EXPERIENCE A WINTER FULL OF CONTRASTS IN SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

With a huge variety of winter attractions to choose from, “The way I want” is the motto of our guests. From ski slopes to cross-country skiing trails, from ski jumping to snowshoe hiking, from luxury hotels to apartments for families, from rustic farm fare to fine dining and from jazz days to ski marathons, Saalfelden Leogang has it all. Did we mention that the Saalfelden Leogang region emphasises sustainability? Regional products are offered in organic quality whilst outstanding hotels provide relaxing wellness offers. 
With the free Saalfelden Leogang Card in hand, you are eligible for one free cable cable car return ticket per stay, as well as free entry to museums. You can also try out the Fun & Snow Park in the Nordic Park. All around the Ritzensee lake, there are numerous cross-country ski trails at all levels of difficulty, making the Saalfelden Leogang region one of the top four cross-country skiing destinations in all of Austria!
The SKI ALPIN CARD provides access to a vast range of skiing facilities: In total, 408 km of pistes, 121 lifts and cable cars, and countless attractions are available to winter sports enthusiasts. In addition to the slopes of Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, the ski pass also includes access to the Schmittenhöhe ski resort in Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn Kaprun glacier ski resort.

 

Three top ski resorts and one glacier: the Ski ALPIN CARD and the new Home of Lässig Mobile App
The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is situated around 70 kilometres southwest of Salzburg and is the self-proclaimed "Home of Lässig" (home of cool). Why? The sheer size of the area covered by the Ski ALPIN CARD is as impressive as it is cool. In addition to the 270 km of downhill runs that make up the Skicircus, card holders also have access to the Schmittenhöhe resort in Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski resort. 
The ticket association allows winter-sports fans to take advantage of 408 kilometres of ski runs and 121 lifts and cable cars. During the main season (from 17.12.2022 to 10.04.2023), the 3-day Ski ALPIN CARD costs €195 for adults (adolescents €146, children €97.50) and the 6-day card is €338 (adolescents €253.50, children €169). Small children born 2017 or later are transported free of charge when accompanied by an adult and receive a free ski pass.
From winter 2022/23, the new Home of Lässig app is available for the entire Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn area and guarantees even more service and info on your smartphone. For the first time, all locations with the full array of offers on the mountain are integrated into one single app. 

 

The new Asitzmulde lift “Asitzkogelbahn 8er” offers guests comfort and a range of slopes.
After 20 years of operation, the Sportbahn 2000 6-seater chairlift was carefully dismantled. In its place, the new standard for optimal skiing fun was constructed: a state-of-the-art 8-seater chairlift with weather protection bubbles, safety bars and a transport capacity of 3,700 people per hour. “After a lengthy planning phase, all winter sports enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing first-class, fast lifts, as well as even wider and more comfortable pistes near the valley station,” explains Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of Leoganger Bergbahnen, who is delighted with the quality improvement in the Asitzmulde. “The station’s buildings also feature heated group rooms and lockers. There is even a photovoltaic system that provides green solar power to run the underfloor heating in the service rooms, WC facilities and lounge." Truly sustainable: From this winter, the old Sportbahn 2000 6-seater chairlift will transport passengers at the Master-Ski Tylicz ski resort in Poland. Thus, after 20 years of good service at the Skicircus, the chairlift will be given a second lease on life in service of winter sports fun!

 

Side by side: The best ski racers in the world practice at the Hinterreit family ski mountain 
The Hinterreit family ski mountain between Saalfelden and Maria Alm is the training ground for some prominent ski personalities. Typically, the ski resort is usually associated with families and beginners (practice lift and wave run), but actually international ski stars also train on these slopes. During the World Cup season, Olympic Champion and Kitzbühel winner Matthias Mayer as well as World Champions Vincent Kriechmayr and Henrik Kristoffersen can be observed perfecting their skills. Watching these international stars is easy. Just ski to the edge of the slope and be on the lookout for the pros. 

Peter Hörl is the man responsible for ensuring ideal slope and training conditions for the international skiers. He is considered one of the very best slope groomers and has earned the nicknames “slope master” and “snow whisperer.” Each and every day, Peter Hörl is on duty to ensure that the slopes are in best possible shape. 

