History Of Saalbach-Hinterglemm
The earliest known documentary evidence of settlement in the area is a note on the building of the alpine pasture area Schwaige Krumpfeichten (today: Eibingbauer) in 1222. Schwaige is a term used to describe a type of alpine farming whereby cattle and people migrate seasonally from the valley to the mountains. Shortly later, other alpine pasture sites were developed; by 1350–1500, 82 houses and fiefdoms already existed. Originally used about 1350, the name “Salpach” comes from the river that runs through the village and joins the Sale (Saalach). The village first went as Salpach, today Spielbergbach. The religious epicenter of the community has consistently been the village of Saalbach. The Stiftsbrief letter from 1410 helped a second Sunday Mass to be established, hence a church was approved since 1410. Developed around Meierhof, now Gasthof Post, Saalbach village emerged. It was also considered as the center of the community’s economy.
A Poor Agrarian Community
While Saalbach remained essentially an impoverished agricultural community until the 20th century, Archbishop Johann Beckensloer granted the town market rights in 1489. The amazing economic boom of Salzburg province passed by meant the Glemmtal valley would be forgotten side valley. The Glemmtal people overcame the difficult centuries that preceded them by their relentless diligence, hard labor, and modest way of life. They kept a hopeful attitude as well. Their credo was “Our endeavors need cooperation.” Still, the farmers had many difficulties: bad soil, hard winters, and regular natural disasters including floods, landslides, and avalanches. Their life was not easy. Population was affected also by wars, diseases, and famines. Many people left in search of a more contented life to live in other countries or regions.
The Birth of Skiing Culture
Former Vorderglemm farmhand Josef Wallner had moved to Mürzzuschlag and had developed into a hunting ground supervisor. He brought the first “sky” (skis) to Saalbach in 1898. For Saalbach-Hinterglemm, this event represented a major turning point. He wanted to go back to his hometown, but his large family would not fit the community. Wallner left his skis with his brother-in-law, then went back to Mürzzuschlag. Senior teacher Peter Höll at the time was lucky to get the skis since he understood right away the importance of this piece of sports gear. Knowing the book “On snowshoes through Greenland” by Norwegian author Fritjof Nansen, he was sure people were already skiing in the province of Styria (Mürzzuschlag). He approved the copying of more skis and let brave elementary school students assess them. This was the beginning of the skiing culture in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, which later attracted visitors from all around the world.
A World-Renowned Ski Resort
First ski lifts were built in 1928, and first ski schools opened in 1932. First ski races took place in 1933; first ski maps were released in 1936. The first cable car opened in 1946; the first ski circus opened in 1960. Comprising a network of ski slopes and lifts, the ski circus links the towns of Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang, and Fieberbrunn. It offers a wide spectrum of terrain and challenge degrees to fit skiers of all ability. The first World Cup race was run in 1969; the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships were held in 1991. Among the several elite skiing events Saalbach-Hinterglemm has hosted are the FIS Snowboard World Championships in 1999, the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships in 2015, and the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.
A Witness of History
Many historical events that profoundly affected the 20th century have also taken place at Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Renowned for their support of the Afrika Korps in the North African Campaign, Jagdgeschwader 27 (JG 27) Afrika marched from their last base in Salzburg to this site in May 1945 to submit to American forces occupying the village. There were probably about 1000 men in the group. Pilots of JG 27 were among the most decorated and experienced aces of the Luftwaffe; their surrender essentially ended the war in Europe. Saalbach’s name was changed in 1987 to Saalbach-Hinterglemm in order to reflect the importance of both towns inside the municipality. The name change also reflected the harmony and cooperation among the people living in the Glemmtal valley, who have worked together to make their area a popular Winter Sports destination.
