Where to Ski And Snowboard -

Review of Saalbach-Hinterglemm

2nd February 2008 by Jon Widdows 

A mixed group of 10 intermediates, we stayed in Chalet Juliane, opposite Bauers Ski Alm from 19th to 26th Jan 2008. Saalbach is a compact resort so nothing is far away. The skiing was great. We generally did a warm up run on the red 53 underneath the Kohlmais Gondola before heading off around the ski circus or towards Leogang. The only major challenge our group faced was the long black down from Zwolferkogel and in particular the icy, narrow dog leg. The slopes were great at the start of the holiday and following a midweek dump near perfect for the last couple of days. Not peak season so queuing wasn’t a problem; however as the various ski schools started to expand their range midway through the week the red and blue slopes closest to resort got very busy. Gondolas start at 8.30am, lifts at 9am, so you can get up and away early.
One of the ‘rusty’ members of our group went to Fuerstauer ski school - rather than the 5 half day scenario that most French resorts offer he had two full days which was obviously more intense but definitely a better option. I know that he thought ski school was excellent but can’t say whether any better than any others.
Mountain restaurants and cafes were excellent, good food and reasonably priced.
Apres ski for us was generally in Bauers or Veltins opposite the Chalet. Veltins was basically a small tumbledown shack but a good meeting point for the group. For a civilised drink we ventured to the bar in the Alpenhotel.
Plenty of bars to choose from in the evening; Bobby’s and Spitzbob’s seemed particularly smoky. The Otzi Bar, Jack In’s and Zum Turm (converted prison) were generally quiet. The Alibi Bar seemed to be the busiest most nights and the DJ played some great tunes. I’ve no doubt that the most ‘popular’ bar changes every week depending on the clientele in the resort.
Saalbach definitely parties hard - people were still staggering around in ski boots late into the evening.
As we had full board in the chalet we only ate out once. Price didn’t seem to be much different to what you may pay in the UK.
2 euro deposit on the ski pass, we kept ours and entered the number on skiline (via Saalbach website). You can then download a profile of each day’s skiing.
Skied hard, drank too much - mind you, who doesn’t! Expect a return trip soon.

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