Hinterthal Ski Resort
Hinterthal is roughly 60 minutes southwest of Salzburg, Austria, and 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) east of Saalfelden. Rising 1,000 meters (3,281 ft) above sea level, Tucked down at the foot of Hochkönig, the High King Mountain, this calm spot is significant as a ski resort in the winter and a hiking site in the summer with stunning views of the Sleeping Virgin Mountains and Hochkönig.
Hinterthal is historically important since it was among the first areas of Austria where foreigners could own real estate. Many well-known and rich people so enjoy to live there. The settlement has a calm atmosphere since it faces the end of the valley.
Among the first-rate hotels Hinterthal boasts are the Urslauerhof, Steinbock, Almhof, Jagdgut Wachtelhof, and Haus Salzburg. Recently added as part of a new high-end development finished around Florysee, the adjacent lake, many rental chalets and luxury apartments have been included.
Popular winter sports venue Hinterthal boasts three ski lifts linking to a large skiing area spanning more than 150 kilometers (90 miles). The nursery slope and ski school of the hamlet make it an ideal spot for novice skiers to pick their skills. Because of its microclimate, which helps to produce an amazing snow record, hinterthal enjoys a long ski season that runs late November to around the middle of April.
Hinterthal’s presence in the High King Mountain Ski Area accentuates its appeal as a winter sports paradise. Popular for both vacationers and winter sports enthusiasts, Hinterthal boasts beautiful scenery, moderate winters, and modern skiing facilities.
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Ski Area Hinterthal - Info Card
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Hinterthal, Austria |
| Resort Altitude | 854 m |
| Ski season | December to April |
| Ski pass prices | € 73.50 per day for adults |
| Opening times | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| Number of pistes | 8 |
| Total piste length | 61 km |
| Longest Run | 6 km |
| Easy Slopes | 52 km |
| Moderate Slopes | 41 km |
| Advanced Slopes | 27 km |
| Directions of Slopes | N, E, S, W |
| Night skiing | No |
| Snow Making | Yes |
| Total Lifts | 34 |
| Uphill Capacity | 40,000 persons/hour |
| Highest Lift | 1,900 m |
| Gondolas/Cable cars | 6 |
| Chairlifts | 15 |
| Drag Lifts | 13 |
| Snow Parks | 3 |
| Ski rentals | Yes |
| Après-ski | Yes |
Hinterthal - Introduction
Tucked up in the Hochkönig mountains, the small village of Hinterthal is in the Salzburg area of Austria. There are skiers, hikers, bikers, and everyone else seeking a peaceful and gorgeous hideaway here. Hinterthal offers a great array of leisure activities to suit guests with different interests as well as a lot of cultural relics. Whether your search is for an exhilarating adventure or a serene retreat, Hinterthal is a fantastic destination.
Hinterthal first appears in print in 1424, while it was still a component of Salzburg’s Archbishopric. The bulk of the village’s population consisted on farmers and miners from the nearby copper and silver mines. The town also had influence on the Austrian resistance movement since many refugees and partisans sought protection in Hinterthal during World War II. While the town’s old charm and culture are still somewhat alive and well, Hinterthal has developed into a modern ski resort.
Located at 1,020 meters, Hinterthal is surrounded by the magnificent summits of the Hochkönig mountain. Rising 2,941 meters, the highest point of the mountain range is the Hochkönig. Among the largest ski resorts in Europe, Ski Amadé—of which the hamlet is a part— has more than 760 kilometers of slopes and 270 lifts. Ski buses and paths running through Hinterthal allow one to access Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach, the neighboring towns. From Salzburg, roughly eighty kilometers away, Hinterthal is easily reachable by bus, train, or vehicle.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Hinterthal is a village in the Austrian state of Salzburg, at the foot of the High King Mountain (Hochkönig) as part of Maria Alm |
| Elevation | Hinterthal is at an altitude of 1,020 m (3,281 ft) above sea level |
| Population | Hinterthal has a population of about 250 people as of 2009 |
| Tourism office | Hinterthal has a tourism office located at Hinterthal 21, 5761 Maria Alm, Austria |
| Postal code | Hinterthal’s postal code is 5761 |
| Phone prefix | Hinterthal’s phone prefix is 06584 |
| Area | Hinterthal’s area is 2 km2 (0.77 sq mi) |
| Established | Hinterthal’s date of establishment is unknown, but it was first mentioned in a document in 1424 |
| Language | Hinterthal’s official language is German, but some locals may also speak dialects such as Pinzgauerisch |
| License plate | Hinterthal’s vehicle registration code is ZE, which stands for Zell am See, the district where it belongs |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | Hinterthal is part of the municipality of Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer, which consists of 10 districts: Aberg, Alm, Bachwinkl, Enterwinkl, Griesbachwinkl, Hintermoos, Hinterthal, Krallerwinkl, Schattberg and Schloßberg |
| Weather & Climate | Typical of a continental climate, summers are pleasant and sunny; winters in Hinterthal are frigid and snowy. The average temperature is 6.4 °C (43.5 °F) while annual precipitation averages 1,267 mm (49.9 in).
