Saalbach , Austria

Saalbach-Hinterglemm, like Ischgl, is one of the biggest lift-linked resorts in Austria, with 200km of runs. It combines an attractive Austrian village with the convenience (excellent lift links and good piste maintenance) of French resorts. There is skiing/boarding for all abilities, particularly better intermediates. For advanced skiers, there is slightly less appeal, with limited expert-only terrain (the Glemm Valley is an exception). There is an excellent ski school and good nursery slopes for beginners. But, as with many of the pistes, they are south-facing - receiving a lot of sun and marginally poorer snow conditions. The other runs favour second weekers rather than absolute beginners. Boarders are spoilt, with 13km of boarders-only pistes, as well as a specialist park and half-pipe. For kids, facilities are better at Hinterglemm.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm has top après-ski and nightlife, although it can get rather rowdy with hordes of young Dutch, Brits, Scandinavians and Germans flooding the villages' bars and clubs. Saalbach and Hinterglemm are 4km apart, with the former being the more attractive and traditional, as well as being traffic-free. Both offer slope-side accommodation, while the cuisine tends to be largely local. Mountain restaurants are varied and enjoyable and, because there is plenty of sun, they tend to attract the 'tan merchants' en masse. As for other things to do besides skiing, there are usually weekly competitions and ski/boarding demonstrations to watch, but beyond that not much. Unless you like bars and clubs…

Overall, Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a top Austrian destination that has good skiing, a traditional village and fun après-ski.

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