 Poster: A snowHead
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@chrisbristol, as Austrian Seagull says, much depends on the conditions. Two good examples are the lower half of the Bernkogel, and the 7km long blue number 2/2a from Schattberg to Jausern. Both of these are delightful when freshly groomed, but can get mogully and gruelling for a relative novice, or even an intermediate. However less than ideal conditions provide a valuable opportunity to practise and improve.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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“ the one at the road with the bad owner singer (can’t remember name)”
@Gilly28, that’ll be the Hinterhag Alm, a once glorious après-ski venue, but now ruined by the owner’s insistence on singing. Not only does she have a harsh, grating voice, but she’s tone deaf. However she has no insight, refuses to listen to anyone who tells her that she can’t sing, and deludes herself into thinking that the (much reduced) merry throng, who still bother to go in there, actually appreciate her squawking and caterwauling. And she obviously sees no need to invest in a decent band, despite the place having in its glory days been a goldmine. The Hinterhag is a shadow of its former self, yet it somehow struggles on, mainly because the building itself is so full of character, and because of its tradition. I wonder if one day it will be restored to being one of the best après-ski venues in the Alps?
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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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| chrisbristol wrote: |
I will be in the area in a few weeks time. My wife is a nervous 3rd week skier in her 50s - What are the more difficult blue runs that we should avoid please? |
This is Blue run 2a from googlemaps - anything below a midpoint gondola is about the same gradient.
https://shorturl.at/lqDK1
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@chrisbristol, as @Austrian Seagull, has said the conditions play a big part, however the one that we avoid at all times after 11 (as tatais is the Bernkogel 146 unless we are heading to the Westernstadl (great place to stop on a sunny day) or The Soul House, we take the cable car down.
On the Zwolferkogel when taking 37 down (starts at mid station) keep to the right of the piste to avoid a steep bit.
End of the valley Hochalm, the bottom of 50a can be challenging late afternoon, it's a very wide piste but you can download which we tend to to in late afternoon when spring skiing.
As Tatmantours has said 2/2a can be a joy, i've skied it several times this season and it has ranged form pure joy to a bit of a challenge , the last section is what get people as its a place where everyone stops, and take a look at it, from that point it's nice and wide plenty of room to take your time getting down, as has been said a development opportunity 
Austrianseagul suggestion in Leogang is a great one and you can enjoy a delicious Apple strudel at the KrallerAlm, one of the best in the area.
Because of where our apartment is we often take the bus up to the Hochalm and ski the blues around there, 50 is a great warm up blue and then work our way over to the Bernkogel, take the lift down and grab a quick one in the Eva Alm, before taking the bus home.
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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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getting closer just 26days away , and from todays lift and run update see more or less every run and lift is operational including 168 viehofen and the snow depth is now showing over a metre in places looking forward now with less concern about snow cover , time to get the gear out of the spare room and prepare the car.
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@ski for fun,
“ including 168” I didn’t know, so thanks for sharing. Although by the time I recover from yet another bout of “Saalbach flu” (the third since Christmas!), it might be closed again.
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@Gored, That looks quite steep
@radar, @tatmanstours, Thanks all, guess we will have to assess when we get there and see what conditions and weather are like. We will be coming over from Zell so were planning to start at Schonleitbahn and travel over to Leongang area. Would piste 168 on the way back be a good idea if open?
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Got couple of youngsters with us, 19 & 24 year old. Good apres for them? Thibking goatstall? What days is DJ Otzi on?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@chrisbristol, 168 is a delight and is currently open, keep an eye on the Saalbach website or app .
From what’s been told to me when coming over from Zell take the lift down.
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“Would piste 168 on the way back be a good idea if open?”
@chrisbristol, yes, an excellent idea. It’s a 7km blue, but the only bit that might be a bit steep, messed up, and daunting for a nervous early intermediate is right at the end where it descends to the valley bottom. But that bit is only about 100 meters and could be walked down if necessary. It might be okay, but it does have a tendency to deteriorate into slushy moguls late in the day.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Gilly28, Good après-ski?
