Last December, my family and I went to Zell am See, Austria for a ski trip. After skiing all week at the three nearby resorts, we ultimately fell in love with Saalbach-Hinterglemm. In this Saalbach ski guide, I will give you the important details you need to plan a ski holiday in Saalbach.
I will include a description of Saalbach-Hinterglemm resort with all the logistical details you need including costs, opening hours, ski lessons and where to rent your skis. Additionally, I’ll describe how the resort is laid out and some of our favorite areas, including fun spots for the kids.
But that’s not all, Saalbach is also special for all the other outdoor adventures you can have that aren’t skiing or snowboarding. I’m going to let you in on 5 of the best things to do in Saalbach that aren’t skiing and some special events that will be happening at Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski resort.
Keep reading to find out why Saalbach is one the best Austria ski resorts for families and everything you need to know to plan a fun-filled, winter vacation there.
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Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn Ski Resort
Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. That’s a mouth full, huh? This ski resort is all under one umbrella but spread out into these four different areas.
It is also divided even further into sections by letter. If you see a lift called D1, know that it is in the D section.
For ease, I’m going refer to the whole ski resort as Saalbach. It is the most common name we heard used to refer to it.
My family and I skied and snowboarded at Saalbach in the winter of 2024 over the Christmas holidays, and loved it there. We based ourselves in Zell am See with the hopes of skiing there, Saalbach and Kaprun. Ultimately, we did ski all three resorts and our favorite was Saalbach by a long shot!
If we return to the area for another ski trip, we know that we will base ourselves in Saalbach or Hinterglemm and mostly ski there. The Saalbach ski area is huge, and you can easily spend a week exploring its mountains.
We are going to kick off this Saalbach ski guide with some basic information, so let’s get started!
Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Ski Map
As you can see from this ski map, Saalbach is pretty big. When we were first introduced to the Saalbach ski area, we were told that we could start at the bottom of the valley and ski along one side, switch over and ski the other side back to our car in one day.
Well, we didn’t even get a third of the way! It was much bigger than expected, and we were enjoying some of the areas so much we spent more time on those slopes!
For a more detailed map that tells you what pistes and lifts are open, check out this interactive map of the Saalbach ski resort.
Saalbach Opening Dates And Hours
The Saalbach ski resort opens this year on November 28, 2025 and will be open until April 6, 2026.
Lifts at the base of the mountain open at 8:30am except in zone F in Fieberbrunn when they open at 8:15am. Slopes close at 5pm.
Lift closure times depend on where they are located on the mountain, but are usually between 4pm and 4:30pm. The farther away, zone E, has a few that close even earlier at 3:45pm.
Saalbach also has some night skiing. From the end of December, you can take the A9 lift up until 9:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
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Cost of Skiing Saalbach Ski Resort
The price of skiing at Saalbach only varies between early ski season and peak ski season.
For early season skiing, the price is €71 for adults, €53 for adolescents, €35.50 for children. Young children born in 2020 or after ski for free with an adult.
During peak season, the price goes up a bit. Peak season starts on December 20, 2025 and runs until the end of the season. Adults are €79, adolescents are €59 and children cost €39.50 for a day ticket.
We didn’t know if we going to ski multiple days in a row, so we bought day tickets each day we skied, which worked out great for us. If you know that you are going to ski everyday or at least 5 out of 7 days, there are multi-day tickets. You don’t save a ton, but you could save €49 euros if you bought the six-day pack.
And if you ski on a Saturday with kids, they have a special card for youngsters. With the Junior Xplore card, kids that were born between 2007 and 2019 can ski all day for only €15!
Ski Lessons At Saalbach Ski Resort
Our kids have taken a lot of ski lessons through the years which help so much in how well they ski. For our trip to Austria, we didn’t do ski lessons. They are an option if you are looking to improve your skiing or snowboarding.
There are SO many options for ski school at Saalbach ski resort. Since we personally didn’t take lessons, I can’t speak on how good they are, though.
Here is a resource page that gives you details on ski schools in Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
Saalbach Ski Hire
For ski rentals, there is no shortage of gear shops. Since the Saalbach ski area is such a large zone, I would choose a ski rental shop nearby where you are staying.
If you are staying in Zell am See, I would recommend renting your skis or snowboards from Rent2Ski. This is where we got all of our gear. The skis and snowboards were top quality, and the guys that work there were super helpful and friendly.
If you don’t want to go all the way to Zell am See to rent your skis, check out the map feature at the bottom of this Saalbach ski hire webpage and find a shop near you.
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Saalbach For The Kids
What makes Saalbach ski resort one of the best Austria ski resorts for families are all the fun kids areas, funslopes, and snow trails. You can even make a ski movie!
Ski Movie
You can make a ski movie at a few different locations on the mountain. I didn’t know about this amazing opportunity until we had left, but I think my kids would have loved this. Next time!
The courses can be found at the A9 Unterschwarzach lift, L5 Asizgipfelbahn, L3 Steinberg lift and the L8 Alm lift. All you have to do is scan your ski pass and wait for the countdown. Then go!
