Among the most fascinating areas of Austria, Salzburg cannot fail to be included: it is a relatively peaceful region that follows the slow rhythms of nature, which here expresses itself at its best, such as in the Salzkammergut lakes, in the lush Hohe Tauern National Park and in those high peaks such as the Grossglockner, the highest mountain in all of Austria.
This scenic setting forms the backdrop to the ski resort of Zauchensee , in the heart of the district of Sankt Johann Im Pongau, just around 60 km from the elegant city of Salzburg.
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Family holidays in Zauchensee
Zauchensee is a ski resort located in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, in the municipal area of Altenmarkt Im Pongiau and extends between 1000 m. and 2176 m. in height. It was born where once there was a small and simple agricultural village that had a single access road. The fortunes of Zauchensee began to change with the construction of the first ski lift in 1964 and, with it, with a new, wider and more equipped road.
The name Zauchensee comes from the word Zauch , which locals use to refer to the Salzburger Valley, but which also refers to the small Zach lake nearby.
Discover the best offers for a snow holiday in the best Alpine chalets and huts in the Dolomites, the best facilities immersed in the heart of the Dolomites with typical Alpine style.
Today, this ski resort is an unmissable destination for family ski holidays, especially with areas dedicated to children: don't forget, in this regard, that international ski competitions specifically for children are held in Zauchensee.
In the Zauchensee ski area you can ski but you can also do many other family activities, including sleigh rides, sleigh rides and visits to the castles in the area, such as those in the nearby town of Radstadt.
Skiing at Zauchensee Flachauwinkl
The Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl ski resort offers tourists who choose to spend a winter holiday here 45 km of slopes and 3,5 km of ski routes that reach up to 1500 m above sea level. In addition to the World Cup downhill run at Kälberloch Vom Gamskogel, home to the women's competitions, the resort offers slopes for all levels, from beginners to experts.
Thanks to the altitude of the Zauchensee slopes, you can actually ski until late March: a significant help in this regard comes from the 191 snow cannons that guarantee 95% artificial snow on the slopes.
There are 16 modern and efficient ski lifts : these include 3 cable cars, 1 funicular, 1 Sunkid Magic Carpet suitable for children, ski lifts, surface lifts, and 6 chairlifts. Among all the lifts, the 10-passenger Panorama Link gondola lift stands out, connecting Zauchensee to Alpendorf via Kleinarl, Flachau, and Wagrain.
The advantage of spending a snow holiday in Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl is the possibility of skiing on the slopes of Alpendorf thanks to the Snow Space Salzburg , those of Kleinarl which are much loved by more expert skiers or on the slopes of the nearby Radstadt-Altenmarkt area , part of the Ski Amadè ski circuit.
Zauchensee has plenty of ski schools where you can learn the basics of this sport or perfect your skills with the help of qualified experts. Little ones can take their first steps at the Zauchensee Kinderland , where there's no shortage of fun inflatable games in the snow.
Then there's the Rosskpof Family Park , accessible via the Rosskpofbahn, where adults and children can spend time snowboarding on the thorns and kickers. Also on the Kemahdhöhe mountain, between Altenmarkt and Radstadt (in the Radstadt-Altenmarkt ski area), is the Fichtelland children's area , with its Fichtslalom slopes suitable for younger skiers.
What to do for those who don't ski
The Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl ski resort is also perfect for those who do not know how to ski or who wish to try out every type of snow sport or dedicate themselves to exploring the area.
The entire Ski Amodè area, which includes the Zauchensee ski resort, offers 180 km of trails suitable for cross-country skiing , including the 60 km long Tauern Trail. Snowboarders and freeriders can head to the Absolute Park , one of the largest snow parks in Austria, featuring seven sections packed with well-maintained obstacles (for example, The Stasch section was created in collaboration with artist Bob King) and a 100 m long halfpipe. Freeriding is also possible on the legendary East course of the Gamskogel , used in the women's World Cup downhill competitions.
In Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl you can whizz down 4 toboggan runs, including the Hochnössler-Bifes with a view of the Hoher Bifes: it is also open at night, perfectly lit like the Wiaz'Haus Winterbauer and the Königslehen in the Radstadt-Altenmarkt area.
In Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl there is no shortage of opportunities to relax while snowshoeing in the uncontaminated nature weighed down by piles of snow and among the most recommended routes are the Rossbrand Tour and the romantic Moon Trail (Mondweg).
Families can organize gentle ice skating in Altenmarkt (where you can also play curling ) or climb aboard a horse-drawn sleigh and ride along the Ring to Radstadt or the Mühlenweg circular trail.
The Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl area also boasts at least 60 hiking trails that wind up snow-covered slopes, through silent forests, and across Alpine pastures, all clearly marked with yellow signs. The Salzburger Sportwelt area offers hikers the opportunity to enjoy relaxing walks in the snow, with stops at the numerous mountain huts located here.
White week
The ski resort of Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl, in light of the wide range of offers for young skiers, proves to be the perfect destination for families who wish to spend a skiing week between sport, relaxation and fun.
Like any ski holiday, skiing on the splendid slopes of the area is a must in Zauchensee too, but there are many activities that make this corner of Austria a truly intriguing and fascinating place. The particular family destination is evident above all in the Advent period, when in the nearby town of Radstadt (just 6 km away from Zauchensee) you can visit the evocative Christmas markets or take part in the Advent in the Tower event inside the ancient Tower of Kapucinertum.
For a relaxing and peaceful holiday suitable for families, one cannot fail to mention the presence of the Erlebnis Therme Amadè spa where parents, with their children, can pamper themselves with massages, steam baths and water games. At these Austrian spas everyone has the opportunity to bathe, even in the evening, in outdoor pools in the middle of winter, in very hot water and surrounded by a truly spectacular mountain panorama.