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| Best Time To Visit | Hinterthal is a year-round outdoor enthusiast’s destination. Your tastes and hobbies will determine when would be the ideal time to travel. The winter season normally runs from late November to mid April for skiing and snowboarding.For biking and hiking, the summer brings nice temperatures and verdant surroundings. |
| Attractions & Landmarks | Among the various attractions and sites Hinterthal offers are the nearly 150 km (90 mi) of slopes and 32 lifts at the Hochkönig ski area. Built in 1954, the Hinterthal church boasts a unique onion-shaped dome. The Florysee lake, a natural reservoir and popular fishing and bathing area, Comprising 73km (45 miles), the Hochkönig loop trail circles the Hochkönig massif and provides breathtaking vistas. A fun and exciting sled-like ride down the mountain, the Hinterthal alpine coaster. |
Skiing in Hinterthal
Three main ski resorts lie in the Hochkönig area: Mühlbach, Maria Alm, and Hinterthal. The Hochkönig ski area is a winter sports heaven with 34 ski lifts—including chairlifts, gondolas, and T-bar lifts—and 120km of easily demanding pistes. A free ski bus service links the several ski resorts for members of Ski Pass. The ski season for Hinterthal usually runs from December till April, depending on the snowfall.
Hinterthal is an excellent destination for families and beginners to enjoy skiing with its several broad, simple slopes, ski schools, and practice areas. Conversely, there are also tough courses for intermediate and experienced skiers including the 60% grade black slope number 8. Hinterthal is also a component of the Ski Amadé network, hence with only one ski pass you could access 760 km of pistes and 270 ski lifts over five areas of Austria.
Thanks to the Königstour, a 32-kilometer circuit connecting the five summits of the Hochkönig mountain range, skiing in Hinterthal presents a unique experience. From the Königstour one may enjoy panoramas of the nearby Alps, including Austria’s highest peak, the Großglockner, and the limestone plateau known as the Steinernes Meer. The Königstour is the perfect one-day path for all skill level of skiers.
Hinterthal is a fantastic place to ski because the hamlet and the ski slopes host a large range of winter activities. Ski events including the Hochkönig Trophy, snowboard world cups, and ski cross world cups; snow festivals including the Snow Art Festival and the Snow Bike Festival; and après-ski get-togethers including the Hinterthal Hüttenzauber and the Hochkönig Winterparty.
For beginners, hinterthal flows blue; for intermediates, it runs green; for specialists, it runs black. The greatest areas to learn for people just beginning out on skis or snowboards are the beginner slopes, which are handy near the village. Nestled all around the ski resort, the intermediate slopes provide a variety of paths from simple to moderate together with breathtaking views and unique facilities. Mostly found on the top Hochkönig summits, the steeper and more challenging advanced slopes call for more expertise and ability.
Beginner Slopes
Hinterthal boasts 52 kilometres of novice slopes, all marked with blue markings. These are some of the best beginners’ slopes:
- Slope number 1: 2.5 kilometers long, the first hill starts at the top of the Natrunbahn gondola and ends at the bottom of the Abergbahn chairlift. The slope falls from 10% to 15% and is somewhat broad and moderate. This is the approach if you’re just starting out and want somewhere to improve your turns and speed control.
- Slope number 4: Slope number four is 1.5km long and starts at the top of the Gabühelbahn chairlift and finishes at the bottom of the Hochmaisbahn gondola. Its gradient, between fifteen and twenty percent, makes it a rather steeper hill. Those just beginning and trying to improve their abilities will find this to be the perfect approach.
- Slope number 11: Slope 11, a three-kilometer length slope, stretches from the peak of the Kings Cab gondola all the way down to the Karbachalmbahn chairlift. Extremely beautiful and varied, the slope falls from 10% to 25%. The Königstour is the ideal path for people just starting out to experience the local ambiance and view the surroundings.
Intermediate Slopes
Red symbols show the 41 km of moderate slopes in Hinterthal. Showing a range of excellent intermediate slopes:
- Slope number 6: Slope number six runs 4 kilometers from the top of the Aberg-Langeck chairlift to the base of the Abergbahn chairlift. Its gradient falls between 20% and 30% and is really fun. Those with some experience seeking a little more speed and excitement may find it appealing.
- Slope number 9: Slope number nine is 2-kilometer from the top of the Schneeberg chairlift to the bottom of the Gabühelbahn chairlift. It is a more tough and demanding slope with a 30 to 40 degree inclination. This run will appeal especially to intermediate level skiers who want to challenge themselves to their limits.
