Local History And Ski Museum In Saalbach

The Local History And Ski Museum In Saalbach is a place where visitors can learn more about this history and culture, and discover how Saalbach-Hinterglemm transformed from a remote and impoverished valley to a world-renowned tourist resort.

The Museum

The museum is located in a historic building in the center of Saalbach, next to the parish church. The building dates back to the 15th century and was originally a farmhouse, then a school, and finally a town hall. It was renovated and converted into a museum in 1989, and has since been expanded and updated several times. The museum covers an area of about 400 square meters and consists of two main sections: the local history section and the ski section. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on various topics related to the region and its people.

The museum is open from May to October and from December to April, with different opening hours depending on the season. The admission fee is 5.50 euros for adults, 2.80 euros for children, and free for holders of the Joker Card, a guest card that offers discounts and benefits in the Saalbach-Hinterglemm area. The museum also offers guided tours, group rates, and family tickets.

The Local History Section

The local history section of the museum tells the story of Saalbach-Hinterglemm from its earliest origins to the present day. The exhibits are arranged chronologically and thematically, and include original documents, photographs, artifacts, models, and interactive displays. Some of the highlights of the local history section are:

The prehistory and early history of the valley, from the Stone Age to the Roman era, with archaeological finds and reconstructions of ancient settlements and roads.
The medieval and modern history of the valley, from the first mention of Saalbach in 1222 to the establishment of the market town in 1489, with examples of the local architecture, crafts, trade, and customs.
The religious and cultural history of the valley, from the construction of the parish church in 1410 to the development of the local art and music scene, with paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, and costumes.
The social and economic history of the valley, from the hardships and conflicts of the peasant life to the emergence and growth of the tourism industry, with displays of the farming tools, household items, clothing, and souvenirs.
The natural and environmental history of the valley, from the formation and features of the landscape to the impact and challenges of the climate change, with maps, models, and multimedia presentations.

The Ski Section

The ski section of the museum showcases the history and culture of the ski sport in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, from its beginnings in the late 19th century to its current status as a leading ski destination. The exhibits are arranged according to different aspects and themes of the ski sport, and include original equipment, clothing, trophies, posters, and videos. Some of the highlights of the ski section are:

The origins and evolution of the ski sport in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, from the first ski pioneers and instructors to the modern ski schools and clubs, with examples of the old and new ski techniques and styles.
The development and improvement of the ski infrastructure in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, from the first ski lifts and slopes to the current ski circus and snow parks, with models, maps, and photographs of the ski facilities and the ski area.
The achievements and personalities of the ski sport in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, from the local and national ski champions and legends to the international ski events and stars, with displays of the medals, cups, and memorabilia of the ski competitions and the ski celebrities.
The culture and lifestyle of the ski sport in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, from the traditions and values of the ski community to the trends and attractions of the ski tourism, with examples of the ski fashion, music, and entertainment.

The Special Exhibition

The museum also features a special exhibition on the 30th anniversary of the Ski World Championships Saalbach, which took place in 1991 and 2021. The exhibition celebrates the achievements and memories of the two editions of the prestigious ski event, and highlights the differences and similarities between them. The exhibition includes:

A comparison of the ski courses, conditions, and results of the 1991 and 2021 championships, with statistics, graphics, and photographs of the races and the winners.
A collection of the ski equipment, clothing, and accessories used by the ski athletes and the ski officials in the 1991 and 2021 championships, with explanations of the technical and aesthetic features and changes.
A selection of the media coverage, marketing materials, and souvenirs of the 1991 and 2021 championships, with samples of the newspapers, magazines, posters, stickers, and pins of the events.
A tribute to the volunteers, organizers, and sponsors of the 1991 and 2021 championships, with stories, interviews, and acknowledgments of the people and the companies that made the events possible and successful.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria