 Poster: A snowHead
|
| chrisc wrote: |
Curious: Are the February School holidays as busy at Austrian ski resorts as they are in France?
Did not know if it was worth skiing in Saalbach/Zell am See/Kaprun during the week of February 14th for a few days.
Thanks. |
My experience in Saalbach over the years has been that the U.K. half term week is not necessarily busy. In France there is an 80% chance (possibly even higher) that anyone you meet in a ski resort will be French or British, so, if both countries have national holidays, you have a perfect storm.
In Austria however the Austrians make up only a third of the winter tourists, and the Brits are way down the list of foreign tourists. So much depends on which other countries or regions have holidays that coincide with the U.K. half term.
The national holidays of the various European skiing nations tend to be staggered so that they don’t all clash. I have known U.K. half terms that have been relatively quiet, as, for example, Bavaria and/or the Netherlands have taken their half terms the week after or the week before.
We’ve just been having an unusually busy week, as it’s been a national holiday in the Netherlands.
Saalbach copes better than many or most resorts, thanks to its lift system (the fastest in the world, with the highest number of gondolas), as well as the size of its skiing area (408 km, including Zell am See/Kaprun, on the same pass) and the large number of mountain restaurants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Finally the day before the day has arrived  Tomorrow I will arrive at Saalbach in the afternoon. Seems like I missed the sunny weather but that wont be an issue once I get up the mountain.
Any last minute advices on what lift and slope one should start they days from when staying in the center of Saalbach? My aim is to end the days at either Bergeralm or Goasstall =)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
I can vouch for the above. We went last year half term (2025) and rarely queued apart from a few pinch points on the areas we coverd which were the chairlift Bernkogel 6er above the gondola on Bernkogel and the chairlift Hassenhauer 8er(?) above the Reiterkogelbhan and even they were only for a few extra minutes as they shift people along very quickly due to taking 6 or 8 people a car - apart from when people don't fill them!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
@Keke81, Any. All are grest. I generally started at Kohlmaisbahn,did a few laps up top.down to village up Scattberg few short laps up top,then down 2a to bottom back up to farside top of 166 few laps up there. Poss over to Leogang....
So much choice. I had daughter in tow on the tray. So wasn't going too crazy faraway fron village.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
@pred02, a hotel that has it's own car parking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
@Keke81, we did the Schattberg to then come down the really long blue (2a) then get the Schonleitenbahn and that gets you to the Azitz area or back to Saalbach into the nursery slope area. Seemed a logical was to start the week, although we did do a few days where the Bernkogel was the first lift, I'd say that the busiest of the three gondolas out of Saalbach, obvs gets you to Hinterglemm area
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Keke81, the Bernkogel lift if you want to do Fieberbrunn or Hinterglemm (goatssstadl) , schattberg xpress then 2a choice of Leogang or back to Saalbach (Bauer , Spitzbub)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band just started playing in the Soul House. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
@JimboS, that's mean!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Skippers, a little late but hope this helps - we stayed in a standard double room which was a touch on the small size to be honest but perfectly ok. Plenty of hanging space, great shower, we managed just fine and to repeat what I have said previously - this is a great hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
The thing I noticed most was how you had to be canny picking routes since all of a sudden you end up in flat light conditions 124 became very unpleasant
Also 166 at the end of the day after the long traverse ends up being a bit of a nightmare with moguls around
We usually finished going down 153a rather than 152
Would say 153 was our favourite run
Also bottom of 146 gets moguly and flat light at the end of the day as does 2a
Having boarded most of my time in France I would say the runs are not super long but the lift’s where very good and there where not too many nasty paths 108 was the worst only because the red was closed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| summerseat wrote: |
| @Skippers, a little late but hope this helps - we stayed in a standard double room which was a touch on the small size to be honest but perfectly ok. Plenty of hanging space, great shower, we managed just fine and to repeat what I have said previously - this is a great hotel |
Thank you it is really helpful. After deliberating over the room size, we booked a bigger room at Hotel Almrausch in the end which is right next to the Bergfried T bar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Hi all,
Apologies if this is not the correct forum to post in … but I am planning our first family ski holiday for the end of March this year and am looking for some advice to make sure I'm not making a big mistake!! We are looking at staying at the Hotel Unterschwarzachhof in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, arriving Saturday 28th March for 1 x week.