- Slope number 13: Starting at the top of the Tiergarten chairlift, Slope 13 winds 3.5 kilometers to the Kings Cab gondola. Both varied and spectacular, the slope runs from 20% to 35%. Skiers with some experience will adore the Königstour for its varied terrain and wonderful surroundings.
Advanced Slopes
Hinterthal’s advanced slopes, which are designated by black markers, total 27 km. Among the best advanced slopes, you’ll find:
- Slope number 8: Starting at the top of the Aberg-Langeck chairlift and finishing at the base of the Abergbahn chairlift, the eighth slope is exactly one kilometer long. In Hinterthal, this is the steepest and most dangerous hill with 60% gradient. Expert level skiers searching for a real test and a rush should not try this.
- Slope number 10: Ten-kilometer hill starts at the top of the Schneeberg chairlift and ends at the bottom of the Gabühelbahn chairlift. This little, steep hill has a forty-five to fifty percent gradient. This terrain will appeal especially to advanced skiers trying to improve their cutting and edge control abilities.
- Slope number 14: Slope 14, which stretches 2.5 kilometers, starts at the top of the Tiergarten chairlift and ends at the Kings Cab gondola. Its gradient, which runs from 25% to 45%, is pleasing and varied. Experienced skiers will adore it here because of the exhilaration and amazing views of the Königstour.
Ski Lifts and Gondolas
At Hinterthal, there are five ski lifts overall—two chairlifts, two draglifts, and a gondola. Slick, roomy, and quite efficient, the elevators can carry up to seven thousand people in an hour. From 8:30 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon, the ski lifts are open; the cost of a lift ticket varies depending on the seasons, amount of time a skier requires it, and age.
| Name | Type | Length | Vertical | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hinterthal | Gondola | 1.5 km | 300 m | 2,400 p/h |
| Hinterreit | Chairlift | 1.2 km | 250 m | 2,400 p/h |
| Hochmais | Chairlift | 1.8 km | 400 m | 2,400 p/h |
| Schwalbenwand | Draglift | 0.6 km | 100 m | 800 p/h |
| Natrun | Draglift | 0.4 km | 50 m | 800 p/h |
Outdoor Activities in Hinterthal
Hinterthal will be especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Every season and every ability level is catered for here. You could enjoy the following outdoor activities in Hinterthal:
Hiking Trails
With almost 340 kilometers of paths, Hinterthal boasts some of the most amazing scenery in the area. Your degree of experience and fitness will determine which of simple, moderate, or hard routes you should pick. Guided walks could also be planned by the nearby alpine clubs or tourist information centre. Among the various famous hiking routes in Hinterthal are:
- Hinterthal Circular Trail: Families would find the Hinterthal Circular Trail to be an excellent route around the town and the Urslau Valley. Finishing the roughly six kilometers of it takes about two hours. Along this path one can see the Hinterthal Church, Hinterthal Castle, Urslau Lake, and Urslau Waterfall.
- Hochkönig Loop Trail: Well worth the effort, the somewhat difficult Hochkönig Loop Trail goes to the Arthurhaus and the Hochkönig. To cover the twelve kilometers, one needs about four hours. From the Arthurhaus, cable car allows you to reach the Mitterfeldalm, Torscharte, and the highest hut in the area, the Matrashaus. At the height, you could enjoy amazing vistas of the Steinernes Meer and the Hochkönig.
- Steinernes Meer Trail: Hiking the Steinernes Meer plateau is a difficult and taxing journey. Over twenty kilometers long, it takes about eight hours to complete. This walk calls for a great degree of physical fitness, appropriate gear, and the help of an informed guide. On foot one could get to the Ingolstädter Haus, the Schönfeldspitze, the Breithorn, the Riemannhaus, and the Arthurhaus. As you travel, you can view amazing rock formations, cavernues, and fossils.
Cycling Routes
Hinterthal is the ideal location to pedal around and view the surroundings with almost 150 kilometers of bike trails. Your degree of knowledge and personal preference will determine which of simple, moderate, or demanding pathways you choose. Additionally offering bike and e-bike rentals are local businesses as well as the Hinterthal Ski School The most often used bike routes in Hinterthal are listed here:
- Hinterthal Family Route: First-timers and families would find the Hinterthal Family Route to be a fantastic option since it is simple and fun. Around 10 kilometers long, it takes over an hour to complete. Starting a bike journey in the Urslau Valley, where you will see attractions such the Hinterthal Castle along with lakes and waterfalls, the Hinterthal Ski School is a great place to get going. Along your path, you will be able to enjoy natural noises and sights.
- Hinterthal Mountain Bike Route: The very thrilling Hinterthal Mountain Bike Route will appeal to intermediate and experienced bikers. To cover the about 25 kilometers, one needs about three hours. Riders starting from the Hinterthal Ski School can climb to the Arthurhaus via the Mitterfeldalm, the Hinterthal Cable Car Station, and other picturesque sites. You can then head down to the Dienten Valley and enjoy views including the Dienten Castle and Church en route.
