EXPERIENCE A WINTER FULL OF CONTRASTS IN SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

In addition to snow-covered slopes and beautiful valleys, the most contrasting region in the Alps boasts a wide range of activities. With skis and snowboards in tow, it's off to the slopes, cross-country trails and, for the brave, even ski jumps. There is a wide range of activities to choose from including snowshoeing, ski tours, tobogganing, ice skating or winter hiking. The cosy element to the holiday is not lacking in Saalfelden Leogang either. From family flats to star-rated hotels with wellness relaxation, and from rustic mountain huts to fine dining, memorable moments and fabulous cuisine are guaranteed. There are also many events worth seeing and hearing, including the “3 Days of Jazz” Festival and Skiing’s Nostalgia World Championship.

 

Three top ski resorts with the Ski ALPIN CARD
To make sure that your winter holiday runs smoothly, we recommend the Ski ALPIN CARD for skiing fans. With this card in hand, enthusiasts can enjoy a total of 408 kilometres of downhill skiing on 121 lifts and cable cars in three top ski resorts: The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, the Schmitten in Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn Kaprun glacier ski resort with snow guarantee. At the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn alone, there are 140 blue, 112 red and 18 black km of slopes in addition to 60 cosy mountain huts, snow parks, freeride parks, floodlit pistes, speed, race and SkiMovie courses, funcross, snow trails and snow tubing.
Experience the true meaning of variety with a single card. During the main season (from 23.12.2023 to 07.04.2024), the 3-day Ski ALPIN CARD costs €210 for adults (adolescents €157.50, children €105) and the 6-day card is €377 (adolescents €282.50, children €188.50). Small children born 2018 or later are transported free of charge when accompanied by an adult and receive a free ski pass. As a tip, we recommend the "Junior XPLORE CARD." With it, young people (born 2005 to 2007) can hit the slopes every Saturday throughout the winter season for just 15 euros. 
The challenge “ALPIN CARD Top 10 Trophy” is brand new. The aim here is to ride the 10 selected courses in up to three days and secure an instant prize. All trophy winners will also be entered into a draw for top prizes.
Thanks to the Home of Lässig app, ski holidaymakers have the whole of Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn at their fingertips with lots of service and information on their smartphone. All locations with the full array of offers on the mountain are integrated into one single app. 

One recommendation is the Hinterreit family ski mountain between Saalfelden and Maria Alm. The area is especially appropriate for families and beginners (featuring a practice lift and wave run), but international ski stars also train on the same slope and you can watch real ski aces time and time again.

 

"KIDS ON SKI - for free" - Saalfelden Leogang brings children on skis for free
Six top ski resorts are pursuing a common goal: to find the skiers of tomorrow and attract them to skiing. Six ski resorts have joined forces for the pilot project "KIDS ON SKI - for free": Saalfelden Leogang and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis from Austria, Aletsch Arena and Grindelwald from Switzerland, Alta-Badia and Madonna di Campiglio from Italy.
The aim is to get absolute beginners between 3 and 5 years of age interested in skiing. Children can attend a ski course free of charge in five pre-defined weeks outside the winter holidays, overnight stays in their parents' room in Leogang partner accommodation (Biohotel Rupertus, Hotel Salzburger Hof, Hotel Leonhard, Hotel Puradies, Hotel Krallerhof) as well as ski tickets are provided, and even rental equipment is included. The campaign is planned for the off-peak seasons before Christmas and in January and March. The long-term goal is to get up to 1000 children per ski resort onto the piste. The aim of the initiative is to improve the situation for young skiers in the long term and to instil the joy of skiing in young children at an early age. 

 

Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company have harnessed the power of plants
In Saalfelden Leogang, the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company meets its entire fuel requirements with HVO100 regenerative fuel and thus dispenses with fossil fuels. With this decision, the cable car companies have set an example for sustainability and resource protection. 
The Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company uses a total of around 220,000 litres of fuel. This is for the ski slope equipment and the entire fleet of vehicles, including tractors. After switching to GTL synthetic diesel fuel last winter, the company is now switching completely to HVO100 regenerative fuel. By using HVO, which is made from 100 percent renewable raw materials, the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company - as the first ski resort in Austria - save up to 90 percent CO₂. The changeover did not involve any conversion of the vehicles and piste equipment; only the tanks at the company filling station had to be completely emptied and cleaned.