Don’t miss Spacey’s party at the Spitzbub on Monday evening 5-7.30pm. Great fun for all ages.
For youngsters who don’t mind terrible modern music, you also have Castello and the Taverne.
Live music at the Off-Piste Bar, which seems to have its fans.
The best early evening après-ski is at the Soul House.
Late evening you have Spacey at Ötzi Bar on Wednesday (and Sunday incidentally), and at the Irish Bar on Thursdays.
Also the Underbar - usually the liveliest, craziest late evening après-ski bar.
And it’s undeniable that the Hinterhag still has its following, despite Evi’s excruciating “singing”.
In Hinterglemm, yes you have the Goaßstall (don’t expect too much of DJ Ötzi) and the Schwarzacher.
And you have the new Nightrider minibus service running every 20 minutes all evening between Saalbach and Hinterglemm - 5 euros fare.
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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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@tatmanstours, Fab thats all great advice. I mentioned spacey but for some reason i thought he started at 10?! So i think that is 2m sorted at least.
Funny the Hinterhag, i didnt mind her singing, austrian apres music is crazy anyway!I definitely did find it funny when one of the bar staff seemed to be escorting her down the stairs as if she needed a minder!
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| chrisbristol wrote: |
@Gored, That looks quite steep
@radar, @tatmanstours, Thanks all, guess we will have to assess when we get there and see what conditions and weather are like. We will be coming over from Zell so were planning to start at Schonleitbahn and travel over to Leongang area. Would piste 168 on the way back be a good idea if open? |
168 leads to the Zell connection - so you could ski back. Prob that whole section between Voderglemm & Viehofen (Leogang) is gentiler than Saalbach & Hinterglemm areas.
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You know it makes sense.
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Hi all.
We are currently in Hinterglemm with our twin 4 year olds. They’re in the hotel’s own “ski school” for 2 hours a day, but we’re keen to take them out ourselves on 2 or 2 occasions, ideally with a few laps of a magic carpet. We’re struggling to find a suitable one though… The hotel turn theirs off outside of lessons… And ideas for where we could take them? 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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| flaming wrote: |
Hi all.
We are currently in Hinterglemm with our twin 4 year olds. They’re in the hotel’s own “ski school” for 2 hours a day, but we’re keen to take them out ourselves on 2 or 2 occasions, ideally with a few laps of a magic carpet. We’re struggling to find a suitable one though… The hotel turn theirs off outside of lessons… And ideas for where we could take them? Thanks! |
I think there is one near the 12er express, but not sure if it is a private one or not. The beginner area in Saalbach is behind Bauers Bar / next to Turmlift. Cant remember if I saw a magic carpet or not though
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Poster: A snowHead
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There's a magic carpet opposite the Schonleitenbahn lift station - It's free too, and although mainly used by the Heugenhauser ski school it is actually a public lift. From Hinterglemm you can just take the free bus there.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@flaming, I can understand your reluctance to use T-bars or gondolas to higher slopes, but I imagine that you could have a lot of fun with your kids on both the Turmwiese and the top of the Bernkogel. Both of these gentle nursery areas are served by modern, child-friendly chair lifts. There are also good restaurants available for breaks. In the case of the Bernkogel you would take the gondola up and down - the easy slopes start at the top of the gondola, which is halfway up the mountain.
Unfortunately, unlike quinton’s suggestion, you would have to walk up through Saalbach village, after getting off the ski bus at the Schattberg Xpress. Even so, if your kids progress at the typical speed of most, the relatively worthwhile runs facilitated by the above chair lifts would probably be more rewarding than a small nursery area served by a magic carpet.
Obviously much depends on the individual and rate of progress. There is a magic carpet conveyor at the bottom of the Kreuzkapelle nursery slope in Saalbach, and another one in the small nursery area next to the Schattberg Xpress, but I believe that both are operated by the respective ski Schools (Snow Academy and Furstauer), and TBH both look very limited and unappealing, except to total beginners and very young children. Probably highly suitable for a couple of days.
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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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Looks like an absolutely fabulous week to be there from the webcams, hope you and the family are enjoying it @flaming.
