 Poster: A snowHead
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@radar, thanks. I’m sure it will be ok. As you say, a taxi can be used as last resort.
Looking at going back to Salzburg for my 11:50 flight, first 680 at about 06:10 to Maishofen for 06:36. Then the 260 at 06:57 arriving at 08:35. I’m comfortable with that.
Seems way too simple! 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Boofont, just in case you have a luggage question, you put your luggage in the “hold” just mention it to the bus driver 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@radar, thanks. I was wondering about that. I guess you board first then? Leave luggage outside then come back to load? I expect there’s standard lockers under the seats accessed from the side panels outside?
Downloaded google translate to help. Bit of an adventure so while a bit nervous it’s also quite exciting.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@Boofont, yes check with the driver, then open the side panel and put it in, we buy our tickets through the app and one of us just checks with the driver
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@radar, thanks again. You’ve been very helpful.
Out on the 3rd Feb for a week, obviously not sure on your circumstances but are you around that week? Be nice to meet if you’re up for that kind of thing?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Boofont, unfortunately we won’t be in Saalbach then.
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Thinking of using the bus, fine from Salzburg to Saalbach as have all day after landing at 9:10. Our departure day however flight is 10:00am. Earliest bus gets us to the airport at 8:30. Too close for comfort for my better half.
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@Freefall, I would say to close, we always go for a two hour minimum.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@Freefall, I would probably go for it, but obviously it’s your call. I can’t imagine that the gate will close anything like an hour and a half before departure, and Salzburg is a small, efficient airport. However I would check the weather forecast a couple of days beforehand to ensure that there will be no unusual weather conditions. This is emphatically not advice, merely a statement of what I would do (and I’m not reckless or a risk-taker). Have you checked the train times from Zell am See to Salzburg?
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Staying in saalbach 24-28 of Jan - What is the best place to hire ski's for 4 people?
Anyone know any seasonairs to mention their name for a discount?
Thanks
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@sandviper, go to Hansi (“Hansi’s Best-Price”, next but one to Bobby’s Pub at the bottom of the main village street).
Hansi has good equipment, speaks fluent English, owns his own business, and is always willing to offer a competitive price. He is also very helpful if you have any problems.
He is a friendly guy and will no doubt offer you a welcome schnapps from the bar in his shop.
Mention my name (Tatman) and that I sent you to him for an additional discount on the price. (There’s no commission for me, but he does do me occasional favours)
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Thanks for this - Very helpful
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Tatman, train that would reach airport would have to be 5 in morning. I think I would rather travel down by bus the night before and stop in airport hotel. Have emailed Snow Camps private transfer but have yet to hear from them.
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You know it makes sense.
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was impressed with the food in the Rosswald Alm. Anyone else agree or was it a one off?
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@Mother hucker, we really enjoy the food there - it's one of our must visits.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Freefall, would you mind letting me know how you get on with Snowcamps, I got the recommendation from someone in Zell, be good to know how you get one.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I have had a reply saying pick up and drop off for 8am check-in possible so will probably go for it. Will let you know
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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A group of us are arriving on Sat 20th Jan. We arrive in Munich Airport at 14.30 and are hiring cars. Given sat is transfer day, and assuming the weather is OK for driving (is not chucking down with snow), what would a reasonable journey time could we expect to have to make it to Saalbach?
Google maps usually states around 2 hrs 50 mins. I'm wondering at what stage of the journey should we expect the transfer traffic to impact us around that late afternoon? For example would it be hectic right from leaving the airport typically or is it only really when we are across the border and heading closer towards the main turnoff for the resorts that the traffic will be noticeably heavier?
I'm just trying to guesstimate arrival times to coordinate pickup of hire equiptment and to advance notice the hotel on possible arrival time.
Thanks
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@conor256, Hi there.
I have done the Munich transfer several times, all be it by coach, and not for about ten years, arriving in about the same time on a Sat.
Some of the more regular Saalbach travellers may correct me and/or offer further comment but I don't recall there being a specific issue with heavy traffic. When you say "main turnoff for the resorts", I assume you mean like France with the windy road up the mountain? It's not like that. From memory I think it was about 3 to 4 hours in a coach and we probably stopped for a comfort break. So I think your "2 hrs 50 mins" is pretty good. Of course, you'll need to perhaps add an hour for baggage claim etc.
