Nestled in Austria's Salzburger Sportwelt, Flachau is a vibrant centre for winter sports. With three exceptional ski areas and over 300 kilometres of skiable slopes, it captivates skiers and snowboarders alike.
As part of the renowned Ski amadé network, Flachau offers an unforgettable winter sports experience with a diverse range of blue and red runs.
Whether you are looking for a challenge, a freestyle adventure or a leisurely exploration, Flachau's inviting slopes and picturesque alpine ambience provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable ski holiday.
Flachau – Overview
Just 60 kilometres from Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, and conveniently located near the A10 Tauern Motorway, lies Austria's remarkable Three Valleys Ski Area, with over 300 kilometres of skiable slopes.
At the heart of this picturesque region lies Flachau, an idyllic farming community dotted with charming traditional chalets. Perfect for intermediate skiers, Flachau's ski area encompasses 56 kilometres of slopes, all of which are classified as blue or red.
In addition, the connected Salzburger Sportwelt area offers over 300 kilometres of mainly intermediate slopes with some expert sections. And if that's not enough, Flachau is an integral part of Ski amadé, Austria's largest ski network with 270 lifts and a staggering 760 kilometres of slopes.
Flachau offers direct lift connections to Wagrain, Kleinarl and Flachauwinkl, as well as access to Zauchensee and Alpendorf. The village is renowned for the extraordinary achievements of its famous local, Herman Maier, a world and Olympic champion. In addition, the neighbouring village of Reitdorf, which is linked to Wagrain, is part of the Flachau domain, adding to the area's appeal.
Ski Resort Highlights
Flachau – Ski Map & Pistes
The area prides itself on being the home of Hermann Maier, the Herminator, Austria's world and Olympic downhill champion, so you'd think the skiing would be good! And it does, if you are an intermediate skier. With miles and miles of wide, smooth, beautifully groomed slopes, most skiers will have a great time.
One of the highlights is the 12 Peaks Trophy - skiing from A to Z over 12 peaks and 5 valleys - a new ski circuit created by the new connection from Snow Space Salzburg to Shuttleberg Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl and the World Cup resort of Zauchensee.
Shuttleberg Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl is the place to be if you're a freestyle skier or boarder: the Absolut Park in Flachauwinkl is one of the biggest and best snowparks in Europe.
Experienced skiers will also find that Flachau is not without its challenges, not least the 6km run from the Griessenkar ridge.
Thanks to the abundance of easy blue runs, beginners will have plenty of choice when it comes time to graduate from the nursery slopes, and skiers of all abilities will enjoy exploring the area together.
In addition to skiing, Flachau also caters for cross-country skiing enthusiasts with an extensive network of some 160 kilometres of trails. Glide through the unspoilt winter landscape and breathe in the fresh Alpine air as you take part in this popular winter activity.
Flachau – Off-Piste, Backcountry & Ski Touring
Known for its groomed slopes, Flachau also offers adventurous skiers thrilling opportunities for off-piste skiing, backcountry exploration and ski touring.
While the focus of the resort is on groomed slopes, there are areas where you can indulge in off-piste adventures. To get the most out of your experience, it is advisable to consult local guides or experienced skiers who know the terrain, as they can recommend the best areas for off-piste skiing.
The Flachau region offers a wealth of potential areas for off-piste skiing, backcountry skiing and ski touring. For a challenging adventure, the 6 kilometre run from the Grießenkar ridge offers varied terrain and opportunities for powder skiing.
The Rosskopf, near Flachauwinkl, offers excellent opportunities for backcountry skiing, with a variety of slopes and off-piste areas for all levels.
The Moosalm area, between Flachau and Wagrain, offers tempting off-piste opportunities, often with good snow conditions and natural terrain ideal for exploring.
Ski touring enthusiasts can venture to the Tappenkarsee, a picturesque alpine lake near Flachau, where several ascents and descents are rewarded with scenic beauty.
The Kleinarl Valley, accessible from Flachauwinkl, is a haven for backcountry skiing and ski touring, with gentle slopes and more challenging terrain amidst breathtaking views.
Remember to assess the suitability and safety of specific routes based on snow conditions and your own skill level. It is important to assess the terrain, check the weather conditions and ensure you have the necessary equipment before venturing off-piste or into the backcountry. Detailed information on the best routes can be obtained from local guides and ski schools in Flachau, who can provide tailored advice.
Flachau is nestled within the Salzburger Sportwelt and the extensive Ski amadé network, providing a vast playground for backcountry exploration. Explore the neighbouring valleys and peaks and be rewarded with breathtaking views and a true sense of adventure. With meticulous planning, local expertise and a bold spirit, Flachau delivers an exceptional off-piste, backcountry & ski touring experience.
Flachau – Restaurants, Bars & The Town
In addition to exhilarating skiing, Flachau offers a wide range of activities to enhance your winter holiday. After a day on the slopes, indulge in the thrill of tobogganing, where you can experience the excitement of zooming down special tracks. For a touch of old-world charm, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the enchanting winter landscape of Flachau.
For those seeking relaxation and pampering, Flachau is home to several spas and thermal baths. Indulge in the soothing warmth of the pools, unwind in the saunas and indulge in rejuvenating wellness treatments, allowing your body and mind to rejuvenate in the tranquil surroundings.
