Zauchensee, A Hidden Gem
SEASON START & END: Early December to Late April
SKI ALTITUDE IN METRES: 1,350 m – 2,176 m / Vertical descent 826m
PISTES: 45 km pistes – 10 Blue pistes @ 24 km / 12 Red pistes @ 17 km / 3 Black pistes @ 4 km
LIFTS: 16 lifts – Funicular: 1 / Gondola: 3 / Chair lift: 6 / Drag Lifts: 5 / Magic Carpet: 1
SNOW: 160 Snow cannons
LIFT TICKET: Please see ONLINE
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl-
LANGUAGE: German
AIRPORT: Nearest airports are: Salzburg 69 km, Munich 211 km, Vienna 319 km
TRAIN: Nearest stations to Zauchensee: Altenmarkt: 10 km / Radstadt: 14 km / Bischofshofen: 35 km / Salzburg: 79 km
SKI FACTS: Very good connections with the ski bus / Ski in – Ski out in Zauchensee
Zauchensee & Altenmarkt, the towns
Zauchensee and Altenmarkt are two charming locations with much to offer. The ski area of Zauchensee, originally a summer farmstead, transformed in the 1960s with the arrival of ski lifts. Today, it boasts a quaint collection of ski-in ski-out hotels and sports shops. The nearest town, Altenmarkt, is just a 15-minute drive away along a scenic Alpine road, accessible by car or the free local bus.
Altenmarkt is a lively town with numerous hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars that offer a delightful après-ski experience. It has been home to the renowned Atomic ski factory since 1955, giving the town a well-deserved spot on the map.
The valley’s wide expanse allows for plenty of sunshine. If you’re considering staying in Altenmarkt, the 4-star Hotel Kesselgrub is a great choice. Next door, you’ll find the exceptional s’Kessei restaurant, run by talented young chefs. For an evening of fun and food, consider the 1-hour walk or a taxi ride to Hochnössleralm, where you can enjoy classic local cuisine and traditional music, followed by a 4km toboggan run back to the valley, which is sure to be a memorable experience.
Beyond the slopes, the Erlebnis-Therme Amadé Aqua Centre is a must-visit. The expansive pool area includes thrilling water slides, a salt pool, and a water climbing pool that will keep children entertained for hours. Don’t miss the adults’ selection of saunas, steam rooms, and a cold plunge pool for a perfect relaxation experience.
During Christmas, both Zauchensee and Altenmarkt transform into festive wonderlands. Altenmarkt hosts a beautiful Christmas market with local crafts, food, and live music. There’s even a petting zoo with llamas, tiny ponies, and rabbits. In Zauchensee, enjoy a spectacular light show around the lake, complete with hot Christmas drinks, live music, and a guided advent walk. Just be prepared for the cold and bring a translation app if needed.
For a break from the usual activities, try snowshoeing in Zauchensee. A guided tour through the snow-covered forest is a serene way to spend the morning. With Tomi Bruder of Mountain Sports Guide, you’ll experience the natural beauty of the area.
If you’re looking for accommodation in Zauchensee, the 4-star superior Alpenhof is a fantastic option. It offers ski-in/ski-out convenience, stunning views, and spacious, cozy rooms. The hotel also features a superb indoor/outdoor infinity pool, sauna, steam room, and a Kids Club, making it a perfect choice for families.
Zauchensee the skiing
Zauchensee, part of the renowned World Cup resort Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, is nestled within the expansive Ski amadé ski area. The base stations are situated at an elevation of 1,350 meters. This area is famous for being the training ground of legendary downhill skiers like Hermann Maier and Michael Walchhofer.
Zauchensee is integrated into the Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl ski network, offering 65 km of piste and 25 lifts. The recent opening of the Panoramalink provides direct access to Flachau-Wagrain-St. Johann, culminating in a combined total of 200 km of skiing. Skiers and snowboarders can purchase the Ski amadé lift pass, granting access to a whopping 760 km of slopes across five ski areas.
When it comes to dining, there are 14 mountain restaurants to choose from. Some favorites include the Burgstallhütte, a classic Austrian Alpine hut on the way to Flachauwinkl, known for its cuisine and Zirbenschnapps. The Garnhofhütte in Zauchensee offers a cozy atmosphere with excellent service and food—be sure to try the turkey schnitzel. Unterbergalm is perfect for a morning coffee or hot chocolate break, and the Rosskopfhütte is ideal for lunch, especially if you’re in the mood for Tirolean Gröstl. Don’t forget to enjoy some schnapps with your friendly hostess Lilli.
Skiing Levels:
- Beginner: The resort is well-equipped with a variety of blue pistes for beginners to practice and explore the mountains. Blue Piste #11 Tauernkarlift is a great spot for honing your skills.
- Intermediate: Intermediate skiers will find the pistes particularly enjoyable. Blue piste Gamskogel Ostabfahrt #9 offers a long, fun run. For a bit more challenge, try the Gamskogel World Cup Ladies downhill on pistes 6, 5 & 5a. Also, the red and blue pistes leading to Flauchauwinkl, such as blue piste #14 Flachauwinkl 6er Highliner II and red piste #15 Schiweg 8er Highliner I, offer exciting sections.
- Advanced: While there aren’t many black pistes, #10 Tauernkar piste provides thrilling steep carving opportunities. The red pistes across the mountain are also excellent for carving enthusiasts.
Ecology and Sustainability:
- The snow production relies entirely on sustainable energy sources.
- The local community center and event hall are equipped with photovoltaic panels.
- By 2030, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee aims to be self-sufficient in energy consumption, aspiring to become a ‘Green Destination.’
For more information, visit Altenmarkt – Zauchensee online.
Originally reviewed for Bespoke Black Book