I will be travelling with my husband and three children (ages 9, 7 and 4) who will all be going into ski school as this is the first time they have skied. My husband and I are good skiers but haven't been for 10 years (pre kids!).
I wanted to ask about the snow conditions this time of year, are we too late in the season?! Will the snow be slush? What is the resort like first week of April, will everything still be open? Will the ski schools have any snow to ski on? I have read very mixed reviews about late season, so would love any knowledge based on current snow and recent years. The hotel has a big pool and other activities on for the children, so we're happy to be busy in the late afternoons non skiing.
Thanks so much for any help! I want to just make sure we're not making a mistake coming to Saalbach at this time of year.
Lucy 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
@LucyFerbs, We were there the first week of Easter last season. The snow amount/condition was absolutely fine and the pistes virtually empty.
Whilst pretty much all the slopes were open, a few lifts had shut down and the town itself was very quiet.
I'd still go again at that time of year.
Richard Tatman is the expert on here for Saalbach and he'll know exactly the situation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
@LucyFerbs, obviously the weather is completely unpredictable, but Saalbach often gets a dump of fresh snow in late March, and the first week of April is one of my favourite times, as it’s surprising how often we get a cold spell, with good, empty pistes.
Of course it pays to get out early and also to think about the orientation of the slopes. But generally it’s quiet, relaxed and enjoyable.
If you have concerns about how much of the ski area will be open during that particular week, I would contact the Saalbach Tourist Information Office. They are very helpful and speak perfect English. To some extent it may depend on the weather we get during March.
All I can really say is that the norm, based on my experience of being in Saalbach (and hosting visitors) until the end of the ski season (normally the second week of April) has been that enjoyable skiing is to be had in late March and early April, especially in the mornings.
The resort does however tend to close down its ski area gradually - the south-facing side of the valley first, followed by other parts. This is where the advice of the Tourist Office is needed. What has happened in the past is not necessarily a guide to what they plan to do this season.
The weather and snow conditions, and also the timing of the Easter holidays play a part in the decision-making.
Last year my last day of skiing was on 11th April. I used the Schönleitenbahn and the various chair lifts to ski over to Leogang and did 30km of skiing. That was the day that the lifts in the Glemm valley finally closed, leaving only Leogang open for one further week.
But it was an unusual season (not only in Saalbach), with milder weather than we’re accustomed to.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 26-01-26 8:25; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Ski operations are scheduled to end completely on 6 April. Some lifts, slopes and restaurants will have closed before then. If conditions are good, a great time can still be had, but there will be an end of season feel. Personally, I’d choose a more snow sure resort.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
Hotel Unterschwarzachhof is in Hinterglemm, not Saalbach. The two villages are 5km apart.
When operations begin to close down towards the end of March, it is the sunny, south-facing slopes in Saalbach that close first if the snow has melted away on that side of the valley. The good news is that much of the Hinterglemm ski area is on the shaded side of the mountain, and these pistes are the last to close. The Unterschwarzachhof backs directly onto the piste in Hinterglemm, with the Snow and Fun ski school meeting place almost right outside the door, so in terms of convenience it could hardly be better located.
Snow conditions will vary through the day - it will probably be hard-packed in the morning after overnight frost, then get softer as the day progresses until it is likely to be slushy by the afternoon. Best conditions are usually between 09.00 and 13.00 after which you might head for a sunny terrace, a long lunch and the find something else to do in the afternoon, so a hotel will a pool and activities for the kids is ideal if conditions get too soft.
If you are clear that this holiday will be all about the experience for the kids (who will get free lift passes that week) and that skiing for the adults will take a back seat, then Hinterglemm should be fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@quinton, very well explained!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
What are ski conditions like at Saalbach right now? We are planning a trip in late February, hearing that conditions in East Alps are not great and trying to decide between Saalbach and Sella Ronda (Dolomites). I presume that in 3-4 time there will be some snow forecast?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
@pred02, they are very good, snow is forecast in the coming days not a mega dump, on the runs the snow is good, might be a bit crunchy lower down early in the morning on the shaded part, there is an inversion at the moment. Skied down red 8 early morning and it was lovely, I cut over on to the blue at the bottom if it's too early.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@LucyFerbs, good choice of hotel, we have eaten there as it's open to non residents and we eat the same menu and the food was excellent, good position as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you all so much for your super helpful replies, really appreciate it!