Ref the border, you should enter Schengen at Munich so I believe there should be no issues? Others will know better.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Thanks @Boofont for feedback.
What I mean by "across the border and closer to the turnoff for resorts" is, will it only be nearer the end of the journey when we are in the mountains that the transfer traffic will be noticeable?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Sometime the Munich ring roads and the A8 south of them is busy, you can avoid it by going erding, grafing, rosenheim-ish or siegsdorf, this is longer and is on slower (but very quiet) roads. Google maps can tell you in real time if there is traffic though. The roads in Austria will flow ok i would think, but the roads will be far from clear.
Be aware that you need buy a sticker (or virtual thingy) to go on Austrian motorways - you shouldn't need to use them to get to Saalbach (turn off before Kufstein) but if for whatever reason you get off piste then keep it in mind.
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Thu 4-01-24 13:54; edited 2 times in total
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I don't recall there being a notable change in traffic at any point in the journey to be honest. However, better to wait and hear from the more seasoned travellers for more reliable advice. I'm sure they will post soon.
As google does live traffic, you could use the coming Saturdays as a dummy run based on you arrival time of 14:30? Might help to gauge things?
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@conor256, driving from MUC to Saalbach is pretty straightforward, but depends heavily on day, time, weather conditions and traffic flows.
From the airport the motorway down to the ring road will generally be clear. Once on the ring road (A99), it can be variable - it has speed limits in several places at peak times, but generally will flow fairly well. Once you get to the south of Munich and approach the A8, there will be some queueing towards the junction and that can be the first sign of trouble. The southbound leg of the A8 and the eastbound part as far as Rosenheim can be a nightmare at times, but in good conditions it will move freely.
If the A99 or A8 are reported to be exceptionally bad you can leave the A99 at Haar/Vattersteten and go east via Grafing towards Wasserburg, and cut the corner on the back roads if you are feeling brave or fancy the pretty route through villages. This will bring you out to Rosenheim, or you can carry on to Altenmarkt (an der Alz) and then through Traunstein to Siegsdorf.
Depending on your tolerance for traffic and your ability to access live traffic reports, you have four main options from the A8 -
1. down the Inntal to Kufstein Sud and then across via Scheffau, Ellmau and St Johann then through Feiberbrunn and Leogang to Saalfelden
2. down the Inntal to Niederndorf and then on through Walchsee and over the hill (up to 600m, usually clear) to Erpfendorf, then through Waidring to Lofer and then Saalfelden
3. stay on the A8 to Grassau then via Schleching or Reit im Winkl to join the road over the hill to Erpfendorf above (not recommended as both get over 800m in altitude)
4. stay on the A8 to Siegsdorf and then head via Inzell and Unken to Lofer, then Saalfelden
On an average changeover day in February, at least 2 of these routes will likely be slow, and the road from Saalfelden or even from Lofer could be nose to tail 30mph traffic. In January, all are likely to be clear unless there is heavy snow.
On previous trips, we've seen journey times between 3 hours and 6.5 hours where everything went wrong. Also allow time for car collection - could be 30+ minutes at peak times, plus you'll need 30 minutes at least to clear passport control and collect luggage, then another 20 minutes to the hire desks, then another 10 minutes from the hire desk to car pickup, so arrival at 14:30 will see you leave the airport no earlier than 16:00 with a 3+ hour drive in the dark ahead.
On the plus side, while Bayern are playing at home that weekend, the match is on the Sunday - trying to get around the A99 within 2 hours of the final whistle of a home game can be... interesting 
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@conor256, The route to Saalbach does not involve any driving "in the mountains." Unlike the journey to many French resorts, the road to Saalbach once you turn off the motorway involves driving along a valley, regardless of which route you take, and Saalbach itself is in a valley. No hairpin bends or nasty snow-covered goat tracks to negotiate.
