
Sport Hagleitner I and Sport Hagleitner II shops both situated in Saalbach
The Hagleitner family runs both shops in Saalbach. One is located in the centre of the town 30 metres from the Schattberg gondola next to Volksbank. The other is 400 metres along the main road to Hinterglemm on the right hand side and has its own car park. Staff in the shops speak German, English, Dutch, Danish and Swedish.
Winter hours, Monday - Sunday 08:00 - 18:00
If you book online here at snowbrainer.com you'll make big savings on the resort RRP. It's so easy and convenient, you book online then collect your ski hire in resort and it saves you time and money.
.Easy to use Piste Maps & Ski Trails Looking for high detailed piste maps for your GPS? Snowranger sells affordable quality digital maps that are great for any ski or snowboard trip. For those of you who’ve ever wondered which run gets you back to France from the Swiss side of Portes du Soleil or you’re racing the clock to get back from a Courchevel lunch to Val Thorens before the lifts shut this is invaluable kit. No more wrestling wet paper maps with frozen fingers! There are over 500 ski resorts piste maps in Europe and North America available. Go to Snow-Forecast Snowranger Film your Mates Jumps, Tricks & Shameful Ski / Snowboard Moments. We love the JAMCAM – it’s a head camera that allows you to capture your days skiing or snowboarding on the mountain. You can rent or buy the kit so for more details head to www.jam-cam.tv If you take the JAMCAM rental service in resort they include a host to record your day. The alternative is to rent before you leave, taking the equipment to the ski resort of your choice and posting back on your return. Gift vouchers are available via the website offering an unusual Christmas or Birthday present for your ski & snowboard mad friends.
What's an easy way to carry skis? Well we found the ‘THE HANDLE’ . This nifty little device allows you to carry your skis around without causing major injury to yourself and other members of the public. It’s incredibly easy to use – no Velcro just a click buckle. It’s also light and small enough to put in your pocket. www.ski-walker.com
Reviews
We would definitely recommend Saalbach with good skiing, good value mountain restaurants and excellent après ski. We stayed at the Hotel Panther which is in the middle of the action with a ski in/out location. Thank you for changing our booking at no cost. Very good service, much appreciated.
By Andrea Wilkins on 28/12/2009 09:14:37
Following your recommendation we booked lessons with the Furstauer ski school and I am just writing to say every think went well and the boys skiing came on really well, whilst there mother enjoyed looking at the ski instructors! Thank you for the 26% off ski hire, any savings come in handy at this time of year!
By Ray S on 04/01/2010 09:26:39
I just wanted to say thank you for all your help with regards to our booking. We have now returned from our holiday, had a great time, and I wanted to let you know that the shop was nice and easy to find re your maps, the staff were very helpful and the equipment was of good quality.
I would certainly recommend the service to family and friends and would not hesitate myself to use you again in the future
By CM on 10/02/2010 09:11:12
Saalbach was our last ski holiday as a family (2adults and 2 teenagers) and we stayed at the Central Hotel. Saalbach is a typical Austrian ski resort and is great for all levels and especially intermediates who like cruising like us. There is a huge variety of ski runs suitable for the whole family and the resort has the added bonus of being fairly quiet (we went in Jan) when we were on holiday.
By Mary Turner on 08/12/2009 15:09:11
Great variety of pistes with a decent lift system, our bunch of nomads returned to ski Saalbach last week after a five year break. We were very pleased to go back, the skiing is endless, the partying in ski boots was as good as we remembered. Big thanks to Alex who sorted our group ski hire, no question was too small for you to answer, I will recommend you to our friends.
Visit over 450 ski resort info pages for travel details, ski accommodation, snow reports, where to eat, drink, play and much more. Choose a country or hit one of the hot links below to take you direct to the resort page ...
A charming village with many Austrian Alpine traditions, Saalbach is widely recognised as being one of the best ski resorts close by to Innsbruck. It has a wide range of appeal, attracting those looking for a romantic getaway, and families who want a resort with great skiing and other activities for the children. There are many challenging obstacles on this route making Saalbach a popular resort with keen intermediates. It has good snow making capacities, however we would advise booking this at short notice so you can be sure that the weather conditions are good. 
Saalbach has a wide range of great restaurants within the hotels; many of the hotels here are half board yet, there are very few restaurants other than the choice available in the hotels. 
Saalbach accomodation is mainly available in the town, however, if you are not a big fan of the apres ski and the noise that comes with it then we would advise you to request for a room not overlooking the main drag... If it's a quiet break you are after then it is possible to stay up in the mountain where there are a number of hotels. 
Around 200km of well-groomed pistes - Saalbach is great for all levels of skiers, especially intermediates. The south facing slopes are great for the sun-tan but not always for the piste conditions, although snow making has improved recently. Queues are only really a problem in high season when the lifts get a little overcrowded. There are also two floodlit slopes, which makes night skiing possible.
Around 40 restaurants to choose from should give you enough choice.
Saalbach has a wide range of the obligatory ski and snowboard clothing shops, however much better value and more appealing prices can be found in the stores of the nearby town of Hinterglemm. Hinterglemm will provide you with a wide range of local delights; including fine chocolates, knitwear and wood carvings. Saalbach is not renowned for its shopping and we would advise you to travel to the nearby village. 
There are many family activities for you to do in Saalbach including ice skating, curling, floodlit tobogganing, sleigh rides, tubing, paraglyding, swimming, bowling as well as many Alpine walks that you can venture out on. A nearby leisure facility has a swimming pool and sauna which is perfect for a relaxing session at the end of a long day up on the mountains. 