 

Nordic Park: cross-country skiing, Fun & Snow Park, and biathlon taster courses
The Nordic Park Saalfelden at Ritzensee is the home of cross-country skiers, whether they are professionals or newcomers, young or old. From easy to challenging, the region's network of around 150 kilometres of cross-country trails offers everything. Those who want to try their hand at biathlon can book a taster course, which is available for both children and adults. For a great experience, we recommend the 1.8-km cross-country skiing trail around the Ritzensee lake or the night trail in Leogang/Rosental, which is floodlit until 9 pm.
There are many popular attractions for families. The Fun & Snow Park, where young and old can try their hand at cross-country skiing. Meanwhile, more experienced skiers can dare to try the steep turns, the small ski jumps and the slalom course. For a nice family adventure on cross-country skis only, try the Nordic quiz rallye: Starting from the Nordic Park, head around the Ritzensee lake where there are seven riddles to solve at seven stations. The participants enter the correct answers on a card. With the correct solution word, one receives a gift at the Saalfelden and Leogang tourist information offices. The station course at the Fun & Snow Park as well as the Nordic quiz rallye are unique in all of Austria.
Event tip: The cross-country ski camp with Marcus Rothberger will take place at Ritzensee from 19 to 21 January 2024 and the Nordic Park Experience at the Nordic Park on 21 January and 18 February 2024.

 

Talents make it big in Saalfelden Leogang
Saalfelden Leogang is one of just five top cross-country skiing destinations in all of Austria and has a flair for talent. Numerous top athletes went to school here and launched their careers. Famous names include Lisa Hauser (Biathlon World Champion), Simon Eder (Biathlon Medallist at World Championships, Olympics and World Cup races), Marita Kramer (Team World Champion in ski jumping), Mario Seidl (Olympic and World Championship medallist in Nordic combined) and Dominik Landertinger (Biathlon World Champion in mass start and multiple medallist at the Olympics). 
More famous names are coming soon thanks to 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. 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. 

 

Fun off the slopes – from winter hiking to tobogganing
In Saalfelden Leogang there is winter fun in all forms, whether on ice skates, sledge runners or hiking boots. The Ritzensee lake invites you onto the ice as soon as it is frozen over. In winter, it is transformed into a fine natural ice surface for skaters. Even the lights are left on until 9 pm. A moonlit ski tour on the Asitz or a cosy horse-drawn sleigh ride leads through idyllic snowy landscapes. For winter hikers, there is a wide choice of tours: a quick round around the Ritzensee lake with a great view of the Steinernes Meer plateau and the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range is just as rewarding as the 11.8-kilometre Haidrunde circuit, which leads along the Ritzensee lake and through the nearby Kollingwald forest. The forest swing there gives hikers the opportunity to relax for a moment and enjoy the silence of the forest.
A fast-paced toboggan run is practically a must on winter holiday. Take the gondola lift (or walk) up to the “Leo’s Kufengaudi” toboggan run on the Asitz. The run descends a full four kilometres. It is open every Tuesday and Friday from 6 to 10 pm even under floodlights and starry skies. The natural toboggan run on the Biberg is even longer at six kilometres. From the “Berggasthof Biberg” inn at an altitude of 1,400 metres, descend on two runners into the valley below. On most days it is also floodlit in the evening. Meanwhile, the toboggan run at the Sinnlehenalm mountain hut is new: This small but excellent toboggan run was built in the winter season 2022/23 and is located near the centre of the village. The Sinnlehenalm Alpine hut boasts a variety of local specialties on their menu. The very brave are attracted by the Flying Fox XXL - one of the longest zip line slides in the world. It extents 1,600 metres above the treetops and reaches a speed of up to 130 kilometres per hour. 

 

365-day active & creative programme - countless advantages with the Saalfelden Leogang Card
In the most diverse environment in the Alps, no two days are alike, and above all, never boring. For 365 days a year, guests in Saalfelden Leogang can decide whether they want to be active on the mountain, relax in the valley, take a guided hike or enjoy the cultural programme. In winter, the programme includes snowshoe hikes, beginner's ski tours and also “herbal tours.” 

