Snow Space Salzburg
Snow Space Salzburg: 120km of slopes across Flachau, Wagrain & St. Johann. 45 lifts, 100% snowmaking. Part of Ski amadé's 760km network.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
28 Nov 2026
Closes
4 Apr 2027
Days open
127
Annual snow
1.4m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Snow Space Salzburg spans 120 kilometres of piste across three interconnected sectors - Flachau, Wagrain, and St. Johann-Alpendorf - with elevations ranging from 740 metres to 1,980 metres and a maximum vertical drop of 1,240 metres. The resort forms part of the broader 210-kilometre ski area when combined with the linked Shuttleberg Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl and Zauchensee zones via the Panorama Link gondola. Annual snowfall averages 250 centimetres, supplemented by 100% snowmaking coverage using 800 snow cannons that can blanket the entire terrain within 72 hours. The resort operates within Ski amadé, granting pass holders access to 760 kilometres of slopes across 25 Austrian ski areas.
The terrain breakdown favours cruising intermediates: 69% of runs are graded red, 28% blue for beginners, with just 3% classified as black. Three main peaks define the area - Grießenkareck at 1,991 metres, Sonntagskogel at 1,850 metres, and Hirschkogel at 1,755 metres - with the St. Johann-Wagrain-Flachau sector alone offering 125 kilometres of trails spanning 15 kilometres from end to end. The longest continuous descent runs 6 kilometres from the Grießenkareck summit down into Flachau village, covering approximately 1,200 metres of vertical. Flachau hosts the Hermann Maier FIS World Cup slope, a 637-metre run with 200 metres of vertical that stages the annual women's night slalom each January.
Over 85 mountain restaurants dot the ski area, from the rustic Birkhahnalm in Flachau to the Buchau Salettl above St. Johann. Après-ski concentrates around the Dampfkessel and Hofstadl bars near the Flachau valley stations, with the village maintaining a lively atmosphere well into the evening. Wagraini's Winter World at the middle station of the Rote 8er gondola provides a dedicated children's learning area with magic carpets, a dwarf house, and a beginner snow park. The resort operates seven entry points across the three villages, each with free parking directly at the lift bases.
The Ski amadé season pass costs €689 for adults and unlocks 270 lifts across the network, whilst single-day tickets for Snow Space Salzburg range from €52 to €62 depending on peak dates. Children under nine ski free, and youth tickets start at €39 per day. The terrain profile and lift infrastructure make this resort particularly well-suited to intermediate skiers, families, and groups of mixed abilities seeking extensive mileage without challenging steeps. Advanced skiers seeking off-piste terrain should consider venturing to the linked Zauchensee sector, which offers the region's most reliable snow conditions.
1240m
Vertical
69
Runs
120 km
Piste
1.4m
Annual snow
Ski amadé
Pass
The Terrain
69 runs across 120 km of piste
Snow Space Salzburg joins Flachau, Wagrain and St. Johann-Alpendorf into 120 kilometres of piste across 69 runs, falling 1,240 metres from 1,980 metres to the 740-metre valley floor. Red runs make up 69% of the terrain, beginners take 28%, and advanced and expert pistes together amount to just 3%, which is about as intermediate-focused as an Austrian ski area gets. The G-Link aerial tram between Grafenberg and Grießenkareck makes hopping between sectors easy, and the Panorama Link opens the way on to Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl and Zauchensee.
With so little steep terrain, Snow Space suits confident intermediates and families who want kilometre after kilometre of well-groomed red runs and short transfer times between villages. Freeride options are limited and the slopes are mostly mellow, so advanced skiers should expect to head elsewhere in Ski amadé after a day or two. Where it does deliver is the lift system, which has 45 modern lifts, and the distances you can cover in a single day without repeating a run, particularly if you add the linked Zauchensee area.
Terrain split
69
runs
69 runs across 4 grades
Beginner19 runs · 28%
Intermediate48 runs · 69%
Advanced1 run · 2%
Expert1 run · 1%
Time it right
When to visit Snow Space Salzburg
The 2025/26 season at Snow Space Salzburg runs from 29 November 2025 through to Easter Monday, 6 April 2026, offering approximately 130 days of operation. The 12 Peaks ski connection linking all sectors typically opens by early December, with full operations across all 45 lifts maintained through to early April. Partial terrain opening with discounted passes is available in the final weeks before the main closing date. Lift operating hours run 8:30am to 4:00pm daily, extending to 4:15pm from 1 February.
The resort receives an annual average of 250 centimetres of natural snowfall, with the higher-elevation Zauchensee sector offering the most reliable natural cover in the region. The 100% snowmaking system uses 800 snow cannons fed by 1.2 million cubic metres of recycled meltwater and rainwater stored in alpine reservoirs. When temperatures drop below optimal thresholds, the entire ski area can be covered with base snow within 72 hours. Base depths at mid-mountain typically reach 100-140 centimetres by mid-season.