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For the collective I have another children related question. We'll be there with our 14 and 12 year old at the end of March and looking to sort ski lessons.
Up till now our kids have really enjoyed kids group lessons and I think Furstauer are the only school that offers group lessons, is that right?
I am now not sure if that will still work for them, could see older one, almost 15 by then, potentially finding the group a bit kiddie but suspect would still like being guided to the fun slopes etc ... Bit of a quandary.
Alternative is to have some private lessons for all 3 of us (missus non skier) though then they'd be lumbered with old dad too (though I think that may work). If going for small group private lessons any recommendations?
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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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If all 3 of you are very much the same standard then private lessons could work but otherwise they will not - and they are expensive! However, the children's ski lessons should certainly be ok for a 15 year old if he/she has reached a reasonable standard because you tend to find that kids of that age who have been away with mum and dad for many years will be of a good standard and still enjoy lessons with youngsters around their own age. There will be a ski-off at the start of the week to divide the youngsters into groups dependant on their ability. Hope that helps.
PS Fuerstauer are the only school in Saalbach that have group lessons for children. And lastly, youngsters usually tend to prefer group lessons with people around their age rather than private lessons with their parents!
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@waitrose, yes I know how the whole ski school grading and sorting for lessons works. Its the age thing for my eldest which gives me pause.
You're right though about private lessons, they are indeed pricey.
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@Rowlski, you could talk to Spacey. He’s won plaudits as a ski instructor and he keeps it lighthearted and fun. He occasionally does a bit of work for Penhab. He’s very flexible (as his main employment is as an entertainer), and I can see that a family group might work.
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@Rowlski, Yes Furstauer are the only ones doing group lessons I had to do some research for one of our guest, Penhab have been highly recommended to us in the past.
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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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@Rowlski there are plenty of 15 year olds in the Fuerstauer ski groups.
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Okey dokey, good to hear he's not likely to stick out like a sore thumb as the older kid.
I'll get in touch with Furstauer and look at Penhab/ Spacey as a backup option 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Just been catching up. I can recommend Penhab ski school (www.Penhab.at) or search on Facebook. I’ve skied with Reini many times over the years and also stay in his pension in Hinterglemm , you’ve guessed it - Sportpension Penhab.
I’ve noted the discussions around the various routes available to beginners and nervous skiers. Not sure if it helps, but I have published a few videos on YouTube and tend to highlight a single run. The link is https://youtube.com/@johncoe530 If anyone is interested. I do have a lot of unedited/unpublished recordings, if you want to see a particular run then let me know I might have it. I’m back in the area from the 25th Feb for 2 weeks and will try and record if anyone has any requests? This might not help for this year but might be useful for the future.
If anyone fancies a ski or a beer let me know.
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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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@Yorksboy, found the return from Zell interesting / helpful
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They are interesting @Yorksboy, curious how you filmed them? Doesn't look like a GoPro or similar as view changing from just above and behind you? Probably a dumb question and it's obvious!
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You know it makes sense.
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Another quick question on Furstauer which def looks like most practical for us cost wise. I see they do all in lessons and kit packages which seem to be very good value for the addition of the rental kit ... of course it may be you gets what you pays for and the kit is naff.
Anyone got any experience or know people who've had kit from them as part of the package? 50 euros over the lesson price for skis, boots and helmets does seem bargainsome.
Are Furstauer generally good lessons wise? To be fair on our travels around Austria so far we haven't really ever had a bad ski school experience across various resorts.
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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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@Rowlski, re equipment hire I recommend you to speak to Hansi at Hansi’s Best-Price. He can offer the Furstauer package I believe. I know that he can’t give the usual discount that he normally gives to people that I send to him, as the Furstauer offer is already so competitive. But his equipment and service is top-notch.