 

Safe skiing during the coronavirus pandemic
Unfortunately, COVID-19 remains an issue. All resorts included in the ALPIN CARD combined ticket for Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, Schmittenhöhe Zell am See and Kitzsteinhorn Kaprun have prepared their services to the best of their ability to cope with COVID-19 situation, thereby ensuring guests can feel relaxed and safe. The catalogue of measures encompasses structured queuing areas, sanitising measures, information signs and much more. The situation is continuously evaluated, with measures adjusted accordingly. 
For more information, visit https://www.saalfelden-leogang.com/en/service-info/Information-on-the-Coronavirus 

 

Cross-country skiing at the Nordic Park, Fun & Snow Park and biathlon: there’s a taster course for all ages 
For those who prefer Nordic to Alpine, the Nordic Park at Ritzensee lake is the ideal venue. Meanwhile, the Fun & Snow Park is the perfect place for children and beginners. Keep in mind that the obstacle course featuring 22 obstacles is not just for little ones. Adults are also invited to improve their cross-country skiing skills in a playful manner. There will also be a new Nordic quiz rallye around the Ritzensee lake. There are even some puzzles to solve along the cross-country skiing route. Those who solve the quiz are eligible to pick up a gift at the tourist information office. The Fun & Snow Park as well as the Nordic quiz rallye are unique in the whole of Austria.

Adults as well as children can book courses for the classic and skating techniques. The routes in Saalfelden Leogang range from easy to challenging and a total of about 150 km of groomed cross-country skiing trails are available. The World Cup cross-country ski trail at the Ritzensee lake, where local professional athletes such as World Cup biathlete Simon Eder (Olympic silver in Vancouver 2010) also train, is a true highlight. 

Speaking of biathlon, for many years already, Biathlon has been the most popular winter sport on television. Keen to try out this incredible sport for yourself? You can book biathlon taster courses in the Nordic Park. You’ll learn the skating technique as well as how to shoot with the laser rifle. Children can participate in the weekly Heeressportverein (HSV) Saalfelden club training.

 

Saalfelden Leogang is a top cross-country skiing destination that also promotes young talent
Saalfelden Leogang is one of just four top cross-country skiing destinations in all of Austria. This is based on the following criteria: diversity of routes, professionally prepared cross-country trails with guaranteed snow and accommodation providers that cater for cross-country skiers. For a great experience, we recommend the 1.8-km cross-country skiing trail around the Ritzensee lake or the Griessen high-altitude trail on cross-country skis, which is floodlit until 9 pm. 

A centre for Nordic skiing will be built at two locations in Saalfelden by 2024. In addition to renovations, quality improvements and an expansion of the Nordic Park at the Ritzensee lake, the ski jumping stadium in Uttenhofen (a district of Saalfelden) is also being renovated. 5 million euros will be invested in the project, which will become the first stop for many keen on a successful sports career. The Nordic Ski Middle School Saalfelden offers students the opportunity to complete basic training in the disciplines of Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping or biathlon while attending school. In addition, winter sports enthusiasts at the Saalfelden ski high school can choose from six categories of professional training in the areas of Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing and Ski Freestyle. 

Sports training that pays off: Numerous top athletes went to ski high school in Saalfelden. Famous names include Lisa Hauser (biathlon World Champion in the mass start), Marita Kramer (ski jumping World Champion with the team), Mario Seidl (Olympic and World Championship medallist in Nordic combined) and Dominik Landertinger (biathlon World Champion in the mass start and multiple medallist at the Olympics).

 

Winter adventures away from the slopes: ski tours, ice skating, tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides 
The moonlight ski tours on the Asitz leave a lasting impression. Available every Tuesday and Friday, the Asitz evening ski tours are a convivial occasion, inspired by the motto "hike up, ski down and stop off for a sociable drink in between." Looking for peace and quiet in nature during the day? Look no further than ski tours away from the ski slopes. For such activities, the right safety equipment is a must. Beginners are advised to book a ski and mountain guide to safely experience the area for the first time. SAAC ski touring camps are also offered in Saalfelden Leogang.