... which brings us neatly to the routes listed by @ousekjarr. Note that route #4 via Siegsdorf and Inzell is currently closed and will be until summer 2025. Instead, stay on the A8 towards Salzburg and turn off at the Bad Reichenhall exit, following the road through Bad Reichenhall and then to Lofer, Saalfelden (beware the speed traps as you enter the town) and the Saalbach turn off before Zell am See at Maishofen. This route does not require a vignette. (This restriction also applies to the "short-cut" suggestion - there is no through road from Siegsdorf/Inzell to the Lofer/Saalfelden road).
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Thanks for very informative reply guys 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Hi all, does anyone have any recommendations for an off-piste ski guide? My husband is an an experienced and confident skiier, and used to go off-piste when we were still living in Canada. He'd love to check out the terrain in and around Saalbach. I've emailed Reini at penhab, but I'm not sure he knows it's not instruction that my husband needs, just someone to ski with him who is really familiar with Saalbach. He'd never go off-piste on his own since he doesn't know the terrain there...
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@Skifamily, For off-piste guiding, try Stefan Baumgartner or Miriam Scharnagl at Freeride Skischool in Saalbach.
https://www.freeride-skischool.at/de/
Not that there is actually any decent off-piste in Saalbach at the moment as it hasn't snowed since Christmas. On-piste conditions however are excellent. Snow is forecast for the weekend - hopefully a big dump.
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@Skifamily,
Reini at Penhab definitely does off piste ski guiding- there will be some instruction thrown in as well.
When are you in Saalbach?
I’m travelling out there tomorrow (6th January). I’ll be there for 2 weeks. I stay at the Penhab and can seek clarification from Reini if you want?
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You know it makes sense.
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Hi all, travelling out to Saalbach later today, can’t wait. Quick question, my 9 year old daughter is Celiac so just wondering do most restaurants on the mountain have gluten free options? She will be in ski school all week so no idea where they will be stopping for lunch! Thanks.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Usually they have a key on the menu identifying various things
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Poster: A snowHead
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@quinton, @Yorksboy, thanks both for the recommendations. I'll check out Freeride for sure. We'll be in Saalbach at the beginning of Feb, so given the latest forecasts and recent snow fall we're hoping that off-piste conditions might be at least okay. @Yorksboy, thanks so much for the offer. Reini responded to my email and I was surrprise at how much he charges for 3 hrs off-piste. I imagine it might have to do with safety etc. or perhaps that's just the going rate these days...
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Skifamily, I’m also out for a week, 3rd of Feb.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Alpin Pass - in previous years this was always there when we got to hotel (Inghams etc), as this year we're self booking everything is it best to order online or just buy when we get in? Whats best ?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@jackb, my husband is gluten intolerant (so cross contamination not the same issue it may be for you) and he could always find something to eat every day on the mountain and I don't think we ever had to rethink a choice of venue...hotels in Austrian ski resorts always seem to be bending over backwards to show off how well they can cope with him...he does miss his strudel, kaiserschmarn, etc...
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@gt3, there's no discount for online ordering, so the only downside to buying it at the lift or in a hire shop is the potential for a queue, but even that is limited
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| gt3 wrote: |
| Alpin Pass - in previous years this was always there when we got to hotel (Inghams etc), as this year we're self booking everything is it best to order online or just buy when we get in? Whats best ? |
I tried emailing Hansi for ski hire as recommended by Tatman but have had no reply, fingers crossed I will get a better price than the 20% off online booking when I just walk in
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For those out there, how was the top up over the weekend? 19 days to go!!
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I'm headed out to Hinterglemm on 20th Jan and was after a level 1 off piste lesson. Does anyone have any recommendations? I don't have the safety kit yet (transponder/probe/shovel) so would need a place that can provide that - I noticed New Gen in VT were doing that last year (I'm not investing until I know if the acl repair will hold up ok off piste).
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@slider3, this is an earlier post
| quinton wrote: |
@Skifamily, For off-piste guiding, try Stefan Baumgartner or Miriam Scharnagl at Freeride Skischool in Saalbach.
https://www.freeride-skischool.at/de/
Not that there is actually any decent off-piste in Saalbach at the moment as it hasn't snowed since Christmas. On-piste conditions however are excellent. Snow is forecast for the weekend - hopefully a big dump. |
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Who’s good for ski hire in Hinterglemm?
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FAQ