Important: many offers in the region are cheaper or even included all year round with the Saalfelden Leogang Card. Every guest who stays in a Saalfelden Leogang Card partner accommodation will receive the Saalfelden Leogang Card free of charge. It offers many advantages all year round. For example, you can use it to ride the Asitz or Steinbergbahn gondola lifts for free (1x per stay), make use of the shuttle to the toboggan on the Biberg, or go to the museum. In addition, the use of the cross-country ski trails in Saalfelden Leogang is included or you can take part in guided hikes in the snow and travel free of charge on certain bus lines and the ski bus.

 

Art and music enjoyment in winter 
Enjoyment for the eyes and ears also awaits guests in Saalfelden Leogang in winter. Beautiful music is even available on a hike through the snow-covered landscape. All you have to do is head for one of the five TONspur islands located between the mountain station and the Asitz summit along the hiking trail and the ski slopes. Relaxed and under a roof on wooden loungers, listen to the live recordings of the TONspur concerts (a summer concert series that takes place at sunset on the Asitz) from the previous year. This beautiful outdoor attraction was even awarded the Austrian MAECENAS arts sponsorship prize in 2020.
We also recommend a visit to one of Austria's most important and largest collections of nativity scenes at the Schloss Ritzen Museum in Saalfelden. 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. The Kunsthaus NEXUS in Saalfelden stages concerts, exhibitions, a colourful cinema programme, and numerous literary lectures and cabarets throughout the year.

 

Sustainability: Not resting on our laurels
On and off the slopes and cross-country ski trails, the entire region is committed to sustainability. 

A few examples:
•    The Leoganger Bergbahnen satisfy all their fuel requirements with HVO100 regenerative fuel (see above). 
•    In addition, since 2006 they have drawn district heating from the nearby biomass heating plant, a co-heating partnership that was set up with neighbouring hotels. 
•    The middle station, the workshop of the piste grooming machines and the Stöcklalm mountain restaurant, for example, are all heated via the heat recovery of the drive motors at the Asitzbahn gondola lift 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 Asitz- and Steinbergbahn gondola lift now consumes around 151,000 kilowatt hours less per year.” 

The Leoganger Bergbahnen have already received several awards for their efforts. The "Umwelt Blatt Salzburg" in 2017 and the Ministry of the Environment in 2018 for their commitment to climate protection. Since 2019, Leoganger Bergbahnen were the first ski resort to become a partner of the "Climate and Energy Strategy Salzburg 2050." 

 

Strong commitment to the respACT and the Climate Alliance
Sustainability and environmental protection are more than just a promise in Saalfelden Leogang, they are also put into practice. Under the leadership of the Verein für Konsumenteninformation (Austrian consumer protection association), the Saalfelden Leogang region and 19 other destinations have jointly developed an objective and independent seal-of-approval certification, named Austrian Eco-label for Destinations (Österreichisches Umweltzeichen für Destinationen), for sustainable tourism regions. In 2023, the first destinations were certified. After Seefeld and Wagrain-Kleinarl, Saalfelden Leogang is the third destination in Austria to receive the Austrian Eco-label for Destinations. It is a milestone in the development towards a sustainably oriented region. With its memberships in respACT (Saalfelden Leogang as the first regional tourism organisation) and in the Climate Alliance (Saalfelden Leogang as the first tourism association in Salzburgerland), the region demonstrates its commitment to a greener future. 
Many companies and businesses in Saalfelden Leogang have already been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel. This seal of quality evaluates a wide range of measures such as public transport, waste disposal and resource management. Hotel guests also have access to electric cars. In-house biomass heating plants, wood chip heating systems and composting plants are used to provide energy. In addition, we pay great attention to the avoidance of waste.

 

Saalfelden Leogang: A village of award-winning cuisine. Enjoy organic regional and natural ingredients 
Gourmets can enjoy many delicious meals in this holiday region. This is thanks in no small part to the fact that 5 restaurants have been awarded a total of 14 Gault&Millau toques. After all, great importance is attached to the quality of the products used throughout 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. A wide selection of Pinzgau delicacies is available in the numerous farm shops.

 

Feel good and relax in the region’s exclusive hotels 
The most diverse environment in the Alps is known for its first-class hospitality. Countless wellness services on site offer a boon for your physical, mental and emotional balance. You will come back from your Saalfelden Leogang holiday with a renewed sense of well-being that will reverberate for a long time. Many of our local hospitality businesses attach great importance to sustainability and use regional and natural materials, such as wood and stone.

