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Salzburg – The perfect combination of city break and skiing holiday
Salzburg is famous for its baroque old town, Hohensalzburg Fortress and the traces of Mozart. But did you know that the city is also the perfect starting point for a skiing holiday? Whether cultural city break or action-packed skiing holiday – in Salzburg you can ideally combine both. Thanks to its proximity to the Alps, you can reach numerous ski areas in a short time and visit sights in the morning and hit the slopes in the afternoon.
Why Salzburg Offers the Perfect Combination of City and Ski Holiday
- Culture meets nature: UNESCO World Heritage old town and snow-covered Alps are just a few kilometres apart.
- Short distances: Many ski areas can be reached in 30–60 minutes from the city centre.
- Varied experiences: Visit Mozart's birthplace in the morning, go skiing near Salzburg in the afternoon.
- Flexibility: Whether weekend trip or longer winter holiday – Salzburg is ideal for both.
Discovering Salzburg: The Most Beautiful Sights for Your City Break
Those who decide on a winter holiday in Salzburg should definitely explore the city itself. The highlights are:
- Salzburg Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Stroll through the Getreidegasse with its historic guild signs!
- Hohensalzburg Fortress: one of the largest castle complexes in Europe with spectacular views of the city and the Alps
- Mozart's Birthplace: a must for music lovers
- Mirabell Gardens & Mirabell Palace: even in winter, a romantic stroll
- Christkindlmarkt (during Advent): one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Austria
Ski Hire and Ski Schools in Salzburg: Well Equipped for the Slopes
If you don't have your own skiing equipment, you'll find many hire stations and ski schools in and around Salzburg:
- Bründl Sports Salzburg: central location at the main station, large selection of ski and snowboard equipment
- Sport 2000 Juss: advice and hire in the city area
- Ski schools in the ski areas: you can book courses directly on site – ideal for beginners or families
Best Ski Areas Near Salzburg: Distance & Transport Connections
From Salzburg, you can easily reach numerous ski areas by car or public transport. Here's an overview:
- Gaißau-Hintersee Ski Area (approx. 30 min. away): family-friendly, manageable, ideal for beginners
- Dachstein West Ski Region (approx. 45 min.): around 160 kilometres of slopes, varied and with panoramic views
- Snow Space Salzburg / Flachau, Wagrain, St. Johann (approx. 50 min.): modern, varied and part of Ski Amadé
- Jenner at Königssee (approx. 35 min.): manageable but very beautiful ski area with magnificent views of Königssee – perfect for day trips
- Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (approx. 1.5 hrs.): year-round skiing possible – perfect for anyone who wants a snow guarantee
- Obertauern (approx. 1 hr.): snow-reliable ski area with lively après-ski scene
Practical Tips for Combining City Break and Ski Holiday in Salzburg
- Accommodation at a&o Hostel Salzburg Hauptbahnhof: central location near the main station, perfectly connected to buses and trains
- Store equipment: Since there's no ski cellar at the hostel, it's advisable to store skis at the ski area or with a local hire shop.
- Use public transport: many ski areas can be easily reached by ski bus or train – sustainable and stress-free
- Plan combination: plan one to two days for sightseeing and use the rest for skiing excursions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ski in Salzburg itself?
There are no slopes directly in the city, but several ski areas can be reached in 30 to 60 minutes.
What does skiing near Salzburg cost?
Prices vary depending on the area: Day passes usually cost between 50 and 70 € for adults.
Which ski areas around Salzburg are suitable for beginners?
Gaißau-Hintersee, Jenner and Dachstein West are particularly family and beginner-friendly.
Is there a glacier for skiing near Salzburg?
Yes, the Kitzsteinhorn near Kaprun offers year-round skiing fun.
Your Perfect Winter Holiday in Salzburg
Salzburg is the ideal travel destination for anyone who wants to combine culture and winter sports. Whether sightseeing in the old town or skiing near Salzburg – everyone gets their money's worth here. And the best bit: With the centrally located a&o Hostel, you have affordable accommodation that keeps both options open for you. ► Book your accommodation now at a&o Hostel Salzburg Hauptbahnhof and experience an unforgettable city break with skiing holiday!
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