And yes, Furstauer is a good ski school. Two very experienced British instructors who work for them are Nick Tilby and John Walker - both well thought of.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| Rowlski wrote: |
| They are interesting @Yorksboy, curious how you filmed them? Doesn't look like a GoPro or similar as view changing from just above and behind you? Probably a dumb question and it's obvious! |
My earlier videos were with a GoPro Session 5, side helmet mount. Has some stabilisation. Last year I used. GoPro 9 with the max lens mod. This was on a chest mount and has really good stabilisation and horizon levelling. So far this season I’ve used a GoPro Max, this is a 360 camera. Good stabilisation and horizon levelling. Used it on a helmet mount. I have some video with it hand held as well.
Hope that answers your question.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Rowlski, we had 2 kids on the package last week. I had the same concerns as you that it almost seemed too cheap but equipment and service was good. Kids got decent gear and really enjoyed their time in ski school.
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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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| Rowlski wrote: |
Another quick question on Furstauer which def looks like most practical for us cost wise. I see they do all in lessons and kit packages which seem to be very good value for the addition of the rental kit ... of course it may be you gets what you pays for and the kit is naff.
Anyone got any experience or know people who've had kit from them as part of the package? 50 euros over the lesson price for skis, boots and helmets does seem bargainsome.
Are Furstauer generally good lessons wise? To be fair on our travels around Austria so far we haven't really ever had a bad ski school experience across various resorts. |
Myself my wife and 2 children (aged 6 and 10, so a little younger than yours) used Furstauer last year in March and have booked again with them for this March. Kids group lessons were brilliant with a very patient instructor named Liza. Equipment was spot on. Kids had beginner level equipment in the package as it was their first week skiing and myself and wife had intermediate to advanced level skis. As you say, a good price for the package and i thought our price was good, receiving an online discount for booking in advance. The staff in the hire shop were very helpful and accommodating when my eldest felt sore in his boot and some adjustments were made quickly and easily.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I think the satellite image suggests yes but I would be grateful for local knowledge about the position of Hotel Mitterer apartments please.....can you ski out to Turmlift/ Kohlmais from them and back to them if needs be? On the map they are showing as just at the side of Hotel Kristiana and the satellite views suggests you can walk down the buildings drive onto the slope and ski but the website doesn't exactly talk about this (when I would think it a very saleable point). I know it is a higher part of town for walking in and out but that wouldn't bother us if we could ski out. My research is getting serious now I have booked my 2024 SZG flights.....
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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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@toyah807, my friend stopped at Mitterer once, I believe it is on Main Street and the side of the hotel is opposite the entrance to Eva Alm ie this will be the side of Eva aswell. therefore you cannot ski to and from it. However it is very close to the Turmlift, 1 minute walk from hotel to the lift (not ski lift , lift from street) and you are on the slope by the Turmlift. I have stopped Hotel Kristiania many times and that is much further up at the top of the town.
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@toyah807, you walk out the door, first right just at the end of the hotel walk into the car park take the lift up and you are at the Turmlift, it’s a pretty short walk.
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@ribblevalleyblue, @radar, thanks for the info but it is the apartments belonging to Hotel Mitterer I was talking about and google shows them just on the slope side of Hotel Kristiana so I know they are on the uphill side of town, a walk which wouldn't bother us in normal shoes and probably akin to our last visit and Pension Enzian, I was just wondering if you can ski out and back to the building. It looks like you can. The apartments attract me because they have a couple of larger ones for 6 or 8 and offer use of the Hotel wellness facilities and 4 course dinner at the hotel for 23 euros per night. Or at least the website suggests this. Using that for 3 or 4 nights would suit my group I think
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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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@toyah807, apologies now found them on the map, sorry can’t help, but having looked at where they are in relation to Kristiania there must be a good chance of certainly ski in as appear to be a bit higher and closer to the piste. Even if not, there is a place to ski down almost at the top of the high street and to which we use for Kristiania, it is quite a bit further up than the lift that comes down to cross over to Bernkogel. having stayed at Enzian many times, I would be surprised if the walk back from there to Mitterer apartments would be as bad as the trudge up the hill to Enzian.
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FAQ
, I know roughly where the apartments are and I’m not sure they might be too far over.
Will probably use Furstauer for the kids though just for convenience, may go to Hansi for my skis.