10 reasons to ski at the Skicircus this winter

Austria’s Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn has made some exciting changes for the upcoming 2019-2020 ski season. These include the new 12er KOGEL lift, a smart piste guiding system and the Ski ALPIN CARD, which can now be used to ski on 408 kilometres of slopes. A dynamic ski area with terrain for every level and no shortage of ski-in, ski-out accommodation, the “Home of Lässig” is a favourite with both beginners and experts alike. This winter, don’t miss your chance to explore expansive freeride areas and challenging ski circuits, ending with trendy après-ski parties hosted by top DJs. Still need convincing? Keep reading to find out the ten top reasons you need to visit the Skicircus this winter.

1. To try out the new 12er KOGEL lift in Hinterglemm

This winter, the Skicircus has once again invested in the modernisation of its lift system in an effort to continue to provide top-notch service to skiers and snowboarders. The new 12er KOGEL lift is faster, more modern and more convenient. The gondola has a total capacity of 3500 passengers per hour. From the top station at 1,984m above sea level, there are several blue, red and black slopes that lead back down to the valley in Hinterglemm.

2. To access 408 kilometres of slopes with one ski pass

Thanks to the new tariff network with the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn Kaprun, skiers and snowboarders will have access to 408 kilometres of slopes and 121 lifts starting this winter season. The new pass also extends the ski season until May 3, 2020 thanks to the connection with the glacier ski area on the Kitzsteinhorn. If that's not a reason to get a season's ticket we don't know what is! Simply ask at the ticket offices for the Ski ALPIN CARD (or order online here), which is available as a day, multi-day or season ticket.

3. Because you'll never again get lost in the ski area

It took two years, but the Skicircus has finally unveiled its smart piste guiding system, which makes it easier to navigate the ski area than never before. With new signage categorised into ten easy-to-understand zones, modernised signposts, detailed panoramic maps on the slopes and information portals at the entrances, skiers and snowboarders should find it much easier to find their way. The new system also shares safety information and warnings relevant to the ski area. The Skicircus is also in the process of developing an app, the ALPIN CARD NAVIGATOR, to accompany the piste guiding system.

4. For the ski-in, ski-out accommodation

Most of the accommodation in Saalbach and Hinterglemm is located near the ski area, saving skiers and snowboarders the exhausting trek of carrying all that equipment to the slopes. To make it easier when booking accommodation, there is a search function on the website that lets you know if your accommodation is within walking distance of the ski area. Any accommodation located within 500m of a lift or piste will be marked with an icon depicting a gondola or a skier.

5. For the jam-packed event calendar

Events at the Skicircus offer something for everyone, from the New Year's Eve Pre-Party + Queen tribute concert, to 3 Days of Jazz, to the Freeride World Tour in March for freeskiing fanatics, the Bon Jovi tribute show and, of course, the White Pearl Mountain Days for anyone who appreciate spring skiing, having a drink on a sunny terrace and enjoying live music and haute cuisine!

6. Because at the Skicircus, you can tackle the biggest ski circuit in the Alps

65km, 32 lifts and 12400 vertical metres. These figures place The Challenge within the highest echelon of alpine ski circuits, even outshining the Sella Ronda, the White Ring and the King’s Tour. This challenging ski marathon will take you all throughout the enormous Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. Every successful “Challenger” to earn a challenge badge through Skiline will receive a small reward.

7. For the awesome freeriding

The Skicircus is one of the best places in Europe for freeriding and freestyling. Freeriding camps, lessons and clearly marked freeriding routes abound throughout the ski area. There are also special checkpoints and information centres where you can practise using avalanche safety equipment. The Freeride World Tour will stop by at Fieberbrunn from March 7-13, 2020, when the world’s best freeriders will demonstrate their talents on the legendary north face of the Wildseeloder.

8. For the on-mountain restaurants and legendary après-ski

The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn isn't just all about the skiing. The Skicircus is jam-packed with mouthwatering lunch options scattered throughout the ski area. In fact, you'll find no fewer than 60 mountain restaurants! During your ski holiday at Saalbach, you'll have ample time to indulge in Austrian specialties such as Käsespätzle, Kaiserschmarrn and Goulash soup, or opt for one of the many international dishes on offer. When the pistes start to close, skiers and snowboarders flock to the numerous après-ski joints to keep the party going into the evening. Every village offers its own unique brand of après-ski: we dare you to try them all!

9. It's the perfect destination for a ski holiday with the family

The Skicircus is the ideal choice for families with young children. The ski schools are well-reputed and the ski area has a good amount of blue pistes, just perfect for practising turns. You'll also find several children's areas in the Skicircus, such as the popular Leo's Kinderland in Leogang. When the kids are skied out, the whole family can enjoy tobogganing on the Reiterkogel and snowtubing in Hinterglemm.

10. The Skicircus is perfect for beginner skiers

Although it's known for its freeriding and challenging piste options for advanced skiers, the Skicircus is also a perfectly approachable ski area for beginners. The Skicircus boasts endless red and blue pistes and excellent ski schools, plus a specially formulated ski tour for beginners! The Saalbach ski circuit is 19km long and features all blue pistes. It takes around 2 hours, so you have ample time to stop for a bite to eat while you're getting to know the ski area.

Practical info: Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn

Thanks to its relatively new link to Fieberbrunn, the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is now one of the largest ski areas in Austria. 270km of slopes offer a good amount of beginner and intermediate pistes, as well as some more challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders including the World Cup track and some steep black pistes up to 3km in length. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 16 valley runs with sunny southern-facing slopes and views of the Spielberghorn (2044m) and the Leogang Steinberge (2634m). In the evening, Saalbach Hinterglemm offers a lively après-ski scene.