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. This winter features an exciting sporting highlight: the Alpine World Ski Championships will be held in the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. Guests staying overnight in Saalfelden Leogang can ski directly to the racecourses in Hinterglemm.

 

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 and race courses, funcross, snow trails and snow tubing. The three SkiMovie racecourses are true highlights: Here, skiers are filmed from start to finish and receive a video of their run. Using your ski pass, you can easily start the countdown for the run. Starting in January, action enthusiasts can look forward to a brand-new funslope and funcross course at the Asitz mountain.
Experience the true meaning of variety with a single card. During the main season (from 21.12.2024 to 30.03.2025), the 3-day Ski ALPIN CARD costs €222 for adults (adolescents €166,50, children €111) and the 6-day card is €405 (adolescents €303,50, children €202,50). Small children born 2019 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." Young people (born in 2005 and later) can hit the slopes every Saturday throughout the winter season for just 15 euros. 
The ALPIN CARD Top 10 Trophy presents a true challenge. 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.

 

Highlight: FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in February 2025
The FIS Alpine World Ski Championships will be held in Saalbach from 4-16 February 2025, in the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. Major stars such as Mikaela Shiffrin, Marco Odermatt, and Germany's Linus Strasser will be competing for gold. It promises to be a grand celebration for spectators, who can also enjoy the slopes themselves, as all lifts and pistes in the entire Skicircus will remain operational during the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Tip: If you stay in Saalfelden Leogang during the championships, you can easily ski to the racecourse.

 

"KIDS ON SKI" - Saalfelden Leogang allows kids to ski free of charge
Leading ski resorts in Austria, Italy, and Switzerland share a common goal: to discover the skiers of tomorrow and encourage them to embrace skiing. Last winter, six ski resorts collaborated on the "KIDS ON SKI" pilot project. Resorts included Saalfelden Leogang and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis from Austria, Aletsch Arena and Grindelwald from Switzerland, as well as Alta-Badia and Madonna di Campiglio from Italy.
Due to its success last winter, the project has been expanded to include additional ski resorts (such as Obertauern and Sölden in Austria).
The campaign aims to introduce absolute beginners aged 3 to 5 to the excitement of skiing. Children can participate in ski courses free of charge during eight designated weeks outside the winter holidays. Accommodation in their parents' room is available at partner hotels in Leogang (including PRIESTEREGG Premium ECO Resort, Krallerhof hotel, Riederalm Good Life Resort, Biohotel Rupertus, Puradies hotel, Hotel DER LÖWE LEBE FREI, Hotel Leonhard, and the Stockinggut hotel), along with ski passes and equipment rental at no cost. The campaign is scheduled 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 on the slopes. This campaign aims to enhance the experience for young skiers and instill a love for skiing at an early age.

 

Leoganger Bergbahnen as a pioneer in environmental protection 
Since 2018, Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company has been obtaining all its electricity from regional energy sources, including hydropower. Other initiatives include utilising district heating from a biomass heating plant and implementing heat recovery at the gondola lift stations. Additionally, the Leoganger Bergbahnen covers their entire fuel needs with HVO100 renewable fuel, eliminating the use of fossil fuels. By using HVO, which is made from 100 percent renewable raw materials, the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company save up to 90 percent CO₂. 

 

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 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 17 to 19 January 2025 and the Nordic Park Experience at the Nordic Park on 02, 16 and 23 February 2025.

 

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). 
And even more developments are on the way: In the winter of 2024/25, a new centre for Nordic skiing will be established in Saalfelden Leogang. The ski jumping stadium in the Uttenhofen district of Saalfelden has undergone renovations, with a primary focus on constructing a new K85 ski jump to comply with FIS standards. 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 1400 metres, descend on two runners into the valley below. On most days it is also floodlit in the evening. This small but charming toboggan run at the Sinnlehenalm mountain inn is located near the town centre. The Sinnlehenalm Alpine hut boasts a variety of local specialties on their menu. 

 

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 guided snowshoeing, 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 establishment 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. New: The Saalfelden Leogang Card is now also integrated into the ‘Home of Lässig’ app and can be used in your wallet. 

 

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. Many of the small works of art on display are the work of the renowned nativity scene maker Xandi Schläffer from Saalfelden. The craftsman designed the "Pinzgau nativity scene villages" – with the stable of Bethlehem at the centre and the Steinernes Meer plateau as the backdrop. 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. Additionally, both museums frequently host special exhibitions. You can visit them both for 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:
•    Since 2006 Leoganger Bergbahnen have drawn district heating from the nearby biomass heating plant, a co-heating partnership that was set up with neighbouring hotels. 
•    For example, the middle station, the workshop of the snow groomers and the Stöcklalm mountain restaurant, 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 151000 kilowatt hours less per year.” 
•    The Leoganger Bergbahnen satisfy all their fuel requirements with HVO100 regenerative fuel (see above).

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." 

