The Austrian resort combines beginner-friendly slopes with some entertaining après-ski perfect for a winter break in 2025
When Inghams suggested the slopes of Saalbach in Austria to host our annual Travel Weekly VIP ski trip, I was instantly transported back to 1992,when I headed to Austria at 13 years old to take my first tentative steps onto the slopes. I returned home that year with no broken bones, a newfound love for skiing – hard to sustain in the depths of Cornwall – and a beaver on skis, which still resides at my parents’ home.
Back in the present, our flights from various regions of the UK came together at Munich airport followed by a lengthy three-hour transfer to Saalbach. For those travelling with children or who can’t wait to get to the slopes, Salzburg airport is much closer.
Where to stay in Saalbach
Our home for the next three nights was the all-inclusive Valsaa Alpinresort Saalbach, just a short walk from the centre of Saalbach-Hinterglemm – and quite a step up from the battered and bruised hotel I remember from my previous visit.
Despite its 100 rooms being at almost full capacity at the peak of the ski season, it never felt crowded. The modern hotel is split across two buildings joined by an underground passageway, with large, open communal areas so it was always easy to find quiet spots in which to relax.
The spa was particularly impressive with a stunning indoor-outdoor pool, five saunas plus steam rooms and relaxation areas, making it a perfect option for those who don’t want to spend their entire day on the slopes.
Dining was excellent with a huge choice of both British and Austrian dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, it really excelled when the gourmet menu kicked in come evening, with quality ingredients more akin to a fine-dining restaurant than a ski resort. The kitchen was particularly considerate of food intolerances and fussy eaters, willingly making the effort to ensure their customers were catered for.
Saalbach skiing
While the property isn’t ski-in, ski-out, it’s only a short walk to the lift. Ski hire is simple and can be arranged on the property, while the Schattberg X-press gondola is five minutes’ walk from the hotel and can take you up to your first runs of the day.
If guests don’t mind walking that bit farther in ski boots, the Bernkogelbahn cable car takes skiers up the north side of the valley with the opportunity to ski down into Hinterglemm.
The various towns are linked by a regular free bus service, and if on arrival at Hinterglemm you don’t fancy skiing back, it’s an 11-minute trip back to the hotel and all the spa facilities.
As with any ski holiday, the hardest thing to guarantee is the snow itself – especially with climate change affecting snow levels across the globe – and with our trip in late March, I was surprised quite how bare the mountains were around us. The town centre had no snow at all and the slopes were punctuated with thin tracks created by snow cannons to allow skiers the chance to ski that bit closer to resort.
It’s impossible to know what the coming season will hold, but for a keen skier it’s never as much fun when you have to go looking for the snow.
Après-ski in Austria
Of course, Austria is renowned for its après-ski, and compared with the slightly more sedate Swiss surroundings from our previous trip in 2023, it was fantastic to get back to some oompah music and beer steins. The Austrians enjoy their après-ski as much as the slopes themselves – possibly more so – and it guaranteed a fun end to the day.
For skiers keen to mix up their evening entertainment away from the hotel, the Xandl Stadl restaurant is a short taxi trip into Hinterglemm and provides a more traditional chalet venue. The restaurant is spectacular and mixes international wines with regional produce.
After a day on the slopes, you’ll have earned yourself a cheese fondue or a schnitzel, so kick back with a glass of wine and take in the scenery.
Book it:
Inghams offers seven nights on an all-inclusive basis at Valsaa Alpinresort Saalbach from £1,779, including flights from Luton departing March 15, 2025, plus transfers and a six-day whole-area lift pass.
inghams.co.uk
Trade verdict
John Sullivan, commercial director, The Advantage Travel Partnership
“The slopes were great with loads of blue runs, so it’s beginner-friendly, plus plenty of reds and a few blacks. It had an amazing lift network, fast gondolas and heated seat lifts. The après-ski was good too – the songs are a mix of Eurovision-meets-musical. They appeal to all ages and everyone gets involved.”
Simon McIntyre, managing director, Iglu
“Saalbach is a must for those who love Austrian quality with good hotels, skiing, food and après-ski. The resort has a range of fantastic hotels and the 170 miles of pistes are served by a very new and fast lift system. I’ve skied across the globe for many years, but Saalbach has a unique charm that keeps it in my top-five favourite ski destinations.”
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Boris-B; Atelier Wolkersdorfer; Lucy Huxley; Shutterstock/Nataliya Nazarova; Sarah Lucy Brown
