Hinterglemm: skiing in the Skicircus between Zwölferkogel and Reiterkogel

Introduction

Hinterglemm lies at approximately 1,000 metres above sea level in the Glemmtal valley in the Salzburgerland region. This lively Austrian mountain village is surrounded by the Kitzbühel Alps and forms the extensive Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn together with Saalbach, Leogang and Fieberbrunn.

The ski area offers approximately 270 kilometres of pistes and 70 lifts. Winter sports visitors have access to 140 kilometres of blue pistes, 112 kilometres of red pistes and 18 kilometres of black pistes. More than sixty mountain huts and restaurants are distributed throughout the area.

For a convenient start to your holiday, reserve your ski hire in Hinterglemm online in advance with SKiSET. Choose equipment suited to your ability and skiing style so that the shop can prepare your skis, boots, helmet or snowboard before your arrival.

A lively village with lifts on both sides of the valley

Hinterglemm lies farther along the valley than Saalbach and has a compact centre with hotels, apartments, restaurants, sports shops and après-ski bars. Several pistes return close to the village buildings.

Zwölferkogel, Westgipfel and Reiterkogel are accessible directly from the village or its immediate surroundings. At the far end of Hinterglemm, the Hochalmbahn and Zwölfer-Nordbahn provide access to quieter parts of the ski area.

Local ski buses connect the different valley stations and accommodation areas. Many visitors can therefore leave their car parked throughout their winter holiday.

Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn

The Skicircus comprises an extensive network of pistes and lifts surrounding the entire Glemmtal valley. From Hinterglemm, you can ski towards Saalbach and Leogang or continue through the northern connections towards Fieberbrunn.

The terrain includes broad blue pistes, long red descents, black competition runs, marked ski routes and several freestyle and freeride zones. Most sectors are fully connected by pistes and lifts.

Distances within the area are considerable. Check the piste map and the closing times of the connecting lifts before planning a long excursion towards Leogang or Fieberbrunn.

Zwölferkogel above Hinterglemm

The 12er KOGEL gondola departs to the west of the village centre and reaches its upper station at approximately 1,984 metres. Zwölferkogel is one of Hinterglemm’s principal ski mountains.

Several blue, red and black pistes descend from the summit towards the valley and the neighbouring sectors. The broad runs provide space for sporting turns, while the steeper competition pistes require controlled technique.

Zwölferkogel was one of the principal competition areas during the 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships. Some runs may be temporarily restricted because of training, competitions or maintenance.

Reiterkogel and Hochalm

The Reiterkogelbahn departs close to the centre of Hinterglemm. From the upper station, blue and red pistes lead towards Saalbach, Bernkogel, Spieleck and Hochalm.

The sunny slopes around Reiterkogel are popular with families and recreational skiers. Many pistes are broad and easy to understand, making them suitable for improving technique and practising long turns.

The Hochalm, Spieleck and Seekar sectors provide a quieter mountain environment. Through the TirolS connection and Reckmoos, experienced skiers can continue towards Fieberbrunn.

Westgipfel and Schattberg

The Westgipfelbahn forms an important connection between Hinterglemm and Schattberg. Long descents towards Hinterglemm, Saalbach and the central Skicircus are accessible from this high-altitude sector.

The pistes around Westgipfel and Schattberg are particularly attractive to intermediate skiers. Long red runs, considerable vertical differences and changing snow conditions provide a sporting ski day.

Because of the exposed location, wind and reduced visibility can affect the higher connections. Check which lifts and pistes are open before departure.

Hinterglemm for beginners

Beginners will find learning areas and easy lifts close to the village. Ski schools offer group courses and private lessons for children and adults learning their first turns.

New skiers initially practise stopping, turning, balance and the safe use of lifts. They can then progress towards easy blue pistes around Reiterkogel, Unterschwarzach and other accessible sectors.

Not every valley run from Zwölferkogel or Westgipfel is suitable for complete beginners. Follow the piste map carefully and use the gondola for the return journey when necessary.

Families and children

Hinterglemm offers children’s areas, easy pistes, ski schools and playful winter facilities. Families can reach several sectors directly from the village without long bus or car journeys.

The funslopes near Zwölferkogel and the U-Bahn include waves, tunnels, banked turns and other accessible features. The available course depends on snow conditions.

For longer day trips, families should agree on an easily recognisable meeting point in advance. The Reiterkogelbahn and 12er KOGEL valley stations provide practical locations.

The Hinterglemm Circuit

The Hinterglemm Circuit is a marked ski route through several sectors surrounding the village. It includes approximately nineteen kilometres of pistes and around 3,600 metres of accumulated vertical difference.

Although the circuit mainly follows accessible pistes, its distance and number of lift connections require reasonable fitness. Several mountain huts are available for a break along the route.

Near the Unterschwarzachbahn, the circuit can be combined with a SkiMovie course or a speed check. Start early enough and check the latest route signs before departure.

