Winter is coming ... Chapter 2
Saalfelden-Leogang: Big Mountain Days, Wintersports & Après-Ski
© Image: Lux Travel Buzz
If winter means beautiful ski slopes, mountain huts and lots of après-ski fun, then Saalfelden-Leogang should definitely be on your ski trip list. Located between the Leoganger Steinberge and the Steinernes Meer in Austria’s SalzburgerLand, this region knows how to make the most of the colder months. And with one of the biggest ski areas in the Alps right on its doorstep, there’s plenty to get excited about.
The Asitz: A Mountain Made for Winter Lovers 🎿
Let's talk skiing! Leogang is part of the famous Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn, and the numbers are pretty impressive: 270 kilometres of slopes, 70 modern lifts and around 60 mountain huts. Whether you're a confident skier looking for long, flowing descents or prefer to take things at a more leisurely pace, there's a piste for pretty much everyone.
The Asitz, also known as the Mountain of Senses, is one of the region's main mountain playgrounds. And there's much more to discover than ski runs! Try the Funslopes, explore the snow trails, or head to the Nitro Snowpark. Would you like to do something different? Swap your skis for a toboggan and race down the mountain, even after dark on some evenings. There are also beautiful winter hiking trails, including a scenic walk to the Cinema of Nature, where spectacular mountain views and wooden loungers make for a rather special mountain experience.
And even if skiing isn't your thing, the Asitz is well worth a trip up. The views alone make the ride up worthwhile, and there's always a good excuse for a delicious lunch, a slice of Kaiserschmarrn, or a drink on the sunny terrace.
The Asitz: A Mountain Made for Winter Lovers 🎿
Let's talk skiing! Leogang is part of the famous Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn, and the numbers are pretty impressive: 270 kilometres of slopes, 70 modern lifts and around 60 mountain huts. Whether you're a confident skier looking for long, flowing descents or prefer to take things at a more leisurely pace, there's a piste for pretty much everyone.
The Asitz, also known as the Mountain of Senses, is one of the region's main mountain playgrounds. And there's much more to discover than ski runs! Try the Funslopes, explore the snow trails, or head to the Nitro Snowpark. Would you like to do something different? Swap your skis for a toboggan and race down the mountain, even after dark on some evenings. There are also beautiful winter hiking trails, including a scenic walk to the Cinema of Nature, where spectacular mountain views and wooden loungers make for a rather special mountain experience.
And even if skiing isn't your thing, the Asitz is well worth a trip up. The views alone make the ride up worthwhile, and there's always a good excuse for a delicious lunch, a slice of Kaiserschmarrn, or a drink on the sunny terrace.
Après-Ski with a Twist: Hendl Fischerei 🍾
Forget everything you think you know about traditional après-ski. High up on the Asitz, right next to the mountain station, Hendl Fischerei gives the whole experience a stylish twist.
By early afternoon, the place is already buzzing. Ski boots tap to the music, the terrace fills with sunshine, and the mountain-party atmosphere is in full swing.
But there's more than drinks and dancing. Think champagne, oysters, sushi, truffle, caviar and Austrian classics. Yes, you really can enjoy oysters and champagne high up in the mountains!
A highlight is the Veuve Rich Box, a cosy VIP lounge with blankets, fur-covered benches and its own bottle of Veuve Clicquot. The perfect spot to watch the skiers carve down the slopes while enjoying a little mountain luxury.
The menu mixes Alpine favourites with international flavours. Add Ibiza-inspired DJ beats, and you have an après-ski experience with a distinctly different soundtrack.
Our tip: No skis needed! Simply take the Asitzbahn cable car up, grab a sunny spot, and enjoy the atmosphere. Just remember to check the last cable car down!
Forget everything you think you know about traditional après-ski. High up on the Asitz, right next to the mountain station, Hendl Fischerei gives the whole experience a stylish twist.
By early afternoon, the place is already buzzing. Ski boots tap to the music, the terrace fills with sunshine, and the mountain-party atmosphere is in full swing.
But there's more than drinks and dancing. Think champagne, oysters, sushi, truffle, caviar and Austrian classics. Yes, you really can enjoy oysters and champagne high up in the mountains!
A highlight is the Veuve Rich Box, a cosy VIP lounge with blankets, fur-covered benches and its own bottle of Veuve Clicquot. The perfect spot to watch the skiers carve down the slopes while enjoying a little mountain luxury.
The menu mixes Alpine favourites with international flavours. Add Ibiza-inspired DJ beats, and you have an après-ski experience with a distinctly different soundtrack.
Our tip: No skis needed! Simply take the Asitzbahn cable car up, grab a sunny spot, and enjoy the atmosphere. Just remember to check the last cable car down!
Beyond the Slopes: More Ways to Enjoy Winter ❄️
Of course, there's more to Saalfelden-Leogang than skiing and après-ski. The region is a wonderful place for anyone who enjoys being outdoors, even when the temperatures drop.
Cross-country skiing is particularly popular here, with an extensive network of trails winding through the beautiful winter landscape.
Prefer a slower pace? Strap on some snowshoes and explore the quieter side of the mountains, or head out for a winter walk through snow-covered forests and open fields. And if you're in the mood for a little downhill excitement without skis, grab a sled and enjoy a tobogganing adventure.