When it comes to dining, Flachau offers a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes. Whether you're after authentic Austrian cuisine or international flavours, you'll find a selection of establishments that showcase the region's culinary delights.
From charming hotel restaurants to independent eateries, Flachau's dining scene offers both quality and variety. Prepare to savour delicious meals and enjoy a pleasant dining experience as you explore the gastronomic offerings of this charming Alpine village.
Flachau – Apres-ski
The après-ski nightlife in Flachau offers a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, reflecting its Austrian farming town roots.
As most of the skiers are Austrian or German, Flachau has an atmosphere that locals describe as gemütlichkeit. There are several bars and discos in Flachau that cater to visitors looking for relaxation and entertainment after the slopes.
Among the notable establishments, Hofstadl stands out as a renowned après-ski bar where live music fills the air and guests can soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Conveniently located near the Achterjet lift, Dampfkessel offers a high-energy experience with themed parties and live DJ performances.
For a more authentic and cosy setting, the Musistadl offers a traditional Austrian après-ski atmosphere. For those seeking a touch of sophistication, the Dampfkessel Lounge offers a sophisticated space to enjoy drinks and panoramic mountain views. With these options and more, Flachau ensures that skiers have a range of places to relax and socialise, creating memorable après-ski moments to complement their mountain adventures.
While it may not have the most vibrant and energetic nightlife scene compared to some of the larger ski resorts, Flachau offers visitors a friendly, delightful and enjoyable experience. The local bars and discos offer opportunities for socialising, drinking and dancing, creating a pleasant evening atmosphere. In terms of rating, we would give Flachau's après-ski nightlife a solid 7 out of 10.
Flachau – Ski Hire
Holidaymakers in Flachau have several options to easily access quality equipment for their skiing adventures. Here are some of the notable ski hire companies in Flachau:
Intersport Rent Flachau is a reputable ski rental company with a branch in Flachau. They offer a wide range of skis, snowboards, boots and other equipment for all ages and abilities. With friendly and knowledgeable staff, Intersport Rent provides excellent customer service and expert advice to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience.
Sport am Jet: Conveniently located near the base station of the Star Jet gondola in Flachau, Sport am Jet is another well-respected ski rental shop. They offer a range of top quality ski and snowboard equipment for hire, including the latest models from leading brands. The attentive staff at Sport am Jet offer personal assistance to help visitors find the right equipment and ensure a perfect fit.
RENTertain Sports is a popular ski hire company in Flachau that prides itself on offering modern and well maintained equipment. They offer a wide range of skis, snowboards, boots and accessories to suit all skill levels. With a friendly and professional service, RENTertain Sports aims to meet the needs of every individual, providing tailored advice and ensuring an enjoyable skiing experience.
Sport Pichler is a family-run ski rental business known for its high quality equipment and personal service. Located in the heart of Flachau, they offer a wide range of skis, snowboards, boots and accessories from trusted brands. The knowledgeable and friendly staff at Sport Pichler are always on hand to help visitors find the right equipment to ensure a comfortable and safe skiing adventure.
These ski hire companies, including those in Flachau, are renowned for their commitment to providing top quality equipment, friendly service and expertise.
Visitors to Flachau can rely on these rental shops to cater for their specific needs and ensure they have the right equipment to enjoy their skiing experience to the full.
It's always advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the equipment you want and avoid any last minute inconvenience.
Flachau – Ski Schools
Flachau offers excellent ski tuition for people of all ages and abilities, allowing visitors to improve their skiing skills and make the most of their time on the slopes. Here are some of the top ski schools in Flachau:
Skischule Hermann Maier: Founded by legendary skier Hermann Maier, this ski school embodies expertise and passion for the sport. With a team of highly qualified instructors, Skischule Hermann Maier offers a wide range of courses, from beginner to advanced, for both children and adults. They focus on personalised tuition and innovative teaching methods to ensure rapid progress and a fun learning experience.
Skischule Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl: Situated in the Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl area, the Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl Ski School offers comprehensive ski tuition for people of all levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to gain confidence on the slopes, or an advanced skier looking to refine your technique, their professional instructors offer tailored instruction to meet your specific needs. The Flachauwinkl-Kleinarl Ski School also specialises in freestyle skiing and snowboarding, offering lessons for those interested in mastering tricks and jumps.
Snow Space Academy: The Snow Space Academy is an acclaimed ski school that operates within the Snow Space Salzburg ski area, which includes Flachau. Their team of certified instructors offer lessons for all levels, from beginners to experts. With a strong emphasis on individual coaching, the Snow Space Academy ensures that each student receives personalised attention and tailored guidance to improve their skiing skills.
Skischule Top-On-Snow: With a reputation for exceptional tuition, Top-On-Snow Ski School offers a wide range of ski tuition tailored to different levels and age groups. Their team of experienced and multi-lingual instructors create a supportive and engaging learning environment. Top-On-Snow Ski School also offers private tuition, allowing for personalised attention and accelerated progress.
These and other ski schools in Flachau offer a variety of lesson options with experienced instructors and effective teaching methods to suit all tastes and abilities. It is advisable to book lessons in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slots and guarantee availability.
Please note that the latest information on restaurants, bars, ski hire, ski schools and guided tours may change. It is recommended that you check their official websites or contact them directly for the latest information.
Have a great time in Flachau!