Skating on the frozen Ritzensee lake is a real thrill for ice skating fans. In winter, the lake is transformed into a perfect natural ice skating rink. It is illuminated until 9 pm, enabling visitors to glide across the lake and do their laps until late in the evening. If you need a well-deserved time out, sit down on one of the benches around the lake and enjoy the view of the snow-covered landscape against the backdrop of the impressive Steinernes Meer plateau.

A toboggan excursion is a must: After the two-hour hike up the Biberg, an unforgettable ride on the six-kilometre natural toboggan run awaits. For those who want to make the ascent a bit more quickly, there is even a shuttle service. The best way to reach the “Leo’s Kufengaudi” toboggan run on the Asitz mountain is by gondola. Don't miss the fun tobogganing at night! On certain days of the week, the floodlights are switched on at both tracks.

The only thing faster is the Flying Fox XXL - one of the longest steel rope slides in the world. This will be in operation again from March 2023. It extents 1,600 metres above the treetops and reaches a speed of up to 130 kilometres per hour.

Those keen on a romantic winker break will enjoy travelling through the winter wonderland in a sleigh drawn by Noriker horses. During the scenic sleigh ride, enjoy the idyllic peace and quiet while wrapped in a warm blanket.

 

Take advantage of the winter hiking as well as the 365-day adventure programme
Many of the paths in Saalfelden Leogang are cleared, which means you can easily hike through the snow for miles with sturdy footwear. Why not try the 11.8-kilometre Haidrunde circuit? This runs along Ritzensee lake and then leads through the magical winter landscape of the nearby Kollingwald forest. The 7.1-kilometre Lettingrunde circuit is significantly shorter, but just as delightful. If you only want to stretch your legs for a bit, the path around the Ritzensee lake only takes half an hour. It’s worth every minute. All three routes take you past the new woodland swing in Kollingwald forest at Ritzensee lake. It’s an ideal opportunity to take a seat, relax and enjoy the silence of the forest.

Beyond the slopes, explore the winter landscape in Saalfelden Leogang individually or in a group with a guide. Our 365-day adventure programme ranges from guided snowshoe hikes in winter to panoramic hikes in summer. It also boasts year-round torchlight hikes, wildlife viewing, Kaiserschmarren (shredded-pancake) tours in summer, and so much more.

 

Sustainability on and off the slopes
Sustainability and skiing – can the two go together? At the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, we continue to implement initiatives to make this combination possible. It is therefore fitting that the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company has been drawing district heating from the nearby biomass heating plant since 2006. This includes a co-heating partnership with neighbouring hotels.
The nearby restaurant Stöcklalm is warmed via heat recovered from the drive motors of the Asitzbahn cable car middle station. In addition, the floors at the workshop where the snow grooming machines are serviced are heated to defrost the grooming machines during the day, as is the floor in the access area for skiers ascending from the middle station. Furthermore, the snow cannons and cable car systems have been hydraulically and electrically optimised to increase their efficiency. "These measures have enabled us to massively reduce our energy consumption," says Kornel Grundner, managing director of Leoganger Bergbahnen. "The Steinbergbahn gondola lift now consumes around 151,000 kilowatt hours less per year. The efforts have been recognised: Leoganger Bergbahnen was bestowed the "Umwelt Blatt Salzburg" sustainability award in 2017 and credited by the Austrian Ministry of the Environment for its commitment to climate protection in 2018. In 2019, Leoganger Bergbahnen was also the first ski resort to become a partner of the "Climate and Energy Strategy Salzburg 2050." This means it's even more fun to explore the 140 km of blue runs, 112 km of red and 18 km of black runs, as well as the 60 homely mountain huts, the snow parks, freeride parks and floodlit pistes, the speed, racing and SkiMovie courses, and the funcross, snow trail and snow tubing facilities in the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn.
Getting to Saalfelden Leogang is also easy, comfortable and above all sustainable. There are three train stations in the Saalfelden Leogang region, which are easy to reach from Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Klagenfurt. Locally, holidaymakers can take advantage of the Saalfelden town bus and the ski bus free of charge with the Saalfelden Leogang Card. The Loigom Shuttle in Leogang augments the existing route network by providing on-demand services with two Mercedes eVitos and serves 14 additional stops.

