The Louk · 8 min read · Resort guide
IntermediatesBig aprèsSki-in ski-outGroupsSunny
Saalbach and its neighbour Hinterglemm form one big, sunny, ski-in ski-out playground at the heart of the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn - a 270km lift-linked area you can ski around in a giant loop. The skiing is mostly flattering intermediate cruising, the villages are lively and traditional, and the après is legendary - the ski home past Hinterglemm's slope-side bars is a rite of passage. A brilliant all-rounder for a sociable group.
Altitude1,003m · up to 2,096m
Ski areaSkicircus — ~270km (4 resorts linked)
Best forIntermediates · big après · circuits
SeasonEarly Dec – mid April
AirportSalzburg ~1.5hr · Munich ~2hr · Innsbruck ~2hr
Trip typeGroups · party · intermediates
Budget££ · lively, mid-range
⛷The skiing
The Skicircus links Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang and Fieberbrunn into ~270km of mostly sunny, well-groomed intermediate terrain. You can ski a signposted circuit right around the valley, hopping between resorts on lifts and pistes - one of the great days in skiing. Both villages are genuinely ski-in ski-out, there's a good spread for beginners and a few steeper challenges, and the famous Home run drops you back into town past the après bars.
- The Skicircus circuita full signposted loop of the valley - do it clockwise or anti.
- Ski-in ski-outlifts rise straight from both village centres.
- The Home runthe ski back into town - straight past the party.
📍 Official piste map & live lifts (saalbach.com) →
The Louk tipDo the full Skicircus circuit early - it's a big day and the last lifts matter. Then time your ski home for late afternoon, when Hinterglemm's slope-side bars are in full swing.
🏨Where to stay
Luxury
- Hotel KendlerElegant, central and steps from the lifts and bars.
- Alpin JuwelModern spa hotel with a superb wellness area.
Boutique & mid-range
- Hotel BauerComfortable, family-run and well placed.
- Hotel Neuhaus (Hinterglemm)Relaxed, good value and handy for lifts.
Chalets & cosy
- Pensions & garnisGood-value guesthouses in both villages.
- AparthotelsSki-to-the-door self-catered options.
🍽Where to eat
On the mountain
- Panorama AlmSunny terrace and hearty plates with a view.
- MaisalmA Hinterglemm classic - lunch that turns into a party.
- WieseralmCosy, welcoming hut for a long lunch.
In town
- Il SoleBuzzy Italian, great for a group dinner.
- HendlfischereiFun, informal spot for chicken and beer.
- Esszimmer (Kendler)Refined Austrian cooking in the centre.
🍾Bars & après
- HinterhagalmThe legendary slope-side après on the way home.
- Bauer's SkialmPacked umbrella-bar dancing from mid-afternoon.
- Goaßstall (Hinterglemm)Huge, iconic party barn by the piste.
- Arena / CastelloThe late-night clubs in Hinterglemm.
❄Off the slopes
- Captain's Camp & family parkKids' areas and fun slopes for families.
- TobogganingFloodlit sledge runs and hut evenings.
- Spa & wellnessHotel spas across both villages for a rest day.
🚁Getting there
Saalbach is close and easy: Salzburg is around 1.5 hours, Munich and Innsbruck about two. Transfers run up the Glemmtal from Salzburg; the nearest station is Zell am See, then a short bus or transfer over.
Transfers & travel
- Holiday Shuttle / Saalbach transfersShared & private from Salzburg & Munich.
- Four Seasons TravelPopular shared airport shuttles.
- Train + busRail to Zell am See, then the bus into the valley.
- Alps2AlpsShared & private, good value.
