If you love a wonderful Austrian ski resort, buried deep in snow, perfect for a Christmas Card picture, but you also want a little extra, perhaps the chance to hike up a small hill past a herd of hairy Scottish Highland cows, then eat some strudel at the top before tobogganing back down, then the beautiful SalzburgerLand destination of Altenmarkt-Zauchensee is the place for you!
That’s because, besides being a true winter sports paradise for everyone, the down to earth, honest welcome of the local people really makes it extra special. Their attitude to life, helps you feel truly relaxed on your holiday and fully connected to the beautiful, natural world all around you in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee. It’s a way of being known as ‘Lebensgefühl’ to the Austrians and you’ll find it present in every part of your holiday, taking it to a different, deeper level of contentment.
© Skiing in Zauchensee Lorenz Masser
Located in the vast Ski amadé region, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee offers a whole lot more than just its twin ski areas with their perfectly groomed slopes, fabulous fun parks and amazing off-piste freeriding potential.
There are wonderful spa facilities here, lots to do outdoors besides skiing or snowboarding downhill and fabulous food of course, as well as great events and surprises to entertain and amaze you.
In The Snow
Most of us do come first for the skiing or riding though and Altenmarkt-Zauchensee certainly does not disappoint there.
Firstly, the Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl ski area extends to 45 km of slopes served by 18 fast, comfortable lifts and offers runs for abilities across the slopes of Gamskogel, Tauernkar and Rosskopf ski mountains. Zauchensee is famous for its challenging World Cup descent that leads through the technically challenging and very winding Kälberloch, but each of the three peaks has at least one easy blue run down too, so all abilities can ski all areas.
One popular option is to undertake the 12 Peaks Trophy which includes the slopes of Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl within the 184km of runs (73km of blue, 103 km of red and 8 km of black pistes), stretching across five beautiful valleys in one of the largest and most varied ski regions in the amadé ski region.
© Freeriding Zauchensee Michael Alex Simonlehner
For experienced skiers, the freeriding opportunities are phenomenal, with Altenmarkt-Zauchensee famous for its deep snow. There are four thrilling ski routes down through the off-piste powder. These provide incredible panoramic views as you float down through the untouched deep snow slopes. There are also exciting tree runs, mogul pistes and numerous other off-piste experiences as well as a few marked routes for ski tourers, ranging from beginner to expert level.
Freestyle skiers and riders are not forgotten either with terrain parks for all ability levels, fun slopes, timed runs and children’s areas waiting to be conquered by the little skiers.
(c) Ski Circuit Radstadt Altenmarkt Matthias Fritzenwallner
There’s a second, smaller family-oriented ski area, Kemahdhöhe, located between Radstadt and Altenmarkt which has another 18 kilometres of pistes served by eight lifts. The vibe here is very relaxed and great for families and novice skiers, especially with the “Fichtelland” snow play area and the children’s fun slope.
Off The Slopes
If you love to spend time in the spa on your ski holidays (and who doesn’t?!), then Altenmarkt-Zauchensee is the destination for you. The Erlebnis-Therme amadé is home to no less than 11 swimming pools, five themed saunas and four spectacular slides.
© Adventure Therme Amade
If you like to experience the true peace of the natural world buried under snow, there are lots of marked winter hiking trails to enjoy. One route takes you just over 2km up to the Berggasthof Winterbauer, passing a herd of Scottish Highland cattle en route. At the top, you can enjoy some food and drink and take in the view before renting a toboggan to ride back down. It’s even floodlit for night rides and toboggan the same route back.
© Radstadt Tobogganing Zauchensee Liftgesellschaft
This is one of four toboggan runs in the resort, available to enjoy along with other fun activities in the snow like snowshoe excursions or horse-drawn sleigh rides into the picturesque Zauchtal valley. Besides a traditional classic toboggan, you can try the fast fun newer Zipfelbob model.
Cross-country skiing is also very popular with ideal conditions and 20 kilometres of groomed trails to enjoy. Both classic and cross-country tracks are available and one wonderful feature is the ‘flying coach’ who will give you free tips as you ski along. Of course, rentals and tuition are also available if you need them.
© Gondola in the Ski Paradise Zauchensee Nadia Jabli Photography
Pedestrians can also enjoy spectacular views from the mountain tops, just like skiers, by using gondolas and cable cars to get up the slopes. There are stunning 360° mountain views over Zauchensee from the top of Rosskopf. Or use the Hochbifangbahn or Königslehenbahn lifts for a view out over Altenmarkt to the Dachstein glacier.
Events and Indoor Activities
Altenmarkt-Zauchensee maintains a full calendar of events throughout the ski season.
© Bergsee Advent Light Installations Zauchensee Christian Schartner
The ski season begins in late November and then the Advent period is truly magical here with the Vienna Boys’ Choir, the Advent Market, incense walks and the Bergsee Advent. So you can combine your ski holiday with the maximum possible Christmas cheer!
Then there are celebrations for New Year’s Eve, a New Year’s concert and then on 24th January, an ABBA tribute band will be playing.
Then in March the LaKra Berg.Grillen takes place, a unique barbecue event above the resort at an altitude of 1300m.
(c) Observatory in Altenmarkt Zauchensee Altenmarkt Zauchensee Tourism
There are weekly events too. One of the most exciting is an astronomical tour of the night sky when an astronomical expert will guide you through the use of two state-of-the-art telescopes to make use of the clear air and dark sky at 1,350m altitudes where it takes place (good weather permitting).
And don’t forget that Altenmarkt has more than 80 enticing shops, welcoming cafes and tempting restaurants to visit, as well as galleries and museums.
Don’t miss the weekly market either where the award-winning goat’s cheese from local goat farmer Rosi Unteregger is a major attraction.
© Arlhofhuette
There are plenty of great places to head to once the slopes close for a little après ski fun and great food. The Arlhofhütte is a good choice at the base of the slopes and also has a food truck for added sustenance. The Rauchkopfhütte, meanwhile, is famed for its especially high-quality cuisine.
With its wonderful, unspoilt, natural environment, great attractions, events, fabulous food and 63km of downhill ski slopes for all abilities, as well as fantastic freeriding opportunities in the deep powder, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee is your perfect ski holiday destination.
Main Image – © Winter landscape with a view of Lackenkogel Matthias Fritzenwallner