Altenmarkt - Zauchensee

• Beginners

•  

• Intermediates

•  

• Experts

•  

• Snow Record

•  

• Families

•  

• Charm

•  

• Apres Ski

•  

• Weekends

A delightful old market town in the Pongau valley south east of Salzburg.  The Amade ski area is surprisingly large and varied: 350 km of downhill skiing spread across 6 mountains and 5 valleys.  Much envied snow record combined with good snow -making.

In favour of Altenmarkt

A picturesque village with an onion-dome church and a number of good family run hotels and pensions.  An excellent snow record. In addition, there is extensive snowmaking in the area, particularly at Zauchensee, where many national teams train in early winter. Although the altitude of Altenmarkt is only 856 metres most of the skiing is from Zauchensee at 1350 metres and skiing goes up to 2240 metres. Cross-country skiing in the Amade area is excellent.  Precious little queuing.  A variety of good mountain restaurants.  Three competing ski schools. Good shopping.  Steffner factory outlet.  Atomic factory - good value if you want to buy skis.  Non-skiers will enjoy the cultural activities of Salzburg, an hour away by road or rail.

Disadvantages

No doorstep skiing except from the hotels at Zauchensee.  Bus from Altenmarkt to Zauchensee usually runs 5 times daily and takes 20 minutes.

Non-skiing activities  

Ice-skating, ice driving, bowling. Toboganning from the top of Altenmarkt's chair lift.  Beautiful walking paths. Horse riding. Sleigh rides. Several nightclubs.

Try to find time to include a sightseeing tour of Salzburg and stay in one of Salzburg's beautiful Schloss Hotels.