 

Saalfelden Leogang is an Ecolabel destination
In Saalfelden Leogang, sustainability and environmental protection are a way of life. Saalfelden Leogang is one of just four destinations in Austria to be awarded the Austrian Eco-label for holiday destinations. This is a milestone in the development of our sustainability-oriented region, which is also involved in respACT (Saalfelden Leogang as the first regional tourism organisation) and the Climate Alliance (Saalfelden Leogang as the first tourism association in the SalzburgerLand region). 
Many companies and businesses in Saalfelden Leogang have also already been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel. This seal of quality evaluates measures such as public transport, waste disposal and resource management. 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 seven restaurants have been awarded a total of 17 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.

 
High praise for Saalfelden Leogang and the hospitality industry.
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. 

After Saalfelden Leogang became the only region in Austria to be voted one of the top 10 best holiday destinations in the world by the renowned travel publisher "Lonely Planet.” Now the new hotel guide from Falstaff is following suit. This is a significant achievement for the local wellness hotels, as 50 percent of the best establishments in Salzburg are located in the Saalfelden Leogang region, according to the respected hotel guide. 
Particular attention should be given to the Forsthofgut hotel, which secured second place in Austria with a perfect score of 100 points. Operators Christoph and Christina Schmuck were also named Best Hoteliers of the Year.  
Additionally, the Krallerhof hotel was recognised for having the best spa in Austria, according to the Falstaff Hotel Guide. With the new ATMOSPHERE spa by Krallerhof hotel, designed by Hadi Teherani Architects, the Altenberger family of hoteliers created something grand yet minimalist for their guests last year. 

 

Feel good and relax in the region’s exclusive hotels 
•    The Krallerhof***** hotel sets high-end standards and has ventured into new dimensions in terms of recreation. Designed by Hadi Teherani Architects, in 2023 the Altenberger family of hoteliers has created a new SPA of superlatives for its guests that is both grand and purist. 
•    In 2023, the hotel lobby and restaurants at Naturhotel Forsthofgut***** were remodelled. In addition, 28 hotel rooms were renovated and a team campus was built for employees.  
•    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 Eco Premium Bergdorf Priesteregg ****S, with its chalets and the Priesteregg Bad spa, offers ample luxury and plenty of time to relax. In 2024, seven mountain chalets will be transformed into new lakeside huts with exclusive access to the natural pond, which has been carefully enlarged into a bathing lake. 
•    The new city hotel Das SAAL**** in the centre of Saalfelden opened in early summer 2024 with a total of 75 double rooms and 5 suites.
•    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. 
•    The Biohotel Rupertus**** offers sustainable relaxation in the recently built SPA area as well as organic delights to taste, feel and see. 
•    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, the Senhoog apartment house and the Stockinggut**** hotel.
•    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.

 

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-Soifen shuttle supplements the existing route network with its on-demand service and makes additional stops.

2024/25 winter event highlights
(Subject to change)

Advent in Saalfelden Leogang, November & December 2024
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, 12 December 2024 | AsitzBräu Leogang
Featuring "Christmas Pop Therapy with Thomas Gansch & Co." Just before Christmas, as the first blankets of snow cover the country, Thomas Gansch and his pop therapists will return to Leogang at the AsitzBräu. With the Christmas holiday hustle and bustle fast approaching, this is the ideal time to take a moment to appreciate the finer things in life thanks to Thomas Gansch's entertaining "Schlager therapy." You can revel in kitsch to your heart's content, all presented with a high level of exuberance and playfulness.

 

Nordic Park Experience, 2 February, 16 February, 23 February 2025 | Ritzensee lake 
At the "Nordic Park Experience" event, guests can enjoy great music on three dates in winter, while children participate in the Kids’ Winter Games. There will also be a BBQ for everyone, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. This will be a Green Event.

 

Asitz Winter Night, 27 December 2024 - 25 March 2025 (weekly) | AsitzBräu 
In the evening, the Asitzbahn cable car transports you to an elevation of 1750 metres, to the Mountain of Senses. A stunning light show, breathtaking performances, and much more illuminate the night. After this spectacular programme, you can conclude your evening at the mountain hut. Surrounded by rustic charm and live music, you can unwind and savour food and drinks as you let the impressions of the evening settle in a relaxed atmosphere. 

 

Skicircus ski testing days, 3 January - 26 January 2025 (every SAT & SUN) | Asitz Leogang
This year, guests can once again look forward to the chance to test the latest models from top ski brands. Experts will be on site to help you find the perfect skis and make immediate adjustments.

 

3 Days of Jazz, 24 January– 26 January 2025
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 Saalfelden parish church in addition to a free concert on the Asitz mountain.

 

FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, 4 February – 16 February 2025
The 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships will be held at the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. From downhill to slalom, you can witness top-class sports at their finest. Guests can conveniently ski directly to the racecourse in Hinterglemm within the Skicircus. Guests can also spend a relaxed night in Saalfelden Leogang and Fieberbrunn.

 

White Pearl Mountain Days presented by Visa, 21 March – 30 March 2025
From 21 to 30 March 2025, 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.