January through early March delivers the most consistent conditions, with February offering the optimal balance of reliable snowpack and lengthening daylight hours. The annual FIS World Cup women's night slalom in Flachau falls in mid-January, drawing thousands of spectators to the Hermann Maier slope. Late November and early December can be variable before the snowmaking system establishes full coverage, whilst late March often brings spring corn snow and softer afternoon conditions on south-facing aspects.
DJ Ötzi's Gipfeltour concert at St. Johann-Alpendorf features as a winter highlight, alongside regular Thursday ski touring sessions and the JoKiWo family festival at the Geisterberg. Weekly kids' days run every Tuesday with guided activities for younger skiers. The resort does not operate regular night skiing, though the floodlit World Cup slope hosts special evening events during the season. Christmas and February school holiday weeks see peak crowds, whilst mid-January and March weekdays offer quieter pistes.
Season 2026 - 2027
28 Nov 2026
Opens
4 Apr 2027
Closes
127
Days open
1.4 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Snow Space Salzburg
Daily snow reports at Snow Space Salzburg go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
60 cm
Snowiest day
11 Dec 2018
44 cm
This winter · 2026-27
so far
142 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Snow Space Salzburg, and where to stay
Snow Space Salzburg occupies the Pongau region in the Salzach Valley of Austria's Eastern Alps, approximately 70 kilometres south of the city of Salzburg. The three base villages - Flachau (927m), Wagrain (838m), and St. Johann-Alpendorf (740m) - spread across interconnected valleys between the Salzburg Slate Alps to the north and the Niedere Tauern range to the southeast. St. Johann im Pongau serves as the district capital with a population exceeding 10,000, whilst Flachau gained international recognition as the hometown of four-time World Cup champion Hermann Maier. The Liechtensteinklamm gorge, one of the longest and deepest ravines in the Alps, lies just south of St. Johann.
Salzburg city offers the nearest major urban centre, featuring the historic old town, Mozart's birthplace, and the annual Salzburg Festival. Bischofshofen, famous for its ski jumping venue on the Four Hills Tournament circuit, sits 10 kilometres west of St. Johann. The Gastein Valley thermal spa region lies within 30 kilometres to the south, whilst Schladming and the Dachstein glacier region are accessible within an hour's drive east via the B320. The area has been settled since the Bronze Age, with St. Johann first documented as a village in a 1074 deed.
The Tauern Autobahn A10 provides direct motorway access, with exits at Flachau-Wagrain (exit 66) and Pongau junction (exit 47 for St. Johann via the B311). Driving time from Salzburg is approximately 50 minutes; from Munich, allow around two hours via the A8 and A10. From Vienna, the route follows the A1 to the A10, taking approximately three hours. Free parking is available at all seven lift base stations, with electric vehicle charging points installed at valley stations throughout the resort.
Salzburg W.A. Mozart Airport lies 72 kilometres away, with a transfer time of approximately 45 minutes by road. Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport is 153 kilometres distant, requiring roughly 90 minutes by car or shuttle. St. Johann im Pongau railway station sits on the main ÖBB intercity line, with direct trains from Salzburg departing every 30 minutes and journey times of 56-71 minutes. Free ski shuttle buses meet all arriving trains and deliver passengers to the Alpendorf gondola base within 10 minutes. Holders of valid Snow Space lift passes receive free public transport throughout the province of Salzburg on ski days.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Snow Space Salzburg, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Snow Space Salzburg's ski season?
Snow Space Salzburg's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from November 28 through April 4. That window is roughly 127 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Austria, Europe often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Snow Space Salzburg have?
Snow Space Salzburg lists about 120 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 69 named runs. That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Snow Space Salzburg?
Trail grading at Snow Space Salzburg breaks down roughly as 28% beginner, 69% intermediate, 2% advanced, 1% expert. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Blue/Red) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Snow Space Salzburg have?
Snow Space Salzburg operates 45 lifts across 7 lift types. The fleet includes 11 6-person chairs, 10 gondolas, 9 surface lifts, 8 t-bars, 4 8-person chairs, 2 aerial trams, and 1 quad chair.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Snow Space Salzburg?
Base elevation at Snow Space Salzburg is about 740 m (2,428 ft), with the summit around 1,980 m (6,496 ft), giving roughly 1,240 m (4,068 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Snow Space Salzburg get each season?
Snow Space Salzburg averages about 142 cm (56 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Does Snow Space Salzburg accept the Ski amadé?
Snow Space Salzburg is affiliated with the Ski amadé. Pass holders should confirm current season benefits, blackout dates, and reservation rules on the pass issuer's site. Policies change year to year and can differ between international and domestic products.
If you are not on Ski amadé, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Snow Space Salzburg lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans €26 to €63, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (multi-day passes, season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Snow Space Salzburg before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 5 live mountain webcams, an interactive live trail map and a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Snow Space Salzburg so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Snow Space Salzburg have a trail map?
Yes. A live interactive map embeds current lift and run status when the provider supplies it, which is useful on-morning for seeing what is actually spinning. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Snow Space Salzburg. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Snow Space Salzburg located?
Snow Space Salzburg sits in Austria, Europe. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.
1 Nov 2026
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup
Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.
29 Oct 2026