Ski resorts
Saalbach Hinterglemm: skiing in the Skicircus and where to stay
One of Austria’s largest ski areas, World Championship slopes from 2025 and legendary après-ski. This is Saalbach Hinterglemm, and the hotels at the heart of the Skicircus.
Saalbach Hinterglemm lies in a long valley in the Salzburg region, with mountains rising on both sides and pistes winding through the forest down to the villages. You can ski for days without repeating a run, and when the lifts close, one of the best-known après-ski scenes in the Alps begins.
In 2025 Saalbach Hinterglemm hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships, and it has long been one of the most popular resorts in Austria.
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The Skicircus: one of Austria’s largest
The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is one of the largest linked ski areas in Austria. Runs lie on both sides of the valley, and you can ski a long circuit around the valley in a single day.
The 2025 World Championship slopes
During the 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships the races were held in Saalbach, and many of the runs are open to everyone. It is special to ski the same slopes where the world’s best racers recently competed.
The slopes of Saalbach Hinterglemm
The ski area offers runs for every level, from wide family pistes to steep descents. Many runs wind through forest, and the views over the mountains of the Salzburg region are beautiful.
A day in Saalbach
The morning starts with the lift up from the village, and the morning can be spent skiing the circuit around the valley. Lunch is taken at one of the many mountain huts, with Austrian dishes.
In the afternoon it is time for après-ski. Music starts in the huts on the slopes, and the mood stays lively well into the evening.
Après-ski in Saalbach
Saalbach is known for its après-ski, with bars and huts on the slopes and in the village. The atmosphere is informal and festive, and many come precisely for the combination of great slopes and great atmosphere.
When is the best time to visit Saalbach?
The season usually runs from December to April. January often brings good conditions, while March offers more sunshine. Half term and Easter are busy, so book early.
Skiing with children in Saalbach
Saalbach Hinterglemm has ski schools, children’s areas and plenty of wide runs. The villages are easy to get around, and several hotels cater well for families.
Food and evenings in Saalbach
Evenings in Saalbach bring Austrian classics such as Kaiserschmarrn, Germknödel and Wiener schnitzel. Restaurants cluster in the villages, and many hotels have a spa and pool.
The circuit around the valley
One of the best experiences in Saalbach is skiing the circuit around the valley. You start in one village, follow the runs up and down the mountainsides and end where you began, with new views at every descent.
Getting to Saalbach
The nearest airport is Salzburg. You can also take the train to Zell am See and a bus on to Saalbach Hinterglemm.
Tips before you book
Choose a hotel within walking distance of the lifts to avoid the ski bus each morning. Buy a lift pass for the whole Skicircus if you want to ski the circuit, and book early for half term and Easter, when hotels and restaurants fill up fast. Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, is close enough for a day off the slopes.
Where to stay in Saalbach
Stay in the heart of the village for après-ski and restaurants, or close to the lifts. Here are two hotels we would happily choose.
Hotel Alpine Palace: large and comfortable
A hotel in Saalbach Hinterglemm, close to the lifts and village restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Alpine Palace
Hotel Saalbacher Hof: in the heart of Saalbach
A hotel in the centre of Saalbach, a short walk from the lifts and après-ski.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Saalbacher Hof
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Kitzbühel.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Saalbach
Where should I stay in Saalbach?
Hotel Alpine Palace and Hotel Saalbacher Hof are both centrally located, a short walk from the lifts and the après-ski.
What is the Skicircus?
The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is one of the largest linked ski areas in Austria.
Did Saalbach host the World Championships?
Yes, Saalbach Hinterglemm hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships in 2025.
How do you get to Saalbach?
Fly to Salzburg, or take the train to Zell am See and a bus on to Saalbach Hinterglemm.