SKIER MEETS NON-SKIER

“I don’t feel like skiing today”

Do you know this sentence in the morning at the breakfast table? The majority of the group is already in full ski outfit, but some would prefer to take a break today and start the day comfortably.

Or are you one of those non-skiers who love winter with its fairytale landscape, but don’t enjoy skiing or snowboarding?

In the past, as you can probably remember, you had to go skiing. There were no ifs and buts. But those times have changed. “Thank God” some will breathe a sigh of relief now. There are now enough alternatives in our region, everyone can live out their preferences and for lunch or après-ski you can meet up with the rest of the group or family right on the slopes.

Since we are often asked at the tourist office which huts you could meet at, preferably easily accessible for skiers, boarders and people who are “bottomless” (i.e. without skis or boards), we have put together a few hut tips for you. This is our contribution so that you can enjoy a pleasant and stress-free holiday. So a win-win situation for everyone. After all, holidays should be fun and filled with moments of happiness.

THEN IT CAN ACTUALLY IN
GO STACKS, RIGHT?

Let’s start with the popular and very well-known Hecherhütte in Viehhofen, right next to run no. 168. Easily accessible via the Poltenlift I4 and the fantastic Viehhofen descent. This descent is still dependent on natural snow and therefore ensures an unforgettable and unique piste experience. At 7.5 km, it is also the longest run in the entire ski area. Since this is a blue and very wide run, it is wonderfully suitable for the whole family, regardless of whether you are a pleasure skier, a mini racer or a full-grown piste pig.

On cold days, you can warm yourself up by the fireplace in the Hecherhütte and soak up the sun on the terrace on beautiful, sky-blue days. For non-skiers, the Hecherhütte can be reached either by taxi or on foot. On a leisurely winter hike on the sunny side of Viehhofen, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the mountain hut. The starting point is the center of Viehhofen, from where you only need to follow the signs. However, if you want to climb the mountain road to the Hecherhütte in your own car, snow chains and good driving skills are required.

Be sure to try a Hecherfeuer at the Hecherhütte or reserve a table for a delicious steak in the evening.

THE SCHMIDTHOHE
FOR NON-SKIERS

Of course, an ascent with the zellamseeXpress, directly from Viehhofen to the Schmittenhöhe, is a must. You should have your camera ready to hand on the driveway, because the perfect view of Viehhofen awaits you.

Arrived at the Salersbachköpfl, the mountain station of the zellamseeXpress, you are in the middle of the winter hiking trail no. 28. You can either keep to the right and hike to the Schmittenhöhe to the Elisabeth chapel, where you can stop for refreshments in the Hochzelleralm or the Schnaps-Hans Alm. Or you prefer the path to your left, which leads to the Sonnkogel and the associated restaurant. Along the entire winter hiking trail no. 28 you will find sunny resting places. You will also pass some sculptures from the “Art on the Mountain” exhibition.

SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM FOR
NON-SKIER

We continue into the valley with the ski bus in the direction of Saalbach, which runs every 10 minutes in the high season and can be used free of charge with a valid ski pass. The end station is directly at the Schönleitenbahn and is therefore your exit point. The next meeting points are in the immediate vicinity: 

The Jauseralm is located directly on the Jausern descent 2a and can be reached on foot within approx. 15 minutes. Walk along the Saalach out of the valley and turn right at the first crossroads. After the Hotel Interstar, turn right again and follow the course of the road. You can’t miss the Jauseralm, because when the road ends you are right in front of it and can watch skiers and boarders doing their turns on the Jausern descent.

However, if you prefer huts that are higher up, you can take the Schönleitenbahn ascent. Enjoy the view into and out of the valley.

There are two more huts at the middle station of the Schönleitenbahn. On the one hand the Rachkuchl, a rustic hut where you can enjoy the view of Saalbach with a delicious farmer’s donut and on the other side of the gondola the Hochwartalm with service and self-service area and a large terrace.

At the summit, right next to the mountain station of the Schönleitenbahn, you will find the Wildenkarhütte. The view of the Leoganger Steinberge and the Kitzsteinhorn is breathtaking. All those who are looking for exercise will find what they are looking for here in the form of an easy winter hike to the Berghotel Seidl-Alm. The winter hiking trail leads past the reservoir, which serves as a water reservoir for the snowmaking systems. If you already know our region from the summer, you are certainly familiar with this hiking trail. For the way home it is important to use the same path, otherwise you would end up in the middle of the piste. And believe me, you don’t stand a chance against the skiers as a pedestrian 😉

However, the huts mentioned are only a fraction of the possibilities that are open to you. The entire ski areas of Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn and Zell am See Kaprun offer a great variety and possibilities that make every winter heart beat faster.

You can find a detailed list with orientation aid either in our current information booklet or online on the non-skier page. You just have to choose what you want in the morning. A short or longer hike through the wintry landscape or you want to go straight up to dizzy heights with the gondola.

I wish you wonderful moments off the slopes and on the numerous winter hiking trails in our region. Enjoy the silence and the magical crunching of the snow with every step you take.