You will be filmed skiing down the mountain. Then, you can access your movie online with your ski pass number here: www.skiline.cc/skicircus.
So cool and a fun way to remember your ski trip in Austria.
Funslopes
If you are up for a little adventure, you definitely need to find a funslope.
Funslopes are scattered all over Saalbach ski resort and are an epic way to have some fun on the mountain. You will zoom down the mountain, hit some small jumps, go around steep curves and go through tunnels.
You will even find giant, high-five hands that make fun sounds and speed checks along the way. My kids love fun slopes and could spend hours just going down them.
Snow Trails
You might be wondering what a snow trail is compared to a regular piste? Well snow trails are usually on the side of a regular ski slope and are skinnier. They have fun waves, speed checks, small jumps, and other playful elements.
My kids always loved tree routes when we skied in the States and this is the closet equivalent to a tree route that we have found in Europe.
Kids Areas
You can also find designated kids areas in Saalbach. My kids are too old for these kids areas most of the time as they are usually designed for younger kids.
There are two kinderland areas. One is at the top of the F1 Streuböden I lift in Fieberbrunn, and the other is at the base of the L1 Asitzbahn I lift in Leogang.
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Things To Do In Saalbach Besides Skiing
In this Saalbach resort guide, I wanted to give you more options for things to do than just skiing and snowboarding. If you are anything like us, you want a variety of things to do during your ski holiday in Saalbach.
Check out the top things to do in Saalbach below.
Tobogganing
There are a few places you can go tobogganing in the Saalbach ski area.
Reiterkogel In Hinterglemm
When we were descending at the end of our day skiing, we saw many people grabbing tobaggons near the D1 Reiterkogelbahn lift. After a beer or wine at the Wieseralm or a dessert (we had some incredible desserts there!), they would take off on their sleds.
It was so fun to watch and it would have been even more fun to do. We sadly missed out on this, since we were short on time.
This tobaggan run is 3.2 km long and rentals are €13.50 per day. You can get your sleds at the lift.
Daytime hours are from 8:30am to 4:15pm. There is night sledding on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 4:15pm to 9:30pm.
Spielberghaus In Saalbach
Besides the D1 lift, you can also toboggan from Spielberghaus. This 3-kilometer toboggan run is reachable by snowcat.
Enjoy food and drinks at the restaurant before zipping down the mountain. Snowcat plus toboggan rental is €18.
Asitz In Leogang
Over in Leogang, you can also go tobogganing during the day and in the evening. The route begins at the L1 Asitzbahn gondola mid-station or you can take the L8 Almbahn 4-seater lift.
The day-time run ends at Forstofalm which doesn’t appear to be the base of the mountain, so this seems to me like a good idea to do if you are also skiing in Leogang. We didn’t go to this side of the mountain, so I’m not sure.
The evening route goes further and ends at the base of the mountain. Toboggan rentals are €8 per day with a €10 deposit.
For the evening run, you can use multi-day tickets to access the lifts or you can purchase a single or evening ticket to ride the Asitz gondola.
Single tickets are €30 for adults and €14.50 for children. Evening tickets are €36 for adults and €17 for children.
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Winter Hiking
For some, my husband included, winter hiking doesn’t sound like fun. For me, I love it. I find hiking in the woods to be so peaceful when covered in a blanket of snow. I found some really cool hiking in Saalbach that you should consider during your ski holiday.
Treetop Trail
My top winter hiking choice in Saalbach is the Treetop trail. This amazing 2-kilometer hike is open year round and passes over meadows and through forests.
The highlight of the trail is the Alpine Golden Gate Bridge that passes over the snow through a winter wonderland with stunning panoramic views.
The trail starts at Lindlingalm at the end of the valley. You can either walk to the start of the trail or take a horse-drawn carriage.
It unfortunately costs money to hike this spectacular trail. It is €9 in the winter. Bring cash.
Fairytale Forest
For a fun little hike with kids, check out the Fairytale Forest. It is a 1-kilometer trail that is full of adventure.
Explore the forest area for carvings of fairytale characters and woodland creatures. This trail is accessible at all hours and can even be visited in the evening as it is illuminated.
Start searching for Little Red Riding Hood by accessing the trail in front of the Sports Centre in Hinterglemm.
Alpine Coaster
If you find yourself skiing over in the Fieberbrunn area, be sure to make a stop at the Timok’s Alpine Coaster. This alpine coaster is usually open in the winter, but can close if the conditions are poor.
What makes it awesome is that it is included in your ski ticket, so why not take advantage of this fun way to get down the mountain! You and your kids will love it!
Find the Timok’s Alpine Coaster at the F1 Streuböden mid-station. It is open from 12pm – 3:45pm.
Amazing Restaurants To Check Out
We love to eat out on vacation, and some of the best restaurants we went to on our ski trip to Zell am See were in the Saalbach area.
Mangia!
Our favorite of them all was Mangia! This Napoletana pizzeria is located in Vorderglemm. We all got amazing pizza except Isaac who wanted to try the lasagna. Everything was sooo delicious. I highly recommend getting a reservation during your trip!