 

Austrian Ecolabel: The Saalfelden Leogang pilot partner region
Want to enjoy a sustainable overnight stay? It’s possible in the Saalfelden Leogang region. In some hotels, great importance is attached to the topic of environmental protection and sustainability. Electric cars are made available to guests. In-house biomass heating plants, wood chip heating systems and composting plants are used to provide energy and special attention is also paid to avoiding waste.
Under the leadership of the Verein für Konsumenteninformation (Austrian consumer protection association), the Saalfelden Leogang region has been working towards a seal of approval certification for sustainable tourism regions along with other destinations since 2021. Many companies and businesses in Saalfelden Leogang have already been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel. This seal of approval evaluates a wide range of measures such as public transport, waste disposal and resource management. 
In addition, Saalfelden Leogang is the first tourism region of SalzburgerLand to become a member of the Climate Alliance Austria.

 

Award-winning restaurants galore in Saalfelden Leogang: Enjoy organic regional and natural ingredients 
Great food is a key part of any successful stay in Saalfelden Leogang. Great importance is placed on the quality of ingredients and products used in the region. As part of the 'ECHT.GSUND.GUAD.’ campaign, Saalfelden Leogang showcases local producers with a seal of quality, which has been used since 2014. Regional products and ingredients include excellent meat and sausage products, cheeses, bread, honey, eggs and schnapps, for which the region is renowned. Even saffron is now grown in the region. If you would like to take one of our many delicacies home with you, a wide selection of Pinzgau specialities can be purchased at the farm shops.
In addition, a detour to "Stocki's Distillery” in Leogang is always worthwhile. It is the only distillery in Austria to boast three qualified sommeliers and a master distiller. Distillery tours are held here every Tuesday and Thursday (prior registration required). Otherwise, it's simply a matter of browsing the gourmet shop to find something you like. 
Meanwhile, the Eisladen Misssi ice cream shop in Saalfelden has been open since the summer of 2021. It features ice cream made from natural and regional ingredients. The milk is sourced from local cows and ingredients such as fruit, honey and nuts are sourced locally. Everything is free from flavour enhancers, colour additives or aromas. This local ice cream producer values supporting small farmers and their families and thus also promotes the sustainable cultivation of food. The name, Alpeneis (Alpine ice cream) pays tribute to its local origins. Those keen to enjoy ice cream in winter can visit the round-the-clock ice cream vending machine right in front of the ice cream shop. Selected ice cream varieties are also available here in family packs. 
The exceptional quality of the local produce is also mirrored in the region's restaurants & bars: With a total of 14 Gault&Millau awarded toques split between six establishments, the richly diverse Saalfelden Leogang region is no stranger to exclusive dining.

 

Saalfelden Leogang Card: countless advantages 365 days a year 
Every guest who stays at a Saalfelden Leogang Card partner establishment will receive a Saalfelden Leogang Card free of charge. It offers countless advantages throughout the year. Non-skiers can take the Asitzbahn or Steinbergbahn gondola lifts, use the shuttle to go tobogganing on the Biberg, visit a museum for free and much more. In addition, guests with a Saalfelden Leogang Card have access to the cross-country skiing trails in Saalfelden Leogang, the ice rink at the Nordic Park, guided walks in the snow, and free journeys with the local or ski buses.
The guest card is automatically available at check-in. It is valid from the day of arrival and also includes the day of departure. https://www.saalfelden-leogang.com/en/region-experience/Saalfelden-Leogang-Card

 

The Schloss Ritzen Museum and Mining and Gothic Museum: Nativity scenes and treasures 
One of the most important and largest nativity-scene collections in Austria, in addition to other sacred treasures, is housed at the Schloss Ritzen Museum in Saalfelden. A visit here is worthwhile at any time of year, as the nativity scene exhibition is held all year round. Famous nativity-scene builder Xandi Schläffer from Saalfelden, who designed the “Pinzgau nativity scene villages” featuring the stable of Bethlehem at the centre and the Steinernes Meer plateau in the background, crafted many of the exhibited small works of art. 
The Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang, which chronicles the heyday of mining in Leogang, is another worthwhile excursion tip. Since 2020, it now has its own library. In addition, there are always special exhibitions in the Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang. Both museums are free with the Saalfelden Leogang Card.