Sporting pistes and The Challenge

Experienced skiers can combine black pistes around Zwölferkogel, Schattberg and other parts of the Skicircus. Hard snow, steep sections and developing bumps increase the technical difficulty.

The Challenge provides a particularly demanding excursion. This large ski circuit covers approximately 65 kilometres of pistes, 32 lifts and around 12,400 metres of vertical difference. Sporting skiers generally require at least six hours to complete it.

The route requires an early start and leaves limited time for long breaks. Check the weather and lift status before beginning the complete circuit.

Snowparks and funslopes

The Skicircus has several freestyle zones. Hinterglemm and its surroundings include the Family Park U-Bahn, funslopes and easier Learn-to-Ride features.

Depending on snow conditions, kickers, rails, boxes, waves and banked turns may be available. Beginners can choose easy lines, while experienced freestylers can travel to larger parks in other sectors.

Inspect every feature before using it, wait until the landing area is clear, maintain sufficient distance and wear a helmet.

Night skiing near the U-Bahn

An illuminated blue piste is located beside the Unterschwarzachbahn in Hinterglemm. On selected evenings, visitors can ski after the normal closing time.

The Family Park, a funslope, a SkiMovie race course and a speed check are located beside the piste. Not every facility is available during each evening opening.

Check the current opening days, times and ticket conditions in advance. The programme may change because of weather, snow conditions or events.

Freeride and safety

The connection with Fieberbrunn makes the Skicircus particularly attractive to freeride skiers. Several marked ski routes and accessible off-piste slopes can also be found around Hinterglemm.

Outside the open pistes, however, the terrain is not fully controlled or protected against avalanches. An avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel are therefore essential.

Consult the latest avalanche bulletin and consider the risks of hidden rocks, unstable snow layers and rapid weather changes. A qualified guide is strongly recommended in unfamiliar terrain.

Tobogganing on Reiterkogel

A toboggan run of more than three kilometres descends from Reiterkogel towards Hinterglemm. The route is open during the day and may be illuminated on selected evenings.

The Reiterkogelbahn provides access to the starting point. Toboggans can be hired locally.

Wear sturdy footwear and preferably a helmet. Adjust your speed to the bends, visitor numbers and snow conditions, and maintain sufficient distance.

Cross-country skiing and winter walking

At the end of the valley, a cross-country trail begins near the Zwölfer-Nordbahn and follows the Saalach towards Lindingalm. The route is prepared for both classic technique and skating.

The trail includes flat sections, descents and more sporting climbs. Opening and preparation depend on sufficient snow.

Saalbach Hinterglemm also provides approximately 140 kilometres of winter walking routes. Use only open paths and consider the possibility of ice and changing weather conditions.

Mountain huts, gastronomy and après-ski

More than sixty mountain huts and restaurants are distributed throughout the Skicircus. They serve Austrian dishes such as Käsespätzle, Tiroler Gröstl, dumplings, schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn.

Hinterglemm also offers restaurants, pizzerias, cafés and international cuisine. The compact village layout makes it easy to walk to a restaurant after skiing.

Hinterglemm has a lively après-ski scene, with bars close to the valley stations and in the centre. Visitors can choose between festive venues with music and quieter places for an aperitif.

The SKiSET shops in Hinterglemm

Rabbitsport I Alpina is located at Dorfstrasse 178 in the village centre. The shop offers skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and children’s equipment.

Rabbitsport II Zwölferkogel is located at Zwölferkogelweg 137, close to the lifts and pistes of Zwölferkogel.

Rabbitsport III Adler is located at Hasenbachweg 378 and is a practical choice for visitors staying near the Reiterkogel side.

Rabbitsport IV OST is located at Dorfstrasse 321 in the eastern part of the centre. All locations offer modern equipment, children’s equipment, personalised adjustments and professional advice.

Why book online with SKiSET?

By booking online, you can provide your preferred equipment category, sizes and requirements in advance. The selected shop can then prepare your equipment before your arrival.

When you collect the equipment, the team checks the fit of the boots. The bindings are adjusted according to your height, weight, age and experience.

If the equipment does not feel comfortable during the hire period, you can return to the shop for assistance, a replacement or a technical adjustment.

Other SKiSET destinations nearby

Saalbach lies farther down the Glemmtal and provides direct access to Schattberg, Bernkogel and Kohlmais.

Fieberbrunn is accessible through the TirolS connection and is known for its freeride terrain around Wildseeloder.

With the Ski ALPIN CARD, winter sports visitors can also explore Zell am See and Kaprun.

Conclusion

Hinterglemm combines a compact and lively mountain village with direct access to 270 kilometres of pistes. Beginners and families benefit from learning areas, blue pistes and funslopes, while experienced skiers can explore long circuits, black descents and freeride terrain.

Reserve your ski hire in Hinterglemm online with SKiSET, choose the Rabbitsport shop closest to your accommodation and combine your ski days with tobogganing, winter walking and après-ski.