February 2024.. the Austrian Alps, for our annual ski trip

We returned to the gorgeous Austrian alpine twin village resort of Saalbach-Hinterglemm, for our family annual ski (ahem.. spa) trip.

While the snow was certainly not as full as last year, and there were a few concerned faces as we drove closer and closer to the village, it turned out okay for the level of snow for the week. Bearing in mind this is mid February and peak season for snow, obviously it is a little alarming that the snow is becoming less reliable as each year goes on. However, we were indeed lucky for a little fresh top up of snow on the first two nights and at least the ‘top’ of the mountain had some lovely fresh snow which the children especially enjoyed.

We chose Saalbach-Hinterglemm after much research back in 2022 for a new resort to go to after previous experiences in the French alps. We had heard that Austria was just that little more geared towards families, and indeed, we personally find it to be. Most of the hotels are very well equipped for families, from whether you need an on-site creche for the very little ones, to considerate facilities and in general, a relaxed family friendly vibe, without the pretentiousness of some of the ‘movers and shakers’ resorts, particularly notable in the French alps.

We certainly were not disappointed in February 2023 when we first experienced the delightful resort of Saalbach-Hinterglemm and, in particular, we were very happy with our chosen hotel of Die Sonne, closer to the Saalbach side. In fact, after a lot of research into the various hotels (to which there are many, and to be fair, I do not think there were many/if any especially badly reviewed), we settled on Die Sonne, mostly because indeed, the reviews were so stellar as to the hospitality, well planned and thought through hotel, as well as it seemingly being slightly more ‘bang for buck’ overall.

On maps, Die Sonne looks to have a slight disadvantage as it is not entirely ski-in/ski-out (at least as far as the ski school is concerned), however, that concern was allayed with the great minibus “taxi” service the hotel includes constantly shuttling guests to and from their chosen ski drop offs or pick ups. Even more, the ski school we chose had it’s very own ‘yodelling tractor mini train’ which scooped the ski school students up from the hotel every morning, right to the meeting point at Hinterglemm which was both a lot of fun for all, and very convenient! The hotel also has an overall ‘all inclusive’ package for all guests, so all food and drink - yes, alcohol too! - including a daily cocktail of the day and all the Aperol spritzes you can possibly handle! Additionally, there is a full on site spa, including a swimming pool, huge alfresco hot tub, sauna Haus, and full relaxation suite with infrared red lounge beds with a family friendly lounge area. You can also book many different types of massage, facials or other pamper treatments all without leaving the building.

Die Sonne also appealed to us as their rooms are quite spacious (we opted for a junior suite with a separated bedroom and living space with convertible sofa for the kids). It also came with a huge terrace. The rooms are also very modern, but yet with a nice alpine rustic character which suited the environment.

Die Sonne overall is an extremely welcoming and friendly hotel. The owners and staff clearly care very much about their clientele. Children especially are genuinely welcomed, and my two children looked forward to the little noticeable touches each day: the little Milka treats left in the daily housekeeping service, the children’s cinema and disco offered. Probably their favourite element however was spending time in the “Teen Room” with their newly made friends for the week. The “Teen Room” is a little haven (ahem, while the parents might, for example, enjoy an evening cocktail upstairs in the bar.. ahem) where our tweens in particular could hang out, play table football/air hockey or enjoy the interactive wall video games! That’s what I call a win:win ;)

As for the actual alpine activity we primarily came to do, we ventured to Hinterglemm each morning courtesy of the hotel taxi or yodelling tractor train. Here is where the Snow & Fun ski school operates. For the very young, there is a kinder ski garden right by the meeting point, then as soon as the children progress, they are matched up in appropriate level groups to venture off with a ski instructor up the mountains. Our children were matched with an English speaking group. Unlike other resorts in the Alps we have been too, here at Saalbach-Hinterglemm, there are a huge network of Gondolas to connect you to the top of the mountain which the children particularly enjoyed and found fun. The infrastructure is very well advanced, well organised and easy to use. By the end of the week, the children were clearly gaining more confidence and improving their techniques. They finish off the week’s course with a ski ‘race’ on a slalom mini piste which the parents can all watch. Everyone receives a certificate of achievement, a medal and photographs to take home. Very many happy memories made.

There are of course other ski schools in the locality, such as Heli’s. I cannot comment on experience of this company, but it certainly looks well established with it’s own rental shops also in the village.

Overall, Hinterglemm (and Saalbach adjoining) is a very well established ski resort, well operated and picturesque, and I would highly recommend it for families. I would rate it 4/5 overall, and the only one negative is due to the scanter conditions of the snow this year, but that sadly is a picture over most of the Alps too and not so unique to Saalbach and Hinterglemm.