Nestled just an hour’s drive from Salzburg, Grossarl emerges as a serene and understated gem in the alpine landscape. This quaint village, perched at an altitude of 924 meters, is the beating heart of the Ski Amadé network and a haven for ski enthusiasts seeking a blend of tranquility and adventure. What sets Grossarl apart is its unique location in a secluded dead-end valley within the less traversed Grossarltal, which runs parallel to the larger and more famous Gasteinertal. This positioning imbues the village with a distinctive character, where accommodations harmoniously meld with the natural surroundings, amplifying the area’s peaceful and authentic Austrian charm.
The ski domain of Grossarl, intimately linked with Dorfgastein, creates the expansive Skischaukel Dorfgastein Großarltal. This network offers an impressive array of nearly 80 kilometers of ski slopes. With a comprehensive ski pass, visitors can explore not only these slopes but also venture into other skiing hotspots in the Gasteinertal, including Bad Gastein and Sportgastein. In total, a staggering 200 kilometers of ski terrain awaits discovery. Moreover, all these areas fall under the colossal Ski Amadé lift pass, granting access to an astonishing 760 kilometers of pistes across five interconnected regions.
Despite Grossarl’s modest population of 3,600, the ski resort located up the mountain is anything but small. It is widely acclaimed as the premier destination in the region for families and intermediate skiers. The resort boasts an array of nursery slopes, gentle blue runs, and manageable reds, alongside more challenging steeper reds and a few black runs for the seasoned skiers.
The Grossarl area, being the larger part of the Skischaukel Dorfgastein Großarltal, offers a delightful selection of lengthy, winding blue and red pistes. These trails meander through picturesque wooded slopes, leading back to the village via two gondola access points. The convergence of lifts from the two villages at the peaks of Fulseck (2,033 meters) and Kreuzkogel (2,027 meters) provides an array of options. Skiers can enjoy numerous bowls and lengthy valley runs that return to the villages. An especially scenic piste runs along the ridge dividing the two valleys, offering breathtaking views and easy access to either side, with gondolas for the return journey. The upper mountain is serviced by a gondola and four chairlifts, making it particularly family-friendly.
Advanced intermediates can challenge themselves on the steep, short reds near the Kreuzkogel peak and explore a couple of longer, ungroomed red routes off the Fulseck-Kieserl ridge. While limited, there are opportunities for off-piste skiing in this area, which is patrolled but not serviced by lifts. Additionally, the linked ski area features only two short black pistes.
Freestyle enthusiasts, particularly skiers and snowboarders, will find the small but well-maintained snowpark on the Sonnenbahn slopes below the Kruezkogel summit to be a delightful playground. It features various kickers and a range of novice-friendly modules, including flat, rainbow, and wave forms.
Despite the seemingly limited altitude range, the resort goes to great lengths to maintain the quality of its slopes. Even after extended warm spells, the valley run often remains open and in good condition.
There are plenty of mountain bars and restaurants dotted around the slopes. Food is exceptional in all three areas with a collection of Ski-Toque huts, mountain restaurants offering signature dishes from top Austrian chefs.
For families and intermediate-level skiers, Grossarl might just be the region’s best resort option. Offering affordability and a small-scale, family-friendly atmosphere, Grossarl stands out as a tranquil retreat away from the bustling crowds, perfect for those seeking an intimate winter sports holiday in Salzburger Land.
In conclusion, Grossarl presents a splendid skiing destination that beautifully balances diverse slopes with an enchanting alpine atmosphere. Its well-groomed runs cater to all levels of skiers, from the gentle nursery and blue slopes ideal for beginners and families, to the more challenging red and black runs for intermediate and advanced skiers seeking a thrill. The off-piste options add an element of adventure for those looking to venture beyond the groomed trails.
Getting there
To reach Grossarl, Austria, by plane, fly into Salzburg Airport, the nearest major airport. From there, you have several options: renting a car for an hour’s drive to Grossarl, taking a taxi or an airport shuttle directly to the village, or using public transport with a combination of bus or train to St. Johann im Pongau and then a connecting bus or taxi to Grossarl.
If you’re traveling by train, the nearest major station is in St. Johann im Pongau. Upon arrival, complete your journey to Grossarl with a short taxi ride or a local bus trip.
Link suggestions
For more information on Großarl, please visit the official website of Großarltal