Ski Facts
- LOCAL AREA: Großarltal
- CONNECTED AREA: Ski amadé
- SEASON START & END: Early December – Mid April
- SKI ALTITUDE IN METRES: Local resort 880-2.033m / Vertical Drop- 1153m
- PISTES: 55% Beginner / 32% Intermediate / 13% Expert
- Local Resort: 37 Pistes for a total of 70 km (29 Blue / 37 Red / 4 Black)
- Connected Area: 356 Pistes for a total of 760 km (275 Blue / 390 Red / 95 Black)
- LIFTS:
- Local Resort: Total 17 (Cable-Car 6 / Chair lift 6 / Drag Lifts 5)
- Connected Area: Total 270 (Gondola 47 / Chair lift 90 / Drag Lifts 133)
- SNOW: 90% of pistes are serviced by snow machines
- LIFT TICKET PRICES: ONLINE Online bonus: The earlier you buy, the cheaper the ski pass will be.
- CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: 30 km
- LANGUAGE: German
- AIRPORT: Salzburg 70km / Munich 240 km
- TRAIN: Sankt Johann im Pongau 14 km
- SKI FACTS:
- New cable-car in Winter 2023/24 (investment about € 70 Million)
- High-quality pistes, facing east and west.
- Beginner slope in the valley, free for all skiers.
- The best hotels in ski amadé with 3x 5-star-hotels, 18x 4-star-hotels
- A lot of ski touring, with 16 routes outside the ski resort, great for nature enthusiasts.
Grossarl, The Town
Grossarl stands gracefully at an altitude of 924 meters, a quaint village that certainly charmed us with its stunning landscape. With a population of only 3,800 and beds for about 4,800 guests, it was the perfect destination in our eyes, due to the lack of people; great to escape the hustle and bustle of the larger, more famous ski resorts.
The village’s roots can be traced back to the 12th century when the first settlement, known as “Grossschwaigen,” was established. Fast forward to 1967, and the first mountain lift was erected; despite these developments, Grossarl has managed to maintain its relatively untouched charm, making it a hidden gem for those in the know. In a world where some alpine resorts can blend into one another, Grossarl stands out as a unique destination that embraces its history, beautiful surroundings and cosy hospitality.
One unique highlight of Grossarl is its delightful Christmas market, which transforms the town into a festive haven during the winter months. Here, you can find an array of handmade crafts, local delicacies and warm beverages, all set against the backdrop of twinkling lights and festive decorations.
When it comes to accommodation, we stayed at the five-star DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort. A very impressive hotel, it certainly stands out as the perfect location for discerning travellers seeking luxury and convenience. The Edelweiss boasts a ski-in, ski-out location and a very convenient on-site ski rental shop. The Wellness area is one of the largest that we have seen, and the dining options are fabulous.
Another good option is the luxury 4-star superior Grossarlerhof, a classically Austrian hotel, super cosy with delightfully traditional vibes mixed with modern comforts and exquisite cuisine.
Grossarl, The Skiing
The Grossarl ski resort is part of the expansive Ski Amadé pass, which boasts an impressive 760 km of slopes, 270 lifts and 260 rustic mountain huts, making it a fantastic destination for winter sports enthusiasts of all skill levels. With its diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery, Grossarl offers an unforgettable skiing experience. The local skiing area comprises both Grossarl and Dorfgastein.
Skiing in Grossarl is a delightful experience characterised by well-groomed pistes that cater to a variety of skill levels. The unique geographical positioning means that Grossarl’s ski slopes receive morning sunshine, while the afternoon sun warms the slopes of Dorfgastein on the other side of the mountain, providing optimal skiing conditions throughout the day. On the Dorfgastein side of the mountain, skiers can access incredible pistes from the top of the Kieserlbahn gondola or the peak of Kreuzkogel.
While the resort lacks black pistes, there are still some steep sections on the red runs that will provide a challenge for more advanced skiers. The skiing routes generally start from above the tree line, winding their way down through majestic Alpine forests, offering stunning views and a thrilling ride. We really fell in love with the mountains here; there seems to be a lot of variety, and we liked the fact that we were never fighting against any crowds.
No ski day is complete without a delicious lunch up the mountain, and Grossartal offers up some excellent dining options. One standout is Restaurant Wolke 7, located at the top of the Kieserlbahn gondola. This beautifully designed eatery not only boasts stunning views of the surrounding peaks but also serves an impressive menu of alpine dishes. The food here is hearty and satisfying, featuring local Austrian specialities as well as Italian dishes and a perfectly balanced curry with rice! Obviously, make sure to leave room for the Kaiserschmarrn for dessert.
For a more rustic experience, the Gehwolf Alm is a must-visit. This cosy restaurant captures the essence of traditional Alpine dining, providing a warm and inviting space to relax and enjoy a meal. The menu highlights traditional Austrian dishes, offering a selection of hearty soups, fresh salads, and local mountain cheeses.
BEGINNERS
For those just starting their skiing journey, Grossartal is particularly accommodating. One of the best options is blue piste # 3 ‘Familien.’ This gentle run begins at the top of the mountain and features a wide, gradual pitch that allows novices to practice their carving skills while soaking in the breathtaking alpine views. Additionally, it has its own drag lift, making it easy for beginners to access the run.
Another excellent choice is blue piste #1 ‘Bergstrasse.’ This lovely run meanders through the forest, offering a picturesque landscape as beginners gain confidence and skill. With the ability to ski from the top of the mountain all the way to the bottom on blue pistes, Grossartal provides a supportive environment for new skiers to flourish.
INTERMEDIATES
Intermediate skiers will find plenty to enjoy at Grossartal, where an array of red pistes awaits. One standout is red piste #4 ‘Finstergrube’; this piste features a steepish entrance that eventually relaxes into a wide, rolling tree run that is incredibly fun to cruise down.
With numerous red pistes to explore, intermediate skiers will have no shortage of options to challenge themselves. One standout on the Dorfgastein side is the blue piste #D2 ‘Grabnerabfahrt’, a long, winding piste that rolls its way down to the Red Gipfel Express mitten station.
EXPERT
While Grossartal may not have an extensive selection of black pistes, the region still offers some opportunities for those looking for a challenge. Many of the pistes feature lovely steep pitches that will keep advanced skiers engaged. The red piste #D6 ’FIS Wengeralm’, offers a longer, exhilarating challenge that will keep advanced skiers entertained.
Ecology & Sustainability
- Free public transport for all our guests in the whole province of Salzburgerland
- Free ski bus, which reduces traffic
- Central biomass heating for the whole village saves 9.000 tons of CO2/year
- 14 small water power plants create all the electricity for the village
- Ecological investment of the lift company in 2023 of € 1.2 Million
For more information, visit Grossartal
Photos © Tourismusverband Großarltal