Of course, there's more to Saalfelden-Leogang than skiing and après-ski. The region is a wonderful place for anyone who enjoys being outdoors, even when the temperatures drop.
Cross-country skiing is particularly popular here, with an extensive network of trails winding through the beautiful winter landscape.
Prefer a slower pace? Strap on some snowshoes and explore the quieter side of the mountains, or head out for a winter walk through snow-covered forests and open fields. And if you're in the mood for a little downhill excitement without skis, grab a sled and enjoy a tobogganing adventure.
Where to Stay: Two Lovely Addresses in Saalfelden 🏨
Looking for a place to make your winter getaway extra special? We have two lovely recommendations in Saalfelden! Both Hotel Ritzenhof and Hotel Hindenburg are proud GoLeonessa Women-Trusted Hotels, offering their own take on Austrian hospitality.
Hotel Ritzenhof: Wellness by the Lake 💛
Right beside the peaceful Ritzensee, Hotel Ritzenhof – Hotel & Spa am See is an inviting retreat for those who like to combine outdoor adventures with a little pampering.
There's plenty to enjoy just outside the hotel. A floodlit cross-country ski trail connects directly to the region's extensive network, while the natural ice-skating rink at Ritzensee is just steps away (weather permitting).
For downhill skiing, the complimentary hotel shuttle takes you to the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn or the Maria Alm ski area. Ski-passes are available directly at reception, and the team is happy to help arrange ski rental, lessons and overnight ski service.
Back at the hotel, the Spa am See invites you to slow down and recharge, with an indoor pool, relaxing saunas and soothing treatments.
There's also plenty to enjoy at the table: a generous breakfast buffet, afternoon cakes and a five-course gourmet dinner.
The Saalfelden Leogang Card, included with your stay, adds even more value with complimentary mountain experiences and access to selected activities and attractions.
It's a wonderful mix of mountain adventures, lakeside relaxation and good food, all wrapped up in one stay.
Looking for a place to make your winter getaway extra special? We have two lovely recommendations in Saalfelden! Both Hotel Ritzenhof and Hotel Hindenburg are proud GoLeonessa Women-Trusted Hotels, offering their own take on Austrian hospitality.
Hotel Ritzenhof: Wellness by the Lake 💛
Right beside the peaceful Ritzensee, Hotel Ritzenhof – Hotel & Spa am See is an inviting retreat for those who like to combine outdoor adventures with a little pampering.
There's plenty to enjoy just outside the hotel. A floodlit cross-country ski trail connects directly to the region's extensive network, while the natural ice-skating rink at Ritzensee is just steps away (weather permitting).
For downhill skiing, the complimentary hotel shuttle takes you to the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn or the Maria Alm ski area. Ski-passes are available directly at reception, and the team is happy to help arrange ski rental, lessons and overnight ski service.
Back at the hotel, the Spa am See invites you to slow down and recharge, with an indoor pool, relaxing saunas and soothing treatments.
There's also plenty to enjoy at the table: a generous breakfast buffet, afternoon cakes and a five-course gourmet dinner.
The Saalfelden Leogang Card, included with your stay, adds even more value with complimentary mountain experiences and access to selected activities and attractions.
It's a wonderful mix of mountain adventures, lakeside relaxation and good food, all wrapped up in one stay.
Hotel Hindenburg: Boutique Charm in the Heart of Saalfelden
If you prefer staying right in town, Hotel Hindenburg is another great option. Blending traditional charm with contemporary style, it makes a great base for exploring Saalfelden, enjoying its restaurants and discovering the surrounding winter landscape.
The rooms combine different design styles, giving the hotel a relaxed, individual character. After a day on the slopes, there's a wellness and sauna area with a Finnish sauna, steam bath and infrared cabin. One of the special touches is the rooftop terrace, complete with a panoramic bio-sauna gondola and lovely views towards the surrounding mountains.
Food lovers will enjoy Das DenkMahl, the hotel's restaurant serving traditional Austrian cuisine with a modern twist. The lively bar is also a popular local hangout, while the generous breakfast buffet has quite a following of its own and is loved by locals, too.
Skiers will appreciate the convenient ski bus connections to both Leogang and Maria Alm, while the underground parking means you can leave the car comfortably tucked away.
A great choice if you like a little town life, good food and mountain adventures all in one.
If you prefer staying right in town, Hotel Hindenburg is another great option. Blending traditional charm with contemporary style, it makes a great base for exploring Saalfelden, enjoying its restaurants and discovering the surrounding winter landscape.
The rooms combine different design styles, giving the hotel a relaxed, individual character. After a day on the slopes, there's a wellness and sauna area with a Finnish sauna, steam bath and infrared cabin. One of the special touches is the rooftop terrace, complete with a panoramic bio-sauna gondola and lovely views towards the surrounding mountains.
Food lovers will enjoy Das DenkMahl, the hotel's restaurant serving traditional Austrian cuisine with a modern twist. The lively bar is also a popular local hangout, while the generous breakfast buffet has quite a following of its own and is loved by locals, too.
Skiers will appreciate the convenient ski bus connections to both Leogang and Maria Alm, while the underground parking means you can leave the car comfortably tucked away.
A great choice if you like a little town life, good food and mountain adventures all in one.