•    The Krallerhof***** hotel sets high-end standards and has ventured into new dimensions in terms of recreation. Designed by Hadi Teherani Architects, the Altenberger family of hoteliers has created a new SPA of superlatives for its guests that is both grand and purist. 
•    At the Forsthofgut hotel*****, the hotel lobby and restaurants were redesigned in 2023, and 28 hotel rooms were renovated.  
•    Holidaymakers will discover lovingly designed chalets with fantastic mountain views at Puradies hotel****S. Since June of 2023, guests can look forward to the new "Heaven Spa" and other sports and culinary innovations.
•    Meanwhile, the Bergdorf Priesteregg ****S, with its chalets and the Priesteregg Bad spa, offers ample luxury and plenty of time to relax. 
•    The 4****S Boutique Hotel Rivus recently added a new restaurant and wellness area. 
•    Since 2023, the Hotel Der Löwe****S has a year-round heated outdoor pool as well as a new underground car park and a new dining room. 
•    A new spa area offering sustainable relaxation was created at the Biohotel Rupertus****. 
•    In addition to fantastic rooms, the Gut Brandlhof****S hotel also boasts the autohaus automotive event centre, plenty of space for events and an indoor golf simulator. 
•    At the Hotel Salzburgerhof ****S guests can look forward to the dreamlike Sky-SPA.
•    The Riederalm Good Life Resort****S impresses with its “dahoam” Gault-Millau rated restaurant and a wellness area for families. 
•    Exceptional feel-good offers are also available at the Forsthofalm hotel****S 
•    and the Senhoog apartment house. 
•    The "Alpine Holistic" lifestyle concept at the Ritzenhof Hotel & Spa at the Lake****S 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. In 2023, the SPA and fitness area was expanded.
•    The Bacher Asitzstub'n*** hotel boasts a heated infinity panorama pool. 
•    The mama thresl hotel**** offers rooms in urban style.
•    A new city hotel is currently under construction in Saalfelden. Completion 2024. 

Journey
Getting to Saalfelden Leogang is 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 use the Saalfelden town bus and the ski bus (for skiers and cross-country skiers alike) free of charge with the Saalfelden Leogang Card. The Loigom Shuttle in Leogang supplements the existing route network with its on-demand service and makes additional stops.

 

Event highlights (subject to change)

Advent in Saalfelden Leogang: November & December 2023
The festive season is celebrated with traditional events such as the unique Bachlschneid-Schleifen, Krampus processions, performances by the Tresterer traditional group, Christmas markets, and much more. 

 

TONspur trifft SCHIspur: 8 December 2023 | AsitzBräu Leogang
With the So&So band and Huber Wast.

 

10th Nostalgia Ski World Championships: 12 January - 14 January 2024 | Schanteilift Leogang
From the museum to the slopes. Every two years, nostalgia fans from all over the world dig out their ancient, traditional skis from the cellar for a race of a different kind. On more than 80-year-old wooden skis with leather lace-up shoes, participants take to the slopes in various competitions at the Schanteilift T-bar in Leogang. Organised by the "Leogang Anno 1900" association.

 

Nordic Park Experience: 21 January & 18. February2024 | Ritzensee lake Saalfelden
On 21 January and 18 February 2024, the Nordic Park Experience event series will welcome visitors with good music, the Kids’ Winter Games, and even a BBQ where the mood is exuberant. This will be a Green Event.

 

3 Days of Jazz: 26 January – 28 January 2024
At different and unusual venues, a total of 9 different concerts will be heard. Five concerts will take place at the Kunsthaus Nexus in Saalfelden and two at the Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang. One event will even take place at the Stöcklalm mountain hut at the Asitz mountain.  

 

Audi FIS Ski World Cup Final 2024: 16 March– 24 March 2024
The final of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup will take place on the Zwölferkogel in Saalbach Hinterglemm. The eagerly awaited season finale is also the dress rehearsal for the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships Saalbach 2025. Within the Skicircus area, guests can easily reach the World Cup finals directly by ski. Guests can also spend a relaxed night in Leogang and Fieberbrunn.

 

White Pearl Mountain Days: 22 March – 31 March 2024
From 22 to 31 March 2024, the joy of sunny skiing will be celebrated in the Skicircus. There will be sun, ski, sounds and the finest culinary delights at the White Pearl Mountain Days at the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn presented by Visa.