 

TONspur Islands: Natural music enjoyment on the Mountain of Senses
Experience nature, sharpen your senses and enjoy culture at the same time: it’s all possible at the Asitz in Leogang. The Saalfelden Leogang region also boasts an extensive outdoor cultural programme. While on a winter hike, you'll come across the five TONspur islands, which were completed in 2020. These five stations are located along the hiking trail between the mountain station and the Asitz summit. Because you can listen to live recordings of the TONspur concerts from the previous year, the TONspur islands are especially popular with true music fans. This fantastic outdoor attraction is so indescribably beautiful that the TONspur Islands were even awarded the MAECENAS Austrian Art Sponsorship Prize in 2020.

 

Feel good and relax in the region’s exclusive hotels 
Saalfelden Leogang is known for its first-class hotels. After a long day of skiing or an excursion into the winter landscape, guests can round off their day at the hotel with a wellness programme. Many of the region's establishments feature exceptional wellness and spa facilities, where sustainable rest and recreation are the maxim. Locally sourced natural materials such as wood and stone often feature in the interior design, generating a feeling of wellbeing. 

At the Naturhotel Forsthofgut*****, a Family SPA, Japanese restaurant and new suites were opened in 2021. In addition, a horse riding stable was also recently added. At the Hotel Salzburgerhof****S, guests this winter season can look forward to the Sky SPA, which opened in 2021, and the brand new restaurant. Since last winter, the Riederalm Good Life Resort****S has added a new dining room and newly furnished rooms. The Hotel Krallerhof***** sets high-end standards and has ventured into new dimensions in terms of recreation. With an impending superlative SPA, designed by Hadi Teherani Architects, the Altenberger family of hoteliers is laying the foundations for something grand yet minimalist for its guests. The opening will take place in spring of 2023. But that’s not all: A new SPA landscape was created at the Biohotel Rupertus****, and at the Hotel Der Löwe****S a year-round heated outdoor pool was added this year in addition to a new underground car park a new dining room. Exceptional feel-good offers are also available at the Hotel Forsthofalm****S  and the Hotel Senhoog. Holidaymakers can also look forward to lovingly designed chalets with gorgeous mountain views at the Hotel Puradies****S. 
The "Alpine Holistic" lifestyle concept at the Ritzenhof lakeside hotel and spa offers guests the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. For a holiday experience "in the mountains and yet in the city,” look no further than Die Hindenburg**** boutique and city hotel. The Hotel Bacher Asitzstub'n*** boasts a heated infinity panorama pool. Meanwhile, the Bergdorf Priesteregg ****S, with its chalets and the Priesteregg Bad spa, offers ample luxury and plenty of time to relax. Priesteregg opened Villa WOSSA in November 2022, an ensemble of exclusive chalet, a small lake house and a huge natural pond with integrated infinity pool. The Hotel mama thresl*** offers rooms featuring an urban style. In addition to fantastic rooms, the Hotel Gut Brandlhof****S also boasts the autohaus automotive competence center, plenty of space for events and an indoor golf simulator. In 2022, the Vivid SPA area was expanded.

Some of the region's hotels place a strong emphasis on environmental protection, with initiatives including the provision of electric cars for guests. In-house biomass heating plants, wood chip heating systems and composting plants are used to provide energy and special attention is also paid to avoiding waste. In addition, many companies and businesses in Saalfelden Leogang have already been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel. This seal of approval evaluates a wide range of measures such as public transport, waste disposal and resource management.

 

Event highlights (subject to change)
10.–11.12.2022     Schwarzleo Advent Christmas Market, traditional Anglöckler carolers and Weisenbläser brass band, readings and music in the show mine and much more.
22.01.2023 + 12.02.2023     Nordic Park Experience in Saalfelden: Guests are treated to good music, children can take part in the Kids Winter Games, and there’s a BBQ for all
27.–29.01.2023        “3 Days of Jazz” Festival in Saalfelden Leogang – nine concerts in different and unusual places
04.–05.02.2023        Ski marathon - featuring exciting competitions for professionals and amateur cross-country skiers. There is also a separate Mini Ski Marathon for kids and school pupils
All year round            Art, culture and music events at the Kunsthaus NEXUS Saalfelden