This resort, set at an elevation of 1,000 metres, puts an emphasis on relaxation and recharging, plus summer and winter sports. Located 65 kilometres southwest of Salzburg, 400 kilometres southwest of Vienna, and 185 kilometres southwest of Linz, the spot is easily reachable from the closest railway line at Zell am See, from which one takes one of the numerous buses running along the valley road. A rapidly growing winter-sports resort, Saalbach and its twin town, Hinterglemm, a ten-minute drive west, is well-equipped with a lift system and a ski bus, thus making it a good starting point for exploring neighbouring Kaprun and Zell am See.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is mostly geared towards beginners and intermediates, with only 5 out of 59 runs suitable for expert skiers. The area also provides some off-piste opportunities, one Terrain Park and two half-pipes. The total length of the slopes amounts to some 200 kilometres, with the longest run being 8 kilometres long. The resort’s cable car has a capacity of 100 passengers, along with tows and 13-chair lifts providing access to a variety of well-groomed slopes and runs. The major lift, the Schattberg cableway, leaves from the core of Saalbach, taking skiers to the top station, located 2,000 metres above sea level where, apart from a restaurant, skiers will find an excellent view. The total capacity of all lift facilities is 75,000 people per hour. The Saalbach-Hinterglemm racecourse holds slaloms, giant slaloms and parallel slaloms. Both resorts offer ski schools and ski-circus runs, as well as snowboarding, tobogganing, sleigh rides, ski-bobbing and curling. Many cross-country ski tracks start there, as well.
Transportation in the area is relatively easy, though at times it might require several transfers. Buses to the twin resorts depart hourly from the railway station at Zell am See, stopping at Saalbach and then continuing on to Hinterglemm. If driving, take Route 312 southwest from Salzburg to Lofer, then turn south at the junction with Route 311. The site and its vicinity also make for an idyllic summer holiday, offering 260 kilometres of well-marked trails for short strolls and extended hikes. Mountain climbing, horseback riding, bowling, mini-golf and tennis are also among the site’s options. A nearby lake offers great swimming and sailing, while the resort’s kindergarten takes care of visitors’ kids.