Maisalm
Another spot that we loved was Maisalm. This is a great spot for après ski or for lunch, and is located at the H1 Kohlmaisbahn mid-station.
We initially stopped to warm the kids’ fingers and toes, but then stayed for lunch. The pizza and pasta were flavorful, and the view was spectacular.
Wieseralm
At the top of of the D1 Reiterkogelbahn sits the Wieseralm restaurant. We stopped at the end of our day for a sweet treat and refreshments and was it ever worth it. Yum!
The chocolate dessert we had there was out of this world! I can’t speak on any of the other food, but if it is the same quality as the desserts, you are in for a treat.
Ice Skating
You can find an ice skating rink in Hinterglemm at the Sports Centre. Ice skate rentals are available on-site. The rink is open from 10am to 10pm.
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Events In Saalbach
Sometimes a fun event makes a holiday even better. I’m including some fun events for the 2025/2026 ski season in this Saalbach ski guide. Check them out!
Ski Symphony
On Tuesday evenings from December 23rd, 2025 to March 3rd heard over to the Valley Station F1 Streuböden lift in Fieberbrunn. There you will witness a free ski symphony show that begins at 8pm. You will hear amazing music and see an exciting show. Get ready to be dazzled.
New Years Eve Party
If you are in town for New Year’s Eve, head over to the town center in Fieberbrunn. This free New Year’s Eve party starts at 3pm with a kids’ program and music.
You will also indulge in tasty food & hot drinks, warm those fingers by cozy fire bowls and dance the night away to some fun music.
White Pearl Mountain Days
For a fun and lively atmosphere in March, come during the White Pearl Mountain Days. Between the 20th and 29th of March you can combine spring skiing, live music, DJs, and international cuisine all over the mountain.
Check back closer to the date for more information. Reservations are recommended!
Frequently Asked Questions About Saalbach Ski Area
Below you will find questions I’m asked frequently about the Saalbach ski area, that need to be answered in this Saalbach ski guide too.
Is Saalbach Snow Sure?
The Saalbach ski area is considered snow sure because of its high altitude and also due it its ability to create snow. Before our trip to Zell am See we looked at the open ski runs and Saalbach had the most open in the area in December.
As I’m writing this in November, the slopes are covered in snow! They will definitely be ready in the next few days to open for the season!
Is Saalbach Expensive?
In comparison to skiing in the U.S. the price of skiing in Saalbach is cheap. On average a daily lift ticket in the U.S. costs around $180-300 dollars day, whereas you can ski at Saalbach for €79 which is about $91 dollars.
If you compare prices in Europe, skiing at Saalbach is average.
The cost of skiing in Switzerland, for example, can range from 50 CHF (53 Euros) to 100 CHF (107 Euros) a day.
France, for instance, averages €50 to €60 per day for skiing; however, I found the lodging to be a bit nicer in Austria for the price.
We are looking into Slovenia this year. The prices are much cheaper there, but the ski resorts aren’t as grand.
Is Saalbach A Good Ski Resort?
I think Saalbach is a great ski resort. It is set up very nicely for tourists with many lodging options, quality restaurants and fun activities to do.
It is also very large and spread out which makes it feel less crowded than other smaller ski resorts. So yes, I think a ski vacation in Saalbach is a great choice.
Is Saalbach Good For Snowboarding?
If you are a snowboarder, this is a great questions to ask. I have been snowboarding at plenty of different ski resorts and not all of them are good for snowboarding (I’m looking at your Winter Park, Colorado).
Saalbach, on the other hand, is very good for snowboards.
I didn’t run into any long flat areas except one, and honestly that was my fault. Unfortunately, I thought we were going one way and then we went another direction.
I had already slowed too much and didn’t have much momentum. If I hadn’t slowed down, it wouldn’t have been a problem.
Is Saalbach Good For Beginners?
Yes! Saalbach is great for beginners. There are a couple of great kid and beginner areas. In addition, a lot of the blue slopes are wide, which is nice for beginners.
The Saalbach website even has a list of the best ski runs for beginners.
Check out the top 10 runs for beginners here. So nice!
How To Get To Saalbach?
Saalbach is about a 20 minute drive from Zell am See, Austria. There is the Saalbach ski bus that connects the two towns which you can ride for free with a ski pass. You can even take the Zell am See express II gondola from Schmitten ski resort in Zell am See all the way to Viehhofen.
The closest airport to Saalbach-Hinterglemm is Salzburg, Austria. From Salzburg you can either drive an hour and forty minutes or take a train and a bus to get there. The trip will take on average 2.5 hours by public transportation.
You can also get to Saalbach from Innsbruck, Austria. The route by public transportation is between 2.5 to 3 hours. Driving takes about 2.5 hours too.
Conclusion – Saalbach Ski Guide
I hope this Saalbach ski guide answers all your questions in regards to how to enjoy a ski trip in Austria. We really loved this ski resort, and we hope you fall in love with its charm as well.
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