@quinton this is great to know that Hinter is on the shady side of the mountain and that the hotel is well located, this is one of the things I really loved about it - it seems super easy to get the kids out and onto the slopes each morning. This holiday is definitely all about getting the kids into skiing and enjoying some mountain fun as a family - my husband and I are very happy with slow afternoons should the snow be a bit soft, not to mention long sunny terrace lunches 
Would love to hear other recommendations for similar family friendly resorts / hotels that are higher up with better snow, just as a comparison?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
I have a lift pass from jan this year. Im out again next weekend, can I reactivate the card online thus saving time once in Saalbach???Just in case I manage to get in for last hour on sat.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hi
Any idea on queue times at Salzburg for the new biometric entry system? We're landing at 4pm and hoping to get the bus but concerned that we may miss the 17.44 to Maishofen to catch the last 680 into Saalbach.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| Rje66 wrote: |
| I have a lift pass from jan this year. Im out again next weekend, can I reactivate the card online thus saving time once in Saalbach???Just in case I manage to get in for last hour on sat..... |
Not as far as I know, but buying a new pass at the counter should take seconds.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
| Graucho wrote: |
Hi
Any idea on queue times at Salzburg for the new biometric entry system? We're landing at 4pm and hoping to get the bus but concerned that we may miss the 17.44 to Maishofen to catch the last 680 into Saalbach. |
Anecdotally it seems to take only about 20 minutes, so a period of 1 hour 44 minutes between landing and the bus departure should be plenty of time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Rje66, yes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
| ousekjarr wrote: |
@Rje66, yes:
|
Worth knowing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
@Graucho, We went through in January (and December), they are using both machines and humans, you will be directed to the machines first, when they get busy you will be directed to a queue for a booth all of which were open. If you’ve used the machine you will be directed to the far line to get your passport stamped.
Nothing is guaranteed but you should be OK.
There is a benefit, your luggage should be on the carousel by the time you get through 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| Graucho wrote: |
Hi
Any idea on queue times at Salzburg for the new biometric entry system? We're landing at 4pm and hoping to get the bus but concerned that we may miss the 17.44 to Maishofen to catch the last 680 into Saalbach. |
It took us a long time from landing to leaving the airport last week. Bus from plane to biometric warehouse. Then another bust to baggage reclaim, totally disjointed. It was about an hour or more from disembarking to exit.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Fri 30-01-26 10:49; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Very quick trip report from last week. Stayed in the View hotel in Hinterglem, great hotel in great location with great food. Clear blue skies every day. Best apri was still in the Soul House in the village and the Panorama Alm on the hill. Voted best week ever for our 25 year running boys trip and was our second week to the area. Next time we return I think we will go back to Salbach.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Fri 30-01-26 10:51; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
Trying desperately to sort out last minute break - could anyone give heads up on current snow conditions
Cheers
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
@Graucho, @JimboS, Yes! I omitted that if you’re on a charter flight ( possibly easyjet/ryanair) you go into the other terminal building, my walk through is for scheduled flight which I think your on as your getting the bus.
For the bus we always use” Freizeit-Ticket Salzburg, this is a one day family ticket for travel within Salzburgland, the cost is €19.00 for 2 adults and up to 4 children under 15, you can buy it from the bus driver” I take a screenshot of the name and show it to the driver.
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Fri 30-01-26 10:40; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
@radar, we were on a Jet2 flight travelling independently.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@JimboS, thanks good to know, glad you enjoyed Saalbach.
For anyone else's interest we were on BA.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I hope that this double terminal nonsense won't be permanent, it was a pita!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks for the replies. Looks like we should be okay as we're on BA so hopefully main terminal. Thanks for all the travel info, as usual a collective "goldmine" of information 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
Staying in Leogang 1st week of March. Skiing solo and looking for anyone who wants to meet up and cover a bunch of kms together.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Departing Salzburg through the separate terminal is really crap. Flying out 28th Feb for 5 days in Zell but flying home via Munich (going to Edinburgh so no direct options on the Thursday).
Remind me please - there is a bus to Saalbach from Zell? Im sure we did